staxdo_21

I originally earned my post-bac with the intention of applying for my Master's right after, but, like you, was very turned off by the petty infighting and politics. After the program, I found myself simultaneously working a handful of jobs loosely related to the field, and an internship, which gave me the illusion of engagement with my industry. I tried for a while to secure an entry-level job at a museum or gallery but finally found myself working in an administrative role within an academic institution (admissions). Once again, the close proximity to academia gave me access to some academic resources and classes. I moved on into a development role at another academic institute where I am currently employed. I can tell you now that there is drama, elitism, and politics everywhere. Sometimes even the most charitable and equitable places are, in reality, quite toxic. I know from my friend's experience, industry can be more bearable but anything in the social sector will have its unnecessary challenges. I think you need to review the general ed classes you enjoyed and reflect on the actual content that intrigued you and try diving deep into one of those subjects. Obviously, general learning is incredibly exciting and stimulating but try focusing on one area for a few weeks and see if you can see yourself staying on that track. In regards to age, I never imagined myself pursuing my Master's so long after earning my undergraduate degree. However, I feel more equipped than ever to return to school for something that truly interests me. It sounds like you actually would benefit from more time off before diving back in. I just met up with a professor whose class I audited a few years ago, and she told me that she's still wrapping up her doctorate dissertation well into her fifties. So, don't put so much pressure on yourself. It would be better to wait ten years and return with a real sense of yourself and your interested than to pour in money to a program that already leaves you a bit bored. That is definitely not the way to start graduate school.

Hi there, After contemplating graduate school for many years, with much consideration for my area of study, I finally decided that I would like to pursue a Master's in American Studies. I plan to apply to graduate school in two years. My question is whether to stay at my current place of employment or move onto a more intellectually challenging position that will most likely pay me less. Current Position Pros: a highly prestigious academic institute that could potentially bolster my CV friendships with faculty, and staff world-class speakers and programming that I sometimes have access to solid compensation and matching pension lively discussions on diversity and inclusion Cons: the position itself is considered entry level - which I didn't know when I accepted it I also thought I would gain grant writing experience in the role but there doesn't seem to be any possibility for that development my responsibilities are pretty menial and incredibly boring an incredible amount of office drama and low morale among staff little opportunities for professional growth Before I was absolutely sure about the course of study I wanted to pursue, I became interested in Foundation Relations, which I am still interested in. Thus far, I've taken a course in grant writing and work on a friend's Board of Directors as a grant writer. After recently becoming more frustrated in my current role, I began applying for positions directly related to grant writing and am starting to hear back from a few. However, on average, they pay about 20% less than my current position. I imagine that it will be a similar story for other positions I come upon given that my current organization has the privilege to compensate us fairly well. I don't want to make any fast and hard decisions but I also don't want to miss out on potential opportunities. Should I make the leap into one of these roles that would provide some intellectual stimulation and also help me maintain my writing skills? Or should I continue building connections at the job I am at now? Other ideas are to look for research jobs or to use the experience at one of these other organizations to move into a position at a better organization. That's also a lot of jumping around prior to graduate school. I'd appreciate any thoughts you'd like to share. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply, I also just interviewed with Massart for the 3D program. My fingers are still crossed but we sat for a while talking about work and I even got a little tour of the grad studios by the Dean afterward so I feel it went well. Did you like the school? DO you think you will attend their post bac if you get in?

My friend got waitlisted at RISD as well, for ceramics but I don't think she liked the facilities. I am trying to convince her that if she gets in, she should really go or at least think about it a little more. It seems like a lot of the people who got waitlisted are on this thread! I will have to inform her about everybody's posts!

Hey all, I have applied for the post-bac program at the SMFA and at Massart and was wondering if anyone had heard anything really about the Massart program? I know its very new, and have tried to research it but have come up empty handed. Currently I attend the SMFA part time in the Diploma program after graduating a few years ago with a minor in Art. I changed focuses a little over a year ago and want to be in a more immersed program, hence the post bacc. I know the SMFA's program is suppose to be pretty solid but the tuition is substantial. SMFA has already accepted me, I have an interview with Massart and am excited with the prospect of going there but would like to hear more about their offerings in the post-bac program from people who have actually been in it. Right now the pros and cons of either school is right down the line with me, though money will most likely win out. Anyone hear anything?