The two final candidates for the College of Fine Arts were at TCU Feb. 3 for their on-campus interviews. Jaime Walker staff reporter One of the hardest questions college students are forced to answer is what to do after they graduate, said Melissa White, assistant director of TCU's Career Planning and Placement Center. For some students, it makes sense to continue their education and pursue a master's or doctorate degree, but it is not necessary in all fields, she said. Ben Wilkinson, a senior chemistry and marketing major, said he has debated going to medical school or getting a master's of business administration. But entering the work force seems more appropriate for now, he said.
Practical experience is often the ticket to success.
In the current job market, where America's unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 1970, an advanced degree may not be a necessity. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, job opportunities for people with a bachelor's degree increased about 10 percent in 1999. Don Coerver, director of the Master of Liberal Arts program, said students have many job options because the economy is strong, but students who get a master's degree automatically make themselves more marketable. A master's degree is the key to job promotion, Runyan said. Kelly Boyington, a senior coordinated dietetics major, said TCU has prepared her well to get a job, but she will be going to law school because she feels motivated to continue her education.