BellaOnline Forums Education Graduate School Women and Graduate School

What do you perceive as the greatest challenge (or challenges) to women enrolled in graduate studies? Post your comments now!

I think timing is one of the biggest challenges. I think a lot of women who go back to school do so a few years after graduating college, and at times when they are in serious relationships or married. Working hard to earn your degree and wanting to enter the workforce but also wanting to start a family, have time to dedicate to a new career, etc. is difficult.

I didn't have such a hard time deciding to go back to grad school *because* I wasn't in a relationship or dealing with raising a family, so I'd have to say there certainly is a lot of validity to that situation. Also, once you've been in the workplace, the loss of income and financial burden of school can be really daunting.

On the plus side, I went at a time when I felt very unchallenged and unmotivated in the workplace, and I felt confident about going back into a scholastic setting. I had a much easier time making myself write papers and get up early for classes because I had really chosen to do so.

I also swore to myself that in grad school that I wouldn't do crazy, stressful things like leave projects to the last minute and pull all-nighters like in the undergrad years. Being older and more disciplined, it was easy to leave things like that out. I also had better discipline to study more and got a higher grad point average too.

I am going back to school, specifically law school, in the fall. I graduated from undergraduate school about 9 years ago, spent most of the years afterwards working in the techie world and now I am ready to do something else. I am married but have no kids (and we are not having any ever!) and I have a very supportive husband who is willing to relocate if necessary. I am not sure where I am going to go to school yet, but I have 2 acceptances and I am waiting on a few others before I make my decision. I am a little nervous about going back since I have been out of school for so long, but I know that I have the dedication and desire to do it, so on those sleepless study nights, I will try to remember that!
Anyone else out there heading to grad school or law school this fall after not being in school for a long time?

I know a bunch of people that have done both - some went back to school right out of college, and some waited and worked and then went back to school later. Both sets have enjoyed their (very different) experiences. I think you are almost at an advantage going back to school later in life. You can appreciate the hard work necessary in the real working world, and you are ready and eager to learn for the sake of learning - not to postpone an inevitable decision about your future.

Good luck! Work hard, study hard, but don't forget to play hard, too!

What a wonderful topic--timing! As an educational consultant, I firmly believe that the decision of WHEN to begin a graduate program is a biggie (nice technical term). I recommend that students pursuing career fields that do not actually require a graduate degree for entry take a year off and work and/or volunteer to expand their life experience beyond the limiting walls of academia. I shudder every time I have a liberal arts major come through my door who has provided no evidence of ever having worked at any job beyond a work-study position on campus and is now planning on going straight from undergrad to grad school--probably through to Ph.D.

Sure, they could work as a graduate research or teaching assistant; but how will they be able to identify with their students--up to 20 percent of which, at the undergraduate level, will be working and the percentage of persons working and going to school at the graduate level is even greater?

Its a different story for those who are pursuing career fields where a terminal degree is required (medicine, veterinary science, law, etc.). Though I still heartily recommend to these students that they consider taking a year off after undergraduate studies if they can afford to. If nothing else, it helps prevent academic burnout.

Oh! I've placed a new category on the site for persons interested in professional programs (law, medicine, etc.). Lots of good links there. Enjoy!

Until next time!

My biggest challege is I have been out of college for 6 years. I stopped working to have my kids. I want to go back to school, but I don't have a clue to what I want to do. I have a degree in Sociology. I love Sociology, but I don't know if that is what I want to do. I taught school, but I know I don't want to do that again. My son starts school this fall, so everyone keeps asking me what I am going to do when my daughter goes to school. (She is 2!) Win the lottery and travel is not working as an answer! I feel like I am being pushed into choosing a career that I may or may not like.

Try not to feel the pressure, Judith. There is always fear in the unknown but I am a big believer that you will find what it is that's right for you in time. If you definitely want to go back to school, try starting by taking some night classes in a few different areas you think you may be interested in. Don't put yourself in the position of picking something just for the sake of picking something and then regretting it in the end. Do what makes you happy -- life is short <img src="/images/graemlins/rolling.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Judith! There's absolutely nothing wrong with telling people that you haven't decided, haven't made a committment to anything just yet, or are exploring your options. Or better yet, "I'm sorry, is there a reason you're asking?" I have a degree and am working and I still have people asking me "What are you really going to do when you finish your doctorate?" Hello... this is it... I like what I'm doing!

If you have the time and opportunity, I'd suggest visiting a career guidance counselor--either in your local state workforce development/employment office or even on the college campus where you earned your undergrad (assuming that's close by). Another alternative is to take one of the online skills/interest inventories--I like the Princeton Career Review (its free)--to figure out where your skills/interests really lie. You might be surprised at the outcome.

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

I think the biggest challenge is deciding what to sacrifice in order to find time to study and attend classes. I just finished my MS and am a single mom and work as an accountant. It isn't easy but it is certainly very possible. I must admit that I am enjoying doing something other than studying now!