<p>It's odd wondering if you should go to grad school or not. Parents POV is that you go to school to get a job so if you have a job offer why go to grad school? And since I'm a female shouldn't I be more focused on getting married and setting down... If you enter the job force supposedly it better to enter with at least a masters for the corporate ladder. And if you go to work the chances that you go back to school decreases since your life style changes drastically again since tech industry pays well. However, US only funds PhD programs and not masters. But the thing is I'm not sure what I want to focus on in grad school but it's the next level if I further my education. What if you further your education and not be able to find a job afterwards? Competition is tough and the further you specialized the more limited the job availability but the pay is better. Then there's the whole factor of the unknown new envir't be it lab or work.... Some females do marry and start a family while they're getting their PhDs while some drop out and earn money to support the family....</p>
<p>Whatever is the right choice? How do you make a decision?</p>
<p>Graduate school may seem like the next logical step in your education – and it may be – but unless you know exactly what you want to do or what you want out of it, this is not the time for it. Just as undergraduate education is nothing like high school, graduate education is nothing like undergraduate. Graduate school has an intensity and focus that can require enormous dedication to get through the rough spots; you will be miserable unless you really want to be there. If you have a passion for the field, you will find it incredibly rewarding. Wait. Work. Find out what you really want to do with your career. When you know exactly what you want to study, then you will be ready to go.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about the family v. PhD thing until it’s a real possibility for you. As you point out, women do finish their PhDs with a child or two, although they usually need to depend heavily on their husbands or families to care for the children in addition to using university child care facilities. But women AND men drop out of PhD programs for many reasons, many of which have nothing to do with intelligence or ability. There is no shame in not finishing.</p>
<p>You will know that it’s time to go to graduate school when getting the advanced education and research is much more important to you than earning the highest possible salary.</p>
<p>lol, the parents POV is worth one on a scale of one to ten, so why is it mentioned? Only if it has value to you, should you consider it. it is clear that they do not have a good or helpful perspecitve, so just humor them. make stuff up.</p>
<p>Are you trying to marry and start a family now? if not, why worry?</p>
<p>I know many people who got a good job and worked up corporate ladder without a degree, but many with. I know people who got funded for grad degree from the company. MBA usually.</p>
<p>I know ppl in funded PhD who changed paths. It is allowed.</p>
<p>Cut the … about being female and not doing the grad school bit because of marriage and family. The decision to go on is NOT gender dependent. Big question is- do you want to do more schooling now? Would you rather get a job first and then continue with an advanced degree? Women who choose grad school (or professional) do so and also can have the marriage and family bit. In fact, we/they are their husband’s peer. </p>
<p>The notion of “getting married and settling dowm…”- to what? Do you plan to turn off your brain and be a '50’s housewife? Don’t you want a husband who values you for being you- the smart, well educated person he also is (the right guy for you will match you)?</p>
<p>Grad school- you have to want it to be successful at it. NOT going will NOT make you a better prospect for getting the husband and having the family life you want. Separate the two. The business world seems to encourage work experience before continuing on with a masters degree. Some fields are best without leaving the academic setting, some require an advanced degree to do what you want. </p>
<p>So many variables, no one correct answer. Take your social life (marriage/family) out of the equation. Ask yourself WHY you want to do a particular grad program. If you have reasons, go for it. If not, don’t bother, your priorities lie elsewhere.</p>
<p>Getting into grad school or not is entirely a personal decision. Without knowing specifics, it is hard to judge and recommend.
For career development: Depending on your intended career path and field. If you want to be a researcher, I would say in general, Ph.D. is a necessity.
For marriage, there are more boys (and smarter ones at that) in graduate school than in college. You will find someone who shares your interests, passion, and intellect. Yes, biological clock is ticking. It is hard to start a large family. But it is doable. One example, a professor at UT Austin, had a bunch of kids and is very successful in her career. Moved on to be the Chancellor at NC State and then the Chancellor at UC San Diego. There are great examples like that. </p>
<p>Take home message: Evaluate yourself carefully. Understand what you want in your life and pursue the path with a passion. That is the key to your success and happiness.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>This is exactly how you can know if grad school is for you or not. If you are satisfied and happy with a BS-level (engineer-level) industry job then don’t bother with grad school. If you find yourself thirsty for doing scientist-level projects in industry, then you should do grad school.</p>
<p>I think in your case it’s best to work for a year or two in industry and then decided. 1-2 years industry experience will enhance your chances and your insight on grad school.</p>