Toward the end of junior year, once people have their summer internships and start to think that they have their life slightly in control, people start to plan their next big move. Where do I want to end up post-graduation? What city should I move to? Should I live at home? Which company will hire me? What about grad school? Cue the panic all over again.
We find reassurance by asking our friends what their plans are. And when people ask me, “Where are you going to grad school?” my answer is always, Nowhere. Their response is always a confused look. I don’t understand why that’s their response but it’s always the same.
I’ve been told by people that I’m smart enough for grad school and trust me, I know -- I’ve worked my arse off in college and cannot wait to be done. The idea of studying for more tests, writing research papers and working on yet another group project kills me on the inside. Late nights in the library will no longer be on my list of things to do come graduation next May. This is not to say that I am done learning, though. I’ve just always learned best from doing, not seeing. Entering the workforce straight out of college and working my way up from the depths of hell seems more appealing to me than paying for more textbooks that I'll probably never open. Being able to try out different companies and departments the first few years after graduation will give me experience and a network of connections to move up the ladder later in life.
Telling me I’m not going to get a job because I’m not going to grad school is an attempt at belittling me, and it's not going to work. Having the word 'Masters' on your degree will no doubt separate you from me on a resume, but so will previous work experiences and skills. A resume gets you in the door but only you can land yourself the job. Who knows, I might be unemployed for 6 months after graduation but, hey, you might be too. Companies hire on a continuous basis and employees leave throughout the year. There is no official hiring period nationwide.
Everyone picks a different path in life. If grad school is your thing, good for you but not bad for me. Don't tell me I'm, "wasting my talent" or "throwing my life away" because I've heard it all before. Enjoy your coffee and all-nighters, and leave me alone.
