Thinking About Graduate School?

Graduate school can be a powerful next step—but it’s not always the right one. Whether you’re considering a Master’s, PhD, MBA, or other advanced degree, the UNC Career Center can help you explore your options, clarify your goals, and prepare strategically for the application process when the time is right for you.

Start Here: Three Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What are my long-term career goals?
   • Does graduate school move me closer to those goals — or is it a detour?
2. Do I need a graduate degree for the work I want to do?
   • Some fields require one, others reward real-world experience more.
3. Is now the right time?
   • Applying too early, without clear goals or experience, can cost time and money.

There’s No One “Best” Program—And No One Can Choose It for You

There is no master list of top programs for every student. The right program for you will depend on your goals, academic background, and professional interests. Career Center coaches can help you think through your options—but we can’t (and won’t) tell you where to apply.

Instead, we recommend reverse-engineering your search:

Start with People, Not programs

One of the most effective ways to explore graduate programs is to look at the people doing the kind of work you’d like to do and to see how they got there.

Use tools like LinkedIn or HeelsEngage to:

• Find professionals in roles that interest you
• Explore where they went to graduate school and what degrees they earned
• Look for common pathways or degrees across similar positions

Start Closer to Home

Don’t overlook the incredible knowledge and access you already have right here at UNC. Many of your professors, research mentors, and teaching assistants went through graduate school themselves—and they can offer practical advice on how to navigate the process.

• Is there a faculty member, principal investigator (PI), or graduate TA whose work you admire?
• Look up their academic background (often listed on their department webpage or CV)
• Attend their office hours or request a meeting to ask how they chose their grad program and what they recommend for students exploring the path
• Ask what they know about the landscape of programs, funding models, and what makes a strong applicant in your field

Faculty are often deeply connected within their disciplines—and many are excited to support curious students who are early in the exploration process.

Build a Competitive Profile During Undergrad

You don’t need to have everything figured out. But if graduate school is a future possibility, here’s how you can start preparing now:

When You’re Ready to Apply

Each graduate program has its own process and requirements, but most applications include:

• A personal statement or statement of purpose
• Resume or academic CV
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
• Transcripts
• GRE or other standardized test scores (if required)
• Writing samples, portfolios, or program-specific supplements

Reminder: Deadlines often fall between October and January, but can be as late as June for some programs.

How the Career Center Can Support You

We can’t tell you which program to choose or what will guarantee admission—but we can help you:

• Think critically about whether grad school is the right next step
• Understand how to approach program research and networking
• Strengthen your written materials from an admissions strategy perspective
• Plan your next steps with clarity and confidence

After reviewing this page and reflecting on your goals, The Career Center invites you to schedule a Pre-Grad advising appointment through Handshake.