People are getting laid off, receiving less pay, and struggling more and more, which means one thing-the economy is truly in a bind. With all of these concerns and worries lurking, many students are leaning toward graduate school, rather than jobs that simply aren’t there.
“It’s better for me to stay in school until the economy gets better,” said Jarveal Barker, a fourth-year accounting student. ” I believe there are no jobs that I am qualified for in the job market.”
The 22-year-old Winter Haven native also said if he stays in school two more years to get his doctorate degree, the economy should be good enough for him to get a qualified job.
Other students like Magalie Yacinthe,22, said it is beneficial to get a job upon graduation and gain hands on experience in the workforce.
“I think it’s better to get a job and try to work,” said Yacinthe, a fifth-year MBA student from Miami.
“But if it doesn’t work out, then you should go back to school and see if you could learn better skills.”
Students’ opinions vary from person to person, but what is evident is that the current economy is drastically affecting lives.
Ozzie Reid, 23, said he is feeling the consequences of the recession, and has been forced to postpone his life’s plans.
“I am officially done with all the requirements for my bachelor’s degree, and at first, I planned to get a job and take extra medical classes on the side,” said Reid, a psychology student from Brooklyn. “But due to the economy, I am going to prolong graduating to keep my undergraduate aid to pay extra classes I need for medical school.”
Florida A&M University’s School of Graduate Studies said they are seeing an increase in graduate application forms. Kevin Jenkins, assistant to the graduate studies program, said he believe the increase is not only because of the economy, but also because of FAMU’s positive image.
“I feel that a lot of the increase has to do with the economy but also because FAMU is getting better public light,” he said.
Jenkins said the Graduate Feeder Scholars Program connects students to 47 colleges and universities and waives application fees. He also said if students do decide to continue their education, the program would help them get into the top graduate schools.
“We help our students with their application process and we try to make the experience less intimidating.”
Criteria for Participation in the Feeder Program:
1. Complete 30 credit hours with a 3.0 minimum of.
2. Submit a typed and fully completed Graduate Feeder Participation Application
3. Submit an unofficial transcript.
4. Attend at least four Graduate Feeder educational and professional development seminars and workshops.
5. Maintain a 3.0 grade point average