Parents of 2012 college graduates: Congratulations.
Many parents will watch their graduates step into the workplace in the coming months. Some students graduating with bachelor’s degrees, however, will want to continue their education with graduate school. A post-secondary degree is a good idea (and in some cases a requirement) for many professions, but graduate programs are a substantial investment of time and money, so the decision is an important one.
In their book “The Parent’s Crash Course in Career Planning,” authors Marcia B. Harris and Sharon L. Jones offer things to watch for when helping guide students through the grad-school decision, including:
Lack of focus. This is a huge sign that attending graduate school may not be the best decision right now. A student who struggled with a lack of focus in their undergraduate program may exhibit this pattern in graduate school, too.
Misconceptions about the job market. A higher degree does not guarantee a job. In some fields, someone with a bachelor’s degree can earn as much as the person with a master’s degree.
Unrealistic expectations about graduate programs. These programs are very different from the undergraduate experience. A graduate program takes commitment and is largely made up of research and in-depth study. Make sure your student has realistic expectations of the time and discipline involved.
Lack of maturity. The ability to plan ahead and make good decisions based on facts is a sign of the maturity needed to meet the demands of a graduate program.
