Choosing to attend graduate school is a major career step. It’s essential to find a program that aligns with your professional goals, offers necessary resources, and provides flexibility.
The decision isn’t just about picking a well-known school; it’s about finding a program that truly supports your career and personal needs. The right choice can open doors, provide valuable connections, and equip you with the skills to advance or pivot in your field.
By understanding what graduate school is for and what program factors you should consider, you can navigate this decision with confidence.
What is graduate school for?
Graduate school can be a powerful career stepping stone, especially if you’re uncertain about your next move.
“Graduate school is the place you want to jump to when you know exactly where you want to go but that you need a little help doing that,” says Robin DeVingo, assistant director of student enrollment at Northeastern University. “Think of it as a bridge that brings you from where you are currently to where you want to be.”
If you’re focused on advancing your professional life, graduate school offers a structured environment to refine your expertise, expand your professional network, and build the confidence to tackle more complex challenges. It’s a strategic investment that can help you move into leadership roles, specialize in a particular area, or even shift to an entirely new career path.
Rather than feeling stuck or uncertain about the future, consider how graduate school can be the bridge you need to achieve your long-term professional goals. Here are a few factors you should consider to ensure you’re choosing the right graduate program for your career advancement.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Graduate Program
1. Program Reputation
When selecting the right graduate program, the program’s reputation should be a primary consideration. A degree from a well-regarded program can significantly boost your career prospects since employers often place higher value on credentials from programs with strong academic reputations.
For instance, Northeastern’s Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is highly respected for its focus on aligning education with industry needs. The program’s strong reputation and valuable connections with companies in the tech industry make it an attractive option for students aiming to excel in fields such as software development, data science, and artificial intelligence.
One of the best ways to ensure the program you’re interested in has a positive reputation is with a simple Google search.
“I advise most students to search schools and programs on the internet,” DeVingo says. “If you just search Northeastern University graduate programs, I guarantee you the first five things that pop up are going to talk about the institution’s positive reputation.”
This straightforward approach allows you to quickly gauge how a program is perceived in the academic community and among employers. Programs with strong reputations are often associated with:
- High-quality faculty
- Robust student resources
- An extensive network of successful alumni
By prioritizing both the program’s overall reputation and its specific strengths, you can ensure that your education is respected in your industry and enhances your marketability to current and future employers.
2. Curriculum and Specializations
When evaluating a graduate program, consider how the curriculum can be tailored to meet your specific career goals. For working professionals, choosing a flexible curriculum allows you to focus on areas most relevant to your professional development while aligning with your career trajectory.
To determine whether a program offers this kind of flexibility, DeVingo advises students to “look at the amount of required courses versus elective courses. Look at whether or not it is affording flexibility not only in terms of the program you choose but also [in terms of] focus paths.”
Assess how much control you’ll have over your course selection and whether the program allows you to dive deeper into areas that directly support your career ambitions.
For example, at Northeastern, students in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program can choose from several concentrations, such as Global Health or Public Health Leadership, that align with specific career paths within the public health field. This level of specialization enables you to tailor your education and develop expertise in a specific niche, making you more competitive in the job market and better prepared for advanced roles in your field.
“Most graduate programs offer a broad education in a particular field,” DeVingo adds. “But if you want to focus on a specific area, you need a program that offers clear, defined educational avenues.”
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3. Faculty Expertise
Faculty expertise and their research interests can impact your education and career. When choosing a program, research the faculty members to ensure their backgrounds align with your academic and professional goals.
Access to experienced and respected faculty can significantly enhance the quality of your education and provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and networking.
“In graduate school, your faculty’s network becomes your network,” DeVingo says. “So what the faculty has done in the past and what they’re currently involved in outside of the classroom is extremely important in terms of advancing your professional connections and network.”
Whether it’s gaining access to cutting-edge research, participating in industry projects, or receiving personalized career guidance, the program’s faculty and their networks can open doors that are pivotal for your professional development.
4. Program Services
Program services play a critical role in your success during and after your studies. These services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and networking opportunities, are designed to support you as you navigate your educational journey and transition into your professional career.
One of the most impactful services a program can offer is career support. Robust career services can provide you with the tools and resources needed to explore career options, prepare for the job market, and connect with potential employers.
“If graduate school is a bridge to your future career, then understanding the level of success of a program’s career services is pretty vital,” DeVingo concludes.
In addition to career services, other program-specific offerings such as research support, alumni networks, and professional development workshops are also invaluable. These services enhance your learning experience and provide opportunities to build a strong professional network, gain practical skills, and stay competitive in your field.
5. Financial Considerations
Graduate school is a significant investment. Take the time to explore all available options to manage costs and ensure you get the most value out of your program.
Many programs offer various forms of financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help offset the cost of tuition. Some programs, like those at Northeastern, also provide opportunities for paid work experiences that can significantly reduce the financial burden.
“This is one of the top ways students can curb the cost while they’re enrolled in a program at Northeastern,” DeVingo says. “It’s worth every penny because it’s something that you’re pouring into yourself.”
Beyond financial aid and work opportunities, it’s also important to consider the long-term return on investment of your graduate degree. While the upfront costs may be substantial, the potential for higher earning power, career advancement, and increased job security can make this investment worthwhile.
Carefully evaluating the financial support available within your chosen program and the potential career benefits can help you decide whether the cost aligns with your long-term professional goals.
6. Program Modality
Several program modalities are available to working professionals, ranging from traditional in-person classes to fully online and hybrid options. This flexibility allows you to choose the learning environment that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
“The sky’s the limit in terms of the flexibility we have in education now,” DeVingo adds. “So depending on the type of learner you are, there is a path forward in the modality you want at Northeastern.”
Whether you prefer the structure of on-campus learning, the convenience of online courses, or a blend of both, Northeastern offers a modality that can accommodate your learning style and schedule. However, it’s important to recognize that not all online programs offer the same quality of education.
“Not all online programs are created equal,” DeVingo concludes. “So it’s important to find a program like Northeastern’s, which has been in this area for an extensive period of time. Nearly every program offered in an online format was designed to be offered in both modalities—online and on the ground.”
Consider how the modality aligns with your learning preferences and professional responsibilities. The right choice can provide the flexibility you need without compromising the quality of your education.
7. Research Opportunities
If you are interested in advancing in a field related to research, the level of research activity within a program can greatly enhance your educational experience, offering you the chance to work alongside leading experts, develop valuable skills, and contribute to impactful discoveries.
For example, Northeastern is an RI research university, a designation by the Carnegie Classification system for U.S. universities with the highest level of research activity. This distinction should not just appeal to those interested in research-oriented professionals though.
“The type of funding that comes into a program for research opportunities goes beyond the students that go into that lab benefit,” DeVingo adds. “You might be a project management major that has nothing to do with research, but many discoveries that come from our labs gain a lot of press. Which, in turn, can make your degree from Northeastern even more prestigious.”
In addition, research-oriented programs foster a culture of innovation and inquiry, which often influences all areas of study.
8. Alumni Network
A strong alumni network offers vital mentorship, networking, and career advancement opportunities and can play a significant role in helping graduates transition from academia to the professional world. They provide support from those who have walked the same path.
“Alumni networks are extremely important,” DeVingo says. “The pay it forward, pay it back mentality is important to most alumni.”
This mutual support ensures that alumni remain actively involved in helping newer graduates succeed, fostering a sense of community that extends well beyond the classroom.
In addition to providing career connections, a strong alumni network can also enhance your credibility and reputation in the job market. Being associated with a well-connected and active alumni community can open doors to job opportunities, industry events, and professional development resources that might otherwise be inaccessible.
This network can also be a source of lifelong learning and growth, as alumni often share insights on industry trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities.
Find the Right Graduate Program for You
Choosing the right graduate program is a crucial decision. At Northeastern, graduate school is customizable to meet your unique needs.
“Graduate school is customizable in any Northeastern program,” DeVingo concludes. “It’s about how we can help you in terms of developing your expectations and meeting you where you’re at.”
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or pivot to a new one, Northeastern’s programs are designed to provide the flexibility, resources, and opportunities you need to succeed. Invest in your future with a graduate education that truly aligns with your professional goals and prepares you for long-term success.
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