I'm a little lost and needing help.

[Sidness9]

Hello! Sid here, and I think I need some direction.

I'm going into my senior year as an English/French major, and while I've greatly enjoyed following my passions for the past four years, I'm a bit too cynical to think I'll be able to write the next great American novel (then translate it into French), then magically make it pay bills. (And no, becoming a teacher does not appeal. I've never been good with kids, and I firmly believe that those who do not like kids should not try to earn a living teaching them.) I resigned myself to publishing, but the other night I had an epiphany: public relations. It seems like something I might actually be good at and find exciting.

However, I know so little about the field as a whole, and grad school (which my parents have always regarded as a given, considering my majors) is not the place to go explorin'. It's the place to commit to what you want to do. However, if I don't go to grad school, I'd have no idea what I'd be doing. I enjoy school. I enjoy learning. Hell, there's even the possibility of becoming a professor (which has always sounded appealing) and teaching at the university level. But I don't know what to do or how to make up my mind.

I know internships is going to the response, and rightfully so. But right now I'm waiting on hearing back from a publishing internship I applied to months ago. I was recommended for it by a friend of the family, so I'd feel bad making other plans when the interviewer seemed to like me, but if I don't get it for the summer I'd really, really like to explore a public relations internship. I'm just not sure what to do, and suddenly everything seems to be happening so fast. Please help.

PS: As far as spending money on school, I'm very fortunate in that my parents are not only capable of, but insist on supporting me financially through grad school. My mother is actually quite adamant that I should go. Trust me, I feel enormous guilt over my indecision and the cost it could have for them.

[Ennue]

I don't know anything about your situation, but I just want to weigh in with this cliche: if you're not committed to what you'll be doing, don't go to graduate school. It is intense, takes up all your time, and is the opposite of gaining work experience. It seems like you'd want to apply for a master's program and that might be different than a phd program, but I think there'd be no harm in at least postponing applying until next year so you'll know better what you want to do.

You're an adult now. Take responsibility for your choices

[Dal PhDer]

I agree with Ennue....grad school is a big commitment, and you should be VERY sure about taking that path!

I don't know much about public relations, so I can't offer advice specific to the field...but I could help with the situation.

Firstly, why not pursue grad school in your current discipline? Are there opportunities to do that? Why change areas when you already have a background? Do you not enjoy it? Have you tried talking to someone about employment opportunities with your current degree? Or degree programs you could apply for with what you already have?

Secondly, most MA programs require you to have a background in that discipline (so a BA with a major in public relations or at least courses related to that field) and often a thesis project. So do you have either of these? You might have to do a qualifying year prior to being admitted. If you are strong about doing an MA in this field, I would talk to someone at a potential program to see what type of qualifications you need to be accepted into their program.

Thrid, why the change? Is this something you really want to do? Don't just pick something that sounds interesting, pick something you see yourself doing for the next 20-30years! Maybe talk to someone about your interests/skills and the types of jobs you would be interested in and have the current qualifications for...they can always help you with what steps to take!

My biggest piece of advice is this: don't do grad school just for the sake of doing it!