At some point in your recent past you have decided to consider graduate study. You may or may not end up going in that direction, but for now it is on your mind.  Before going any further, ask yourself the following seven questions:

                  1.  Why do I want to do this? 

1. 1. To add a credential to your resume
   2. To have a better chance of being promoted
   3. To change careers
   4. To increase your earning potential

2.  Why do I want to do this now?

1. 1. Because you have reached a plateau in your career
   2. Because you are not getting any younger
   3. Because it is a logical next step for you professionally
   4. Because you are ready financially

3. What type of academic/professional degree am I seeking?  Here are several degree types:
   1. M.A., M.S., J.D., MBA, MSW, MSJ, M.Ed., etc.,
   2. Ph.D., Ed.D., LL.M., M.D., Psy.D., etc.
   3. Joint degree programs, i.e., Business and Law, Journalism and Public Relations
4. Is there a geographic region of your country or the world where I would like to study?   
5. What type of learning/student experience am I looking for?  Do you want an environment where faculty and students have an interactive learning approach? Are you more interested in a lecture style?  Do you want to have a lot of social interaction with fellow students outside the classroom?  Do you have a preference of studying at a more research-oriented institution?   
6. If a significant other/children are going to be impacted by my plans, how am I involving them in the search process? Graduate students with partners/children have an additional responsibility/added dimension when thinking about graduate study.  All are impacted by the experience.   Adjustments need to be discussed, anticipated and managed.   
7. Should I consider a full-time or part-time program?  There are pros and cons for both.  Going full-time means finishing more quickly, but also means a possible change in employment status and income.  As for the student experience, full-time students tend to develop more of a social network, which translates into continued personal and professional relationships after graduation.  Part-time students are usually juggling the demands of their studies with employment obligations.  This does not allow much time for socializing and developing networks.  However, the benefits of employment tend to lessen the pressure of finances.