Graduates Job Hunting

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Admin
Graduates Job Hunting

Graduates Job Hunting

With the economy in recession, many college graduates postpone their job searches in favor of graduate education. Yet, gaining acceptance into a graduate program is often as treacherous as job hunting. Following the steps outlined here will greatly increase one's chances of gaining acceptance into a graduate program.

Know What You Want

A successful graduate school application (and graduate career) hinges on whether or not one knows what he or she will study as a graduate student. For the last several decades, academia has become more and more specialized. It is not enough to apply to a graduate program with a simple desire like "I want to study American Literature." Instead, applicants should focus their interest and state something specific such as, "I want to examine the presentation of race in the novels of William Faulkner." If one is unable to find a specific vein of interest within a given academic field, then one is not ready to apply to graduate school.

Find a Graduate Program that "Fits"

Once an applicant knows what he or she wants to study as a graduate student, then the applicant must find graduate programs that specialize in a similar area of study. For instance, if an aspiring historian wishes to study the origins of slavery in 17th Century Virginia, then he or she should choose graduate programs with professors who specialize in the origins of slavery in 17th Century Virginia. Unlike the undergraduate application process, professors review graduate applications themselves. During the review process, the professors match applicants with potential mentors. If the department is unable to match the applicant's interest with the interest of a professor, then denial of admission is almost guaranteed.