For Ben Martinez, a senior computer engineering major, graduating this spring does not mean his days sitting inside big lecture halls are numbered. Martinez is jumping straight to graduate school instead of joining the workforce.
Martinez is among the growing number of students who are pursuing their master’s degree right after graduating college. With today’s poor job market, more students are taking the extra mile and adding the competitive edge of a master’s to their resumes for a better chance of getting hired.
“I think, nowadays, it’s not enough to just have your bachelor’s degree,” Martinez said. “I decided I need to get my master’s so that I can specialize in robotics and have a higher chance of being able to join great companies such as Google or Windows.”
The number of students pursuing their master’s at Cal State Long Beach has increased in recent years. In 2010, 678 CSULB graduates decided to pursue their master’s at their alma mater, but only 416 of them were admitted.
Although some are taking a break and planning on getting their master’s later, Nicole Herschler, a graduating psychology major at CSULB, does not want her knowledge to get rusty. She is pursuing her master’s degree at a Cal State to enhance her knowledge in the field.
“Psychology is a relatively broad field, and the particular career I have chosen requires at least a master’s degree,” Herschler said.
Cecile Lindsay, dean of graduates, said students need to intensely research before planning on pursuing their master’s.
“Students need to clarify their professional goals and whether an advanced degree will advance those goals,” she said.
Martinez said that getting a master’s degree is not for everyone, especially if his or her chosen profession does not require it.
Herschler said she wants to fully comprehend her profession to be able to help her future patients.
“I am looking forward to learning the necessary skills required to succeed as a therapist, as well as working alongside other professionals with similar career focuses,” she said. “I [want] to gain the experience working with addiction, sex therapy and couples counseling in a mental health agency.”
Whether it is financial or academic, Martinez and Herschler said they are ready to tackle the challenge ahead of them. They said they are hoping to get their parent’s support with expenses. Herschler is currently working and saving money while Martinez has been looking for a part-time job.
“I’m excited to hopefully go to UC Berkeley,” Martinez said. “I’m ready to take my education to the next level.”