SHPE - Fall 2008 - (Page 64)

E L S I G U I E N T E PA S O ❚ By Marcus A. Huggans, Ph.D., The National GEM Consortium stipend on which to live. This option gives one the full graduate school experience of being on campus, meeting with research groups and closely interacting with faculty. Top 10 Reasons to Consider Graduate School Now W hether one is employed in the engineering work force or in between jobs, just starting college or beginning senior year, now is the best time to explore the advantages of earning a gradu- 8. High GREs Balance Lower GPAs Students with less than desirable GPAs should still consider applying for graduate school. The Minority Engineering Program (MEP) director or student diversity officer on campus can assist such students to develop a plan to get into graduate school. For example, many universities receive grants to provide GRE prep courses for undergraduates so that students can raise their scores, and higher GRE scores compensate for lower GPAs. Also, the higher one scores on the GRE, the greater one’s selection of schools and the more money he or she is eligible to receive for graduate school. ate degree. Here’s why you should be considering an advanced degree now. A sagging economy could be just the impetus needed to make graduate school the next step. To professionals who have lost (or may lose) their jobs, it is a way to hone their skills and become more marketable or competitive. For recent college graduates, it is a means to postpone entry into a soft hiring environment, gain experience and credentials and earn a higher salary upon degree completion. nation. Even if a project’s budget is cut, the company will more than likely try to reaccommodate the advanced degree holders that are doing well so as not to lose that talent. 1. Alternate Challenge 5. Entrepreneurial ‘Cred’ A master’s or Ph.D. degree creates opportunities beyond simply taking a job based on gained skills. Those who chose to start their own companies will find that they have also earned a measure of credibility, which in the academic and professional worlds is referred to as “investor confidence.” Venture capitalists perceive those with advanced degrees as capable of accomplishing their plans. True job security lies in starting a company because a business owner will be the last one on the unemployment line. 9. The 60-Hour Dash is Just Ahead Students that had lower GPAs as freshmen and sophomores should keep in mind that some universities put greater focus on the last 60 hours when students are working on their specialization. Those considering graduate school should make sure that their GPA for those last 60 hours is as high as possible. In the statement of purpose, students should explain the challenges they previously faced when they transitioned to college and the difference between the last 60 hours. This serves as a true indication that they have a handle on what it takes to be an outstanding student. 2. Economic Sense Plain and simple: the average starting salary for an M.S. holder is $15,000 to $20,000 higher than a B.S. holder (approximately $70,000 versus $55,000). Over the course of a 40-year career, with average performance bonuses being equal and the increase average at about 8 percent, an advanced degree holder makes about $1 million more. 6. Tuition Reimbursement Upon entering the work force, many engineers realize that they need an advanced degree, but increased responsibilities and liabilities make it challenging to return to school full time. Most companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees to earn graduate degrees at night; however, conflicts between work and school usually extend the time for degree completion. Also, this option usually limits one to schools with which the company has negotiated arrangements. While this is a viable option and a means to an end for some engineers, it’s not necessarily the optimal graduate school experience. 3. More Fun Overall, the corporate world perceives advanced degree holders as having a greater depth of knowledge and more capacity to handle complex issues as well as to manage others. As a result, even early in their careers, engineers with advanced degrees are assigned to the more exciting, prestigious, large-budget and higher visibility projects (ranging between $100,000 and $1 million as opposed to $10,000). 10. Undergraduate Research Opportunities The earlier a student starts doing undergraduate research, the better, because those who don’t like research probably won’t enjoy graduate school. It’s preferable to start after the second semester of freshman or sophomore year; however it’s not too late for juniors and seniors. The earlier students start, the sooner they’ll begin developing the relationships that will render strong letters of recommendation and even chances to publish before graduation. Regardless of the current circumstances individuals face, the long-term benefits of earning an advanced degree provide strong reasons for considering it as a viable option to begin pursuing today. ■ SHPE ❘ Fall 2008 4. Better Immunity When a company goes through rocky times, one critical way of reducing cost and raising the bottom line is to lay off workers. Whether it is human resources, sales or engineering, a department losing money can expect getting cut. With a graduate degree, advancement is faster. When layoffs occur, the further up the corporate ladder, the more likely an engineer is to be spared from termi64 7. Free Ride There are so many schools offering so much money to go to graduate school that no student should have to pay for a STEM graduate education. If one attends a research university and works with a professor conducting cutting-edge research, he or she should expect the professor to pay a salary, by way of tuition, as well as a

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Fall 2008

SHPE - Fall 2008 Contents President's Letter From the Vice President Calendar of Events National Board of Directors The Great '08: Chapter Leaders Learn to Spread 'SHPE Fever' Browser National Retreat Provides a Redefinition An Engineer and a Politician Capitalizing on Engineering Talent Grupos de Afinidad A Focused Approach to Getting the Job You Really Want SHPE Conference 2008 IPC Update Programs & Services Keeping Warm with 'Yuper' Familia Spirit Promise of Spring Recruit, Engage and Retain Regional Student Representatives Regional Roundup Advertisers Index

SHPE - Fall 2008

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