Do you feel grad school was/is worth it? Why/why not?

Ask a Biologist Monday 5/8/23

• Yes-it allowed me to change careers, break into the field, and land a permanent federal job.

• Yes-Grad school gives you soft skills you don’t learn at tech jobs (planning, writing, etc.)

• Yes-It teaches you how to run a full on scientific project from start to finish.

• Although it was stressful and challenging, yes. I landed a permanent job because of it.

• It’s possible to get a permanent position without grad school, but you’re often more limited in ability to change jobs/be promoted.

• Make sure you have experience too. Higher degrees without it may not get you the job.

• Not everyone can afford a higher degree. Been on hiring panels and the right experience my go further.

• Yes IF it is a thesis based MS. Otherwise you’re just taking more classes and paying for it.

• I got a state biologist job without grad school but all my peers have master’s.

• As bad as grad school is, I think it’ll be worth the job security once I’m on the other side.

• Yes-it helped me with critical thinking and improving, planning and data management tools.

• Yes-it helped me to learn how to apply for and manage a grant.

• It was not for me. The massive toll it took on my mental health outweighs the benefits I got.

• Yes-many well paid permanent positions now require an MS.

• Yes BUT get experience between undergrad and grad school or you’ll end up both under and over qualified.

• Yes-It gave me the experience and confidence to lead project (with a supportive advisor).

• Yes-if you take the time and effort needed to find a good advisor and project/program.

• It was worth it for the learning experience alone. It’s still hard to get jobs (but easier than without).

• Yes-It gives you a safer environment to fail in and a group to guide you along the way.

• Yes-it shows commitment to science.

• Brutal but yes-MS was required for my first non-seasonal job

• Yes-Project management skills.

• Yes-It opened more doors for me afterwards. I networked heavily and it paid dividends.

• Yes-was taken more seriously as soon as I started my MS. Landed a job, finished online.

• Yes-It put me in the running for permanent over seasonal jobs and let me get my professional cert.

• Yes-It helped me realize I was smart and capable enough to be in this career field.

• I was able to get a Forest Service job without grad school. It can be done.

• Depends, but no for me. I was able to land my permanent with a BSc and 5 seasons of work.

• Yes-Having it on the resume increases pay rate (federal).

• Yes-if your employer pays for it.

• Yes-It helped me to make important connections in the field.

• Depends on what kinds of jobs you want to do. It definitely opens a lot of doors and is good for networking.

• If you choose the non-thesis route, be sure to work simultaneously in a relevant job.

• Currently in grad school. As someone who has been a tech for 10+ years, definitely worth it.

• You can get a permanent job without it, but it often takes longer and your pay is lower and duties are more basic.

• Yes-I’ve been able to make a lot of connections and was even able to get the DFP (Doctorate Fellowship Program) this year.

• Yes-and I didn’t finish. But the skills I learned and courses I took got me where I am now (federal job).

• It really depends on where you want to go with your career. But if you want to-talk to current grad students.

• Yes-It allowed me to get a permanent fulfilling job. Lots of important biologist skills too.

• Yes-but get some work experience before diving into a program. Helped me recognize opportunities.

• Currently pursuing an MS after 5 years as a full time state bio. So far so good. Love being back in school.

• Yes for career. No for mental health.

• The first time no. The second time, yes. Different season in life, perspective, and experience.

• Yes-I wouldn’t have my career without the degree, but also my program was fun.

• Yes BUT I think working beforehand was critical to it being worth it.

• Fundamentally yes because it’s on many job requirements and I want this career.

• Yes-transferrable project management tools that give you bargaining power.

• Depends on the end goal. In today’s times, and MS is worth it. PhD depends on dream job.

• Yes and no. It took a HUGE toll on my health but I made friends and it qualified me for a higher federal job rating.

• It might have. I had a BA but my eco firm only promoted MS and PhDs.

• Helped me learn I have ADHD because of all the decisions I made, so that’s good.

• You can sometimes get a permanent position without and MS but duties are often tech level still.