Featured Resources
Make an appointment in-person, over the phone or via Skype with Lauren Dropkin, Hiatt's pre-law and graduate school advisor, by calling (781) 736-3618.
Suggested Reading
Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D. by Robert L. Peters
Featured Alumni Profile
Arti Dua '04
"I studied Economics, International Business, and Internet Studies at Brandeis. I'm now pursuing an MS in Human Resource Management and Development at NYU.
I previously worked in a variety of investment banking settings, yet found myself gravitating toward relationship management and other HR-related functions in my volunteer activities. I decided to go back to school to leverage my business, financial, project, and relationship management experiences.
I was really attracted to the depth and rigor of NYU’s program. Their classes were exactly what I needed at this point in my career to give me a competitive edge.
The Hiatt Career Center helped me to reflect on why I wanted to go back to graduate school and how the degree would be helpful to me at this point in my career. They also gave me fantastic feedback on my personal statement!
My advice for fellow alumni is to be intentional about what program you pursue. Do your research and seek help during your decision-making and application process. Going back to school is an investment of time and money, so make sure you are making the right decision."
Consider Graduate School
By Nancy Waggner, J.D.
There are many reasons for you to continue your education. You may feel passionate about a subject and want to learn more about it. You may wish to become an expert in a particular field and work closely with other highly knowledgeable people. You may want to increase the salary range available to you. Additionally, certain careers, such as social work, often require an advanced degree.
No matter what your reason for pursuing an advanced degree you need to answer crucial questions:
- What are your long term goals and how will a graduate degree help you achieve them?
- Are you really looking into graduate school to postpone making decisions about your career goals, or are you hoping to further your career goals by going to graduate school?
- What is the “right” degree for you to pursue? There are professional degrees and academic degrees (e.g. Master’s, PhD).
- When is the “right” time to pursue an advanced degree – directly out of undergraduate school or after gaining experience in a particular field?
- Is a Master’s degree sufficient for your needs, or is a PhD required? If a doctorate is required, can you gain a Master’s degree and subsequently apply for a PhD program?
A significant percentage of Brandeis alumni ultimately earn a graduate degree. The timing of this decision is deeply personal and depends upon one's circumstances.
If you are considering a return to school but do not know quite where to start, you will find Hiatt's Graduate School Guide useful. It offers a step-by-step process for decision making and applying for a Masters or PhD program. Also note, Hiatt's career counselors have advanced degrees - in psychology, law, languages and counseling - and are available to help you with your graduate school process. Call (781) 736-3618 to schedule an appointment with Lauren Dropkin, Hiatt's graduate and pre-law advisor, or any other counselor.