Grad School Help for someone out of school

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, I found this site and thought maybe someone could help me with my graduate school question. I tried to see if had been answered already but didn't find what I need so I apologize if this is redundant (or long)</p>

<p>I have been out of college for 7 years. I did not keep in contact with any professors, nor do I think any professors would remember me. I have wanted to go to grad school for a while but have been intimidated by how my experience since college would affect my chances. I do not currently work in the field in which I want to study. I currently work to pay bills. </p>

<p>Every site I look at says, letters of recommendation from your professors or people currently working in the industry. How does one do that if the industry won’t hire you because of lack of education/ experience? I cannot get a second bachelors degree to get references. Also, in my research internships are unfortunately out of the question. Does anyone know my options or have any ideas? </p>

<p>Does going to the school and meeting the professors help? I heard recently that is an option; that I might get a reference this way. I had no idea! The school I want to go to is on the other coast but would be willing to make trips to meet with professors if this is really an option. </p>

<p>Thank you very much.</p>

2

<p>Some information about what field you are interested in vs currently working in would be helpful. If you are talking about a leap between two fields in science, say neuroscience and pharmacology, I wouldn't worry at all. If you are working a retail job and interested in grad school in biomedical science, I would say that you would need to take some coursework as a non degree student at your local university. This would be a good way to get your foot in the door to either apply for jobs in your field or apply directly to the program at your local university. Either way, it will provide some more recent recommendations.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for that advice. I will look into extension courses, that is a good idea. I keep forgetting I now live in a city with a great University that actually has a decent continuing ed program.</p>

<p>It is not a gigantic jump but enough where a reference from my job wouldn't really have much meaning to the program.</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>