Should I go to Grad School?

Graduate School
1

Hi everyone, I’m looking for the wisdom of someone more experienced than me, so hopefully this hits home with at least one of you :slight_smile:

Some quick details:

I recently graduated Penn with a GPA of 2.76 (junior and senior GPA amounted to a 3.20) in Bioengineering. Sophomore year was my low point, but it was only an upwards trend every semester after that (I think my last semester I had a 3.83 or something).

I haven’t had any major related work or internship experience. The only general work experience I’ve had is math tutoring at my old high school for during freshman summer.

As a result, my resume is pretty much loaded only with my project experience, with a particular focus on my senior design.

So for the last couple of months, I’ve been looking for a job in the medical device industry. Unfortunately, it has been largely unsuccessful. There have been a few bright spots with people in my network, but I’m beginning to grow anxious.

Enter my dilemma - would it be more beneficial to me to try and go to grad school starting this spring? If I couldn’t go to a higher tier grad school, would it still be worth it to pursue a Master’s at my local school?

Or would the alternative of continuing my job search be more ideal for me considering my current situation, even if it means taking a less than ideal job?

If anyone has been in a similar position or has some advice, I’d love to hear your story.

2

Have you asked your former advisors about this? They should know whether you can get into a grad program that is worth attending.

3

Well right now it’s less about getting in and more about what’s more beneficial to my situation. Sorry if I didn’t convey that properly.

4

Your real question seems to be whether or not a master’s right now will make you more employable. Your advisors and the career center at your campus should be able to give you advice about that, so go back to them, and ask.