I’m 30 years old. I’m pretty smart. Some people might even call me a nerd. And everyone around me is doing or has already done a Master’s degree (or PhD or law degree etc.)
But I have to tell you, I’m not flipping glossy university brochures or spending time on college websites.
Learning? YESSSS, I freaking love learning!!
Grad school? No, thanks.
Here’s why:
1. Most university programs are outdated
In the age of the internet, most industries are changing and they’re changing fast, so for the most part, university professors are not keeping up.
I actually dropped out of teacher’s college for this exact reason. All my profs were talking about “student centered learning” and “experiential education” but 90% of them WEREN’T using the techniques when they were talking about.
Knowing what buzz words to use, is very different than actually TEACHING THEM.
2. There are amazing courses ONLINE!!
There are online courses where I can learn from experts on the exact topic I need to know about.
In the online program, Sales School, we wrote our About Page, Home Page and Sales Page as part of the homework. They were reviewed by the instructor who is a sales expert and then I was able to take her edits and post them on my website THE NEXT DAY.
Everything we did in the course was DIRECTLY APPLICABLE to my online business.
3. It’s EXPENSIVE!!
In the online Sales School program I took I spent 6 weeks and spent $2,500 on this course. This a great deal compared to spending 2 years and $100,000 on an MBA.
And, yes, I will continue to take more online business courses as needed but it will be a long time before they add up to $100,000.
I’m currently taking an awesome social media marketing course taught by Laura Roeder. She’s an awesome entrepreneur who built a million dollar company before she turned 30, and the course is 100% FREE.
“You get what you pay for” doesn’t necessarily apply when it comes to grad school.
4. Grad school DOES NOT guarantee a good job!
We’re ALWAYS going to hire the candidate who we believe has the best skills for the position at the non-profit where I work. Regardless of their level of education.
I’ve been involved in several hiring processes where we hire the candidate who has less education because we feel they will be a better fit for the job.
Grad school on your resume MIGHT get you the interview but it’s definitely not going to land you the job.
5. There are amazing unaccredited schools
I’m currently studying at the Institute of Core Energetics. 100% of the faculty are practicing therapists, so we get to learn from teachers who are spend the majority of their time actually in the field.
When I was in teacher’s college, 90% of the students were there for the job security and 90% of the faculty was there for the pay cheque.
At the Institute, I actually cried on my first day because of how committed both my classmates and the faculty were to be to helping people heal. I continue to be impressed by how much I’m able to learn because of the commitment of both the students and faculty.
6. Universities are very well branded CORPORATIONS
When I was doing my undergrad at McGill University, I was surprised to learn more about the inner workings of the school. Many universities receive funding from other corporations that influenced the kind of research the school does.
I used to think that university was all about the pursuit of higher education and while in some classes and projects it truly is, I think it’s important to acknowledge some faculty and students are purely interested in status, power and making money.
Thinking about grad school?
Make sure you consider your options. Is it really the best fit for what you want?
In some cases, like say you want to become a medical doctor, university is the best and only option.
But for the vast majority of jobs, grad school is not required so make sure you’re spending your time, your money and your energy wisely.
Do you want:
- Help making important career decisions?
- To stop feeling so drained?
- And to build a career you love?
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Hope all is well with you.
Take good care,
Bryn
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Bryn Bamber
Career & Burnout Coach
bryn@couragecompass.org
