Although there is no ideal profile for the successful graduate student, there are some qualities that are important in order to make it through productively. Some of these skills include intelligence, initiative and self-discipline. Time management skills, being focused and persistence are also important qualities. In addition, the ability to establish good working relationships with your fellow students, faculty and internship mentors is also important. If you have decided that graduate school is for you, you then need to decide if you would like to attend immediately after graduation, or wait a year or two.
Most graduates opt to work a year or two and then pursue graduate school plans.
There are advantages to both choices. Secondly, many students find it is easier to finance graduate school when there aren t other major financial obligations such as marriage, mortgages and children. Undergraduate loans can be deferred while attending school as well. Lastly, if you are enthusiastic and certain about a career decision where graduate school is needed, attending right away will quicken the time you can enter the profession. The advantages of waiting a year or two before attending graduate school have already been outlined above.