February 27, 2023
When I finished undergrad as a public relations major, I knew that wasn’t the end of my educational journey and that I would eventually get a master’s degree. At the time, I had no idea what that looked like or what I wanted to study, but I knew it would need to be something I was passionate about if I was going to be spending 20+ hours a week reading, writing, and going to class.
After graduation, I landed a digital marketing job where I fell in love with content strategy, analytics, web design, and writing. As I strengthened my skills, I knew there was a lot more to learn, and even better, wanted to learn more. After some research, I decided to pursue a strategic communication and digital media master’s degree from Michigan State University. What I learned over the course of the program extended beyond the digital marketing sphere; it created opportunities that extended beyond the classroom and made a big difference in my life today.
Going to graduate school was a journey. I worked harder than I have in my life, lost a lot of sleep, and even shed a few tears, but amidst the chaos, there were some incredible lessons learned and connections made. Below are some of my key takeaways.
One thing I learned early in my grad school journey was that every connection matters. From interns to CEOs, there was a wide variety of people in my classes that I worked with and learned from over the course of my degree.
Not only does it help you to connect and make friends, but it also helps you expand your professional network. Today, years after completing my program, I am still in touch with many alumni from my graduating class and beyond. The people I met have been references for new job opportunities, mentors, and friends.
The people you meet along the way can be a big or small part of your life, depending on how you approach grad school. For me, I found that networking and growing friendships was the best way to help me succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Another takeaway for me was time management and organization skills. If I thought I was good at it before, grad school really put that to the test. Undergrad has its own challenges, but when you add a 40-hour+ work week to the mix, it complicates your schedule.
I found that the workload was never really done, so I would schedule blocks of time to work on homework and reading assignments. Once that block was over, I’d move on to the next thing on my list, such as walking my dog, spending quality time with my friends and family, or working out. This was incredibly important to maintain both my physical and mental health during grad school because it helped me stay on track without compromising my work due to lack of sleep or health.
If you’re worried about time management for your grad school journey, I recommend using a calendar and project management program to keep yourself on track. Set reminders on your phone, block off time for yourself, and make sure you don’t give up everything you love. That will make the experience both enjoyable and successful. Let’s Detroit’s Krishaun Burns discussed her experience managing work, school, and personal life here.
While attending grad school may seem intimidating, it’s important to remember that everyone is there for the same reason: to learn. If you’re confused about the material or an assignment, ask questions. Having a full explanation of expectations or material will not only help you succeed on your project, but it can spark other questions in the class as well, which can create meaningful dialogue between you, your peers, and your professor.
Asking lots of questions also helped me learn more about the material and sparked my interest in areas I may not have explored otherwise. It can make the experience feel more relaxed and impactful and gives you the confidence to raise your hand in the workplace too. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
I will find almost any reason to celebrate. Grad school can be exhausting, especially if you’re working and attending school at the same time. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or feel like graduation is light years away. That’s why I needed to set big and small goals for myself, so I could celebrate along the way. Whether that meant celebrating a good grade or finishing my homework during the work week so I could enjoy the weekend, the celebrations made the time go by faster and kept me positive along the way.
If you’re anything like me, you also love a good treat yourself moment. I used to set grade goals for myself each semester, and if I made the grade, then I got to reward myself with a gift.
Grad school is an incredible journey, and if you’re willing to learn beyond the textbook, it can be meaningful in your everyday life as well as your career. Network, stay organized, ask questions, and celebrate your successes along the way. You can do it!
Written by Miranda Ferris, Let’s Detroit
