My Grad Degree Was Worth It

     So many people think going back to school is the sole answer to their career trouble. It is seen as a solution for those who are unemployed, looking to get ahead, looking for a career change, or have just completed undergraduate and are having trouble finding a job. There have been many news articles recently featuring people who believe their advanced degrees are not worth the trouble and debt. "My Masters Wasn't Worth It" on CNNMoney.com features many of those stories. Post graduation, the students do not have better career prospects and are often in massive amounts ofdebt. The decisions they made were based on the idea that an education cures all, and that is a faulty philosophy.
     I am a large proponent of furthering education. I recently completed my Masters degree in Political Science and it was worth my effort for numerous reasons. First, I had always planned to go back to school for an advanced degree. I love learning and I saw it as a good way to diversify my experiences even though I knew it wouldn't necessarily turn into resume gold. Second, I was in a position where I was able to get reimbursed for part of my tuition expenses. My former employer paid for some of my classes as long as they directly related to my job; the connection between my Political Science courses and broadcast news wasn't too hard to prove. Third, grad school opened up  new networking opportunities and the ability to earn internship opportunities. I just started a paid, part-time public relations/alumni relations internship. I believe my internship will lead to permanent opportunities.
     An education alone will not necessarily move your resume to the top of the pile. There are many candidates looking for jobs and many either have more on the job experience or are younger and just out of school and therefore willing to work for less. Many typical colleges and universities do not address the needs of employers and when the students enter the workforce they are unprepared and inexperienced. I feel the internship I am completing is the key to my future. Not only am I educated and experienced in communications, but I have targeted experience in public relations and marketing. That experience is something that will standout to hiring managers. I have to be patient and hopefully I will still be this optimistic in several months. Only time will tell, but I do believe I made the right choice to go back to school for myself and not under a false understanding that my education alone will open employment doors.