I was wondering if having experience was a big factor in getting accepted into a Graduate program? For example, does one have to work in that field of study before applying to that graduate program? I'm curious because I just graduated from COSC on 31 May, and I want to continue towards my Masters degree right away. Any thoughts? SMALLS
I think it depends on your field. In business, experience will definitely help you and some programs will require a certain number of years. In a field like Mathematics I doubt it would be important at all. Also, if you're 21-22 it's generally a good idea to take a year or two off before grad school, just so you know what your options are... I think most admissions people realize that doing that reduces the chances you'll quit graduate school. If you're older than that I don't think it's a factor.
Smalls, It seems that some high-powered MBA programs want some OJT experience in areas such as accounting, management, etc., in which potential CEO's are being groomed and bank rolled by companies in the most snooty of snoot programs. Other professional areas (I'm sure there are many) such as teaching require an undergrad degree in education with no or varying amounts of OJT. However, many graduate degrees offer...pardon the expression..." a backdoor approach" to your desired field. Really, dont sweat such things unless you have a burning desire to fork out 100k for Duke's MBA program! If your passion is learning and obtaining solid credentials for your profession then find a good graduate program you will feel comfortable in and try your best to enjoy the ride like the rest of us roustabouts! Best, Gavin
Experience can help in getting into grad school and there are, indeed many programs, usually called professional MBAs and executive MBAs, which absolutely require some years of experience for admission. I'm not sure that Accounting was the best example of experience being required for grad school, as many states require a master's degree to sit for the CPA exam (though some states seem to require only the bachelor's). Education is, again, one of those fields where some states require the master's degree and others only the bachelor's. "Stopping out" between the bachelor's and the master's can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can gain valuable experience if you can land degree-relevant employment. On the other hand, as "real life" slaps you in the face, you might soon find yourself so incredibly beaten into submission that your grad school dream gets deferred ... and eventually dies. Hope you go to grad schoool ... whether now or later.
I think this really depends on your field of study. There remain a number of fields where a graduate degree is the entry level professional qualification. (Social Work or Psych or Archealogy for example) Taking a break for a year just puts you in the work force without qualification to be employed in your field. In education, the grad degree is a money issue and may be the deciding factor between "sucks for job" and "I like this place" -- especially in fields like music, art, or theatre. I expect that this isn't as much the case in business but it probably is an issue in some fields. As to the OP -- it all depends on the program and what the program is preparing you for. Of course, executive MBA programs expect you to have experience. Many programs in non-profit management or emergency management expect that you have experience before grad. Many education grad programs want you to have classroom time teaching before entry. At the same time - many programs don't expect work experience, they're more interested in academic preparation. I'm thinking an MA in Literature wouldn't care too much where you've been working as much as they care what you've been reading...
