Stuck between graduate school and continuing career

[pensar]

Hello everyone,

I graduated from the University of Arizona last year with a degree in economics and minor in mathematics. I've always wanted to pursue higher education, but after completing my undergraduate degree I was torn between going out into the work environment or sticking with school.

In terms of school, I had my eyes set on staying at the University of Arizona and going into their Applied Econometrics program. I met with the staff, and really liked the vision and possibilities of the program.

At the same time I had been applying to consultancy firms, insurance companies, etc. to see what my job prospects were. I graduated with a 3.4 GPA cumulative, a 3.7 in my econ course work (the math minor was much more difficult than most of the econ courses). After a month or two, researching which path to take, seeing which employers extended interviews, most consensus was that graduate school wasn't as important as gaining work experience.

After interviewing with a few companies, I decided to take a job in the purchasing department of one of the largest auto dealerships in the world. I felt lucky to get through the interview process, the hire rate at this certain company is below 5%, the promotion prospects are very good. I spend time at auctions buying vehicles, and run the business in terms of margins, inventory levels and allocation, prices, etc. I have a lot of purchasing power. However, a lot of my time is spent in a retail environment, and while I don't really spend any time with customers (when I'm scheduled to be in the store I do appraisals on vehicles), I'm not sure I'm completely happy with my choice. A part of me is worried I'm wasting my time not going back to school.

I know this is a long rant, and there really isn't a clear question. I think part of me is looking for comments from those of us who have experienced something similar. Maybe its the transition from school to work life that has gotten me wondering? Maybe its the choice I made in career? I'm happy with the company, with the work, with the challenge, but I don't know if I completely stimulated intellectually.

What has really increased my pangs to return to school lately has been politics- the more I read the more I really want to contribute to the current state of affairs. I'd like to work in public policy, maybe policy analysis. I did some research in careers in the government in policy analysis when I was finishing school, and found the majority require at least a master's, most a PhD. While I'm not ready to attend a PhD program, I'm still very interested in a MS in economics, and the econometrics program sounds beneficial towards this goal.

What advice do any of you have for me? I greatly appreciate any.

Thank you

[Katzenmusik]

There's no rush for you to return to graduate school at this point. Why not work for 2 or 3 more years, see how far you can advance at your company, then apply for an advanced degree? You can also build up your savings account, which will help a lot during grad school.

[runonsentence]

I agree that there's no rush. There's also no reason to feel anxious about having taken time off; it's a really valuable thing to do that helps prevent burnout and let's you consider more carefully not only whether or not to return to school, but also what to study.

Take more time to think about things and save up some money. You said you're happy at your job and that you feel that it challenges you—that's the most important thing!

[Sigaba]

I would focus intensely on work until the economy shows clear signs of recovery. Get as much experience and work your way up the ladder as you can.

When (if?) things settle down, you can start thinking about going back to school or finding a different line of work.

During the interval, you can research programs, stay in touch with your professors, and study for the GRE.

My $0.02.

[pensar]

I really appreciate the advice everybody, it greatly helped me. I think I'll take the drive of wanting to complete more school and work my way up my company as far as I see fit.

Thanks again all.

[Sigaba]

I really appreciate the advice everybody, it greatly helped me. I think I'll take the drive of wanting to complete more school and work my way up my company as far as I see fit.

Thanks again all.

Two cents worth of free advice. Pick a few dates on which you'll take a step back and re-evaluate your options. The years can really speed by when you get into the 8-6 grove of a job. (Or so I've heard. )

Also, keep in mind that if you do return to school, you may have to make a significant adjustment to your life style--even if you earn an institution's most lucrative fellowships. In addition to saving money in case you do go to graduate school, it may be worthwhile to subject yourself to several months of profound self-abnegation. For example, seeing if you can make it through an entire month with only $300 bucks for food, fuel, entertainment, telecom/internet, and all other incidentals.

HTH.

[pensar]

Actually Sigaba, I was thinking the same thing. I had a scholarship for my undergrad but I was only making 400-500 a month with my part time job. Can only imagine how harder it would be in grad school. Thankfully though I've managed to save through being frugal and some good investments more than a year's salary, I intend to keep that up for a few years and re-evaluate like you said.

[Hanyuye]

I'm in the same situation. I graduated in '09 and just started my first full time job in July 2011. Between those two years of excruciating pain, I went back to school for a semester (for CIS, then stopped because it was horrible and hated my college) and part time work as tutor (barely 100 bucks a week for that time). Now I'm back at school for Math Pre-reqs to apply for grad school of Fall 2012. I'm 90% sure I want to go to grad school and leave. I know the money is imperative now as I just started working, but for many personal reasons; I can't live in NYC anymore because of severe domestic issues and restrictions.

So I'm torn between my resentment for the issues at hand. In the meantime, I'm working, taking 2 classes and Studying for GRE to take soon.

[sarakeet]

In addition to any economic concerns--working (for 4 years or so in my case) after graduation has really clarified my goals as far as what I want to achieve in grad school. Like some other posters said, there's no hurry--work experience can really only make you a better candidate, showing that you have an idea of life beyond the classroom.

[Hanyuye]

In addition to any economic concerns--working (for 4 years or so in my case) after graduation has really clarified my goals as far as what I want to achieve in grad school. Like some other posters said, there's no hurry--work experience can really only make you a better candidate, showing that you have an idea of life beyond the classroom.

I completely understand, but I really wanted to do this after graduation. It was just recently that I earned this full-time job. Been thinking about what I want for 2 years.

As for Pensar, if you don't have any domestic restrictions and you get accepted to a notable school- GO FOR IT!

[pensar]

I'm currently satisfied working for the next few years (especially with the current economy), I'm starting to get a hang of my current position, and the sky is the limit in terms of promotion, but I don't see myself here forever. If I can manage to ride out the economic turmoil in a good job being paid good money I'll be happy. However, being in a consumer driven enterprise does mean my job isn't 100% secure, though much more so than many others. I think if push came to shove I'm more than willing to return to school if it is warranted, I've luckily got the funds to survive a lot of the costs.

[ktel]

However, being in a consumer driven enterprise does mean my job isn't 100% secure, though much more so than many others.

What job is 100% secure? Academia sure isn't 100% secure.

[Hanyuye]

I'm currently satisfied working for the next few years (especially with the current economy), I'm starting to get a hang of my current position, and the sky is the limit in terms of promotion, but I don't see myself here forever. If I can manage to ride out the economic turmoil in a good job being paid good money I'll be happy. However, being in a consumer driven enterprise does mean my job isn't 100% secure, though much more so than many others. I think if push came to shove I'm more than willing to return to school if it is warranted, I've luckily got the funds to survive a lot of the costs.

You're totally right on continue working. Is the program you're applying to part time and near work/home?

My job has no promotion incentive for two years. And I have to get certified under their permission to be promoted.

[pensar]

You're totally right on continue working. Is the program you're applying to part time and near work/home?

My job has no promotion incentive for two years. And I have to get certified under their permission to be promoted.

Full time and 30 minute drive from my current house. Worked out pretty well.