How’s graduate School?

A friend asked me what it’s like going to graduate school at my age.  Lol  Well its great.  I recommend it to everyone.

Healy Hall, Georgetown University

I received my first graduate degree, an MBA, in my early forties.  I wish I had done that sooner.  But to be honest I was just going to grad school to get a degree and check the box; get ahead or keep up with my peers.   Even given my professional motivation at the time, I actually learned a great deal in my MBA program.  I ended up enjoying it so much that I actually considered getting a Ph.D. but soon realized I’d never see the return on investment.

So now in mid-40’s I find myself at Georgetown University pursuing another graduate degree, this one in public relations.  And I must say life is great at Georgetown.  Again I find myself learning new things, re-discovering some things I’d forgotten but personally and professionally growing in all aspects.

Now being a grad student is a completely different experience than being an undergraduate.  But I must say Georgetown makes you feel like you’re welcomed part of the university as a graduate student.  Go Hoyas!!!!  (please let the football team win a couple games this season)

My fellow students are great and range in age from the mid-20s to 60’s.  So at least I’m not the oldest grad student in my program.  Many are communications professionals looking to make that next step or mid-careerists looking to get into public relations.  Our faculty is first rate.  Their expertise and willingness to share with my fellow students and I is unending.

You probably heard a saying to the effect “you never stop learning.”  Well that’s true.  I think when you stop learning you’ve stopped growing personally and professionally.

Based on my experience I think if you earned a bachelors degree or masters more than 10-15 years ago you are really educationally behind.  So much has happened, so much has changed.

So how’s graduate school?  Its great!  I hope you decide to go back to school.  I encourage you to go back to school. You’ll find its worthwhile experience at any time in your life.