The University of Memphis will hold its annual Graduate Recruitment Fair today in the Rose Theatre lobby from 1 to 6 p.m. to recruit current students and alumni for graduate school.
As the job market becomes continually competitive, it’s important for a student to consider furthering their education past a bachelor’s degree, according to Mary Kyle, the coordinator of publications and recruitment for the graduate program.
“In today’s economy, a bachelor’s degree is just not enough anymore, and a graduate degree is now equivalent to the worth that a bachelor degree previously was,” Kyle said.
Holding the Mid-South’s largest graduate program, the U of M offers 111 graduate degrees to students. The University offers Master’s degrees, Doctoral degrees an Educational Specialist degree as well as graduate certificates. There are also 26 doctoral programs, masters programs in 54 major areas and 34 graduate certificate programs available.
One out of five U of M students are graduate students, Kyle said, but the University hopes to reign in more students in the fall.
Two workshop will take place at the Graduate Recruitment Fair: The Graduate Record Examination at 2 p.m. and Graduate Management Admission Test at 5 p.m.
“At both workshops, there will be a PowerPoint presentation with tips on taking the next step, and a question and answer will follow,” Kyle said.
Allison Linna, a recruitment employee, will be present to review specifics at the fair.
Linna will also introduce a website that many students do not know about — ets.org, which stands for educational testing service and provides practice for the Graduate Record Examination.
Students will also have the chance to discuss financial aid and scholarship opportunities as well as fellowship programs.
Lawrence Walker, a 24-year-old graduate, began preparing herself for graduate school prior to ever applying.
“I was very active around campus, so even before the time for undergraduate graduation came, I was already networking and getting information I needed to get ready for graduate school,” Walker said.
While many students apply for graduate school directly after receiving their bachelor’s degree, some choose to wait years before doing so.
Transitioning into graduate school after completing an undergraduate degree is key, Kyle said. If students prolong the process, they could more easily lose motivation, according to Kyle.
“I feel it is important for students to know about our graduate program, because when I was an undergrad I knew nothing about what graduate school was, and I wish I had known,” Kyle said.
The graduate admissions office is located on the second floor of Wilder Tower. For more information on the graduate program, students can visit www.memphis.edu/truebluefuture or call 901-678-3685.
