Should I apply for jobs as a backup?

[Dwar]

Hey all, 

So I'm still waiting to hear back from the six schools that I applied. I am fairly confident that I will get into at least one program (I applied to two safety schools and two match schools), but the nerves and anxiety are getting to me. My question is, should I be applying for jobs in the meantime? In theory I won't start to hear back form the schools until at least the end of January, and decisions should come in until the April 15th deadline. 

A little background on me, I am a college senior applying to political science PhD programs, if I don't get into a school this time around my plan is to reapply in a couple years. I found a few really cool research orientated jobs that would look awesome on any application, and honestly they look really interesting as well. My only hesitation with applying for jobs now is what if I do get into grad school, and get the job? would it be acceptable to let the employer know that I have to turn them down to go to school? or would that burn bridges? the groups that I am looking to apply to are really cool groups and who id want to work with once I am finished with the graduate degree, so burning those bridges would be a costly action. 

Any advice? 

[StHoly]

I think  that's a good backup plan. I am not very confident with my schools, so I think I will start applying for jobs in around March.

I'm not sure what the job market will be like for political science major, but I think applying in March is probably a good idea cause that's when you probably know if you can get in to school or not. 

Other than that, if you want to apply early you can, but you may have to let them know that you can only start after your graduation and also, you're looking to get into PhD program. But for the group that you really want to work with, I'd advise not applying until you get a definite answer from schools. Best not to accept job offer and turned it down. 

[Dwar]

1 hour ago, StHoly said:

I think  that's a good backup plan. I am not very confident with my schools, so I think I will start applying for jobs in around March.

I'm not sure what the job market will be like for political science major, but I think applying in March is probably a good idea cause that's when you probably know if you can get in to school or not. 

Other than that, if you want to apply early you can, but you may have to let them know that you can only start after your graduation and also, you're looking to get into PhD program. But for the group that you really want to work with, I'd advise not applying until you get a definite answer from schools. Best not to accept job offer and turned it down. 

Thanks for the advice! I think i'll do just that. I applied to six programs, and id probably turn down any job for 5/6 of them. so I think ill wait until after I know before I start to apply for jobs. 

[ray92]

@Dwar I think you should apply for jobs/internships. If possible you could apply for internships now for the summer or if your up to it now. This way if you do not get into a program at least you have a summer internship and most will lead to a job. If you do get into a graduate program you can still do the internship and go to graduate school.

Do not feel bad to burn bridges, it is your future you should not feel bad. If you have interviews and then leave the job in a couple of months this is normal and fine.

Edited January 11, 2019 by ray92