I said I’d never go back to school…
After completing my undergrad in December 2023 and beginning my career as a graphic designer, I was convinced I was done with school. What degree could I possibly need when I had already landed a job in a creative field? And quite frankly, I felt done with school: the studying, the assignments, the stress. I was okay leaving that in the past.
So that is why I’m starting a graduate degree in January.
Makes perfect sense, right? No? Oh, let me explain.
Up until a few months ago, I never would have considered a graduate degree. Like I said before, I was done with the studying, assignments, and the stress of it all. Plus, I work in a creative field and my role relies heavily on a skill set that doesn’t require further education.
But here’s where the ball started to roll: I began to realize that a graduate degree might not increase my creative abilities, but it would elevate my work. And what do I mean by that? By further understanding marketing strategy and learning the tools to better understand my audience, my work could become more effective. I hit a point in my job where I realized creativity wasn’t the whole puzzle, strategy mattered just as much. That’s when a Marketing MS started to make sense.
As a Tarleton State alumna and employee, Tarleton was the obvious choice. When I realized finances were the biggest barrier, Tarleton removed that fear entirely. With employee benefits, grants, and guaranteed scholarships, the entire cost is covered (yes, even my books).
Truthfully, I’m still in shock at the quick decision to go to grad school. I’m still overcoming worries about balancing my time, returning to school after some time off, and the fear of not succeeding – especially while managing three jobs. But more than that, I am excited to grow professionally, energized by coworkers who are also pursuing grad school, and looking forward to study dates with my sister (who is in her first year of undergrad).
I was convinced I’d never go back. But if I can change my mind, maybe you can too. To anyone who’s ever said, “I’d never go back to school,” let me encourage you to stay open-minded. Returning to school might be exactly what you need to level up what you already do well. Who knows until you give it a shot, right?
