Grad School: One Giant Stepping Stone

Every college student knows that way off in the horizon there lies a world which many refer to as the real world. It is filled with adults, jobs and a more demanding and structured life style. But for some there is a buffer between undergrad and the real world. This is graduate school.

 
Find more videos like this on Auburn Family

Justin Detwiler is a student in the Master's of Accountancy Program here at Auburn. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Auburn in May of 2011 and expects to graduate with his master's degree in May of this year.

Undergraduate studies prepares students for knowledge they'll need to be successful in their field as well as in the practical business world. However, no matter how much of an attempt there is to make the transition easier for students, there still often seems to be a sense of being thrown into the business world.

Some majors require students to complete an internship in order to graduate and other students voluntarily choose to do one or multiple. According to Justin his internship, "allowed me to experience real life scenarios and also allowed me to prepare for the increased demand that grad school brings."

Along with an internship, by gathering one more year of educational experience that is more focused on the students and assimilating them into the business world, students are able to be more prepared for the giant leap into adulthood.

A major problem that hinders students from considering grad school is the tuition. By weighing the options it seems like a no brainer to enter the business world and start earning an income. 

However, if one is able to attend graduate school, it often seems to be the most beneficial route. Many professors nowadays are recommending it to students who do not have a secured future. Since the job market is not ideal for many, the schooling alternative seems best fit.

With a graduate degree one can stand out from the crowd in the work place. "It sets you apart in the interview process when one candidate has a graduate degree and the other does not," Detwiler said. "And when you get a job, the time management you had to practice in grad school directly correlates with a regular work day."

Many students like to ignore the fact that graduation will someday near and that the real world soon becomes a reality. One way to delay this inevitable truth, while also gaining a great deal more of knowledge and skills is by attending grad school.

By enhancing one's skills and preparedness, the giant leap into adulthood can be eased with one giant stepping stone.