Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Grad School

With a few classmates in my amazing cohort! 

Last month, I finally graduated with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy! While I am relieved that I don't have any more homework, I also can't help but feel that it flew by so quickly. Are you considering going to grad school? Grad school is an investment, sacrifice, and reward all rolled into one.  Here are some things I wish someone had told me before going into my grad program.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Grad School

1. You earned your spot. 
• Just because you didn't get your undergrad degree in a related field, or you are not currently working in the field does not make you less qualified to be in the program compared to your peers. The grad program is designed to make sure that all students, no matter their background, meet the requirements to become a qualified professional.  We all have a lot to learn! 
• If you were accepted to your program, congratulations! There is a reason why you were accepted. The staff in your program saw that you have what it takes to succeed in the field and represent their school. 
2. Consider the cost - not just the money! 
• Getting your Masters is no walk in the park. It is a big commitment and you might will find that it is not what you were expecting. 
• Financial: Aside from the tuition, grad school will bring about other "hidden" costs like textbooks, extra workshops/trainings, needed materials, eating out more because you don't have as much time to cook, etc. 
• Relationships:  Your relationships will change because you are changing as a person as you go through the grad school process. Of course, you should continue to make time for your family and friends, but know that it will look different, and different is okay! It is only for a season. 
• Lifestyle: As you focus on grad school, your focus on other areas of your life will decrease. We all have limited time, energy and resources so this is natural. As your friends are off snorkeling in Hawaii and whatnot, you will be sitting at the library  all day. You may only be able to afford Starbucks once a week as opposed to every day. You can't have it all!
• Physical Health: The amount of time and energy put into getting your masters is pretty hefty. You might stress about a certain test or presentation. You might be sleep deprived because you work full time and do your homework at night. Coffee will become a major food group. Be careful in pushing yourself. Know that your limits may look different from your peers.  
3. Consider the field you are investing in 
• I would recommend getting coffee with some professionals in your prospective field; not only the ones with your specific degree, but professionals with similar degrees. For example, if you are interested in MFT, meet with a PsyD, LCSW, and LPCC to get their perspective of the mental health field. Even if they all seem similar on the surface, you might find some key differences that will help clarify what degree best fits your career goals. 
• I wish I paid more attention to the state requirements for MFTs to get licensed. It's a long and windy road that doesn't end at graduation. Consider your life stage and other life events that might be coming up (marriage, raising kids, purchasing a home, etc). Mentally prepare yourself (and your family) for the additional demands of your profession.  
4. Choosing a school - what is important to you?
• Cost, Location, Curriculum, Reputation, Classroom Sizes... what is most important to you in a grad program? Ultimately for me, it was the people. I wanted to be in a program where I felt that the staff and faculty were truly invested in the students and wanted to see them succeed. It also didn't hurt that the campus was beautiful and parking was always available!  
5. Invest in people  
• Your classmates are going to be your future colleagues. Your professors may turn into future employers. Nurturing good relationships with the people in your program is an important foundation in growing your professional network. Your reputation as a professional, responsible student will take you very far in your search for future internships and jobs. You never know where your professional path may lead you in the future! 

Best of luck to your educational and professional endeavors this year!

Yuki