Why Now is the Right Time to Pursue Graduate Studies

Let’s take a closer look at why now is a great time to get a Master’s or a PhD, and why one exciting international university is something to think about.

Five reasons to go to graduate school now

Going to graduate school is a life-altering decision. Because it’s so momentous, it can also be somewhat paralyzing. Deciding when to study is as big a consideration as what to study. Read on for a review of reasons why now is the right time to jump right in.

1. The job market is challenging

High unemployment and a stalled economy make the workforce a tricky place right now. That makes this a great time to focus on developing the skills you’ll need to enter your field as a more competitive candidate. Whether you’ve been thinking about graduate school for a while or you’re just starting to do so, you have little to lose and a lot to gain by going now.

According to experts, this is one of the reasons graduate school applications have skyrocketed in recent months. Education consultant Steve Goodman told WUSA-9: “Generally speaking, when the job market is down, graduate applications go up.”

2. You’ll have skills and knowledge for the post-COVID world

While COVID will be behind us one day, it will leave a permanent mark on society. From healthcare to the environment, the pandemic has driven change across all sectors. Regardless of the field you choose to study, the health crisis will appear in the curriculum in one way or another. Whether you specialize in a COVID-related field or study your subject in the context of the transformed world, attending graduate school now will give you an invaluable and useful perspective.

3. You’ll be prepared to lead change

While the pandemic has caused its share of challenges over the past two years, it has also shed light on pre-existing issues about class, race, culture and privilege. This, in turn, has highlighted the need for social justice and more equitable leadership. Whether you aspire to work in education, healthcare, law or another field, a graduate degree can lay the foundation for leadership—and for potential positive impact.

4. You’ll build your network

The world has been largely shut down in the past two years, which has translated into less opportunities for interacting with others. Graduate school offers many chances to connect with others in your field: classmates, faculty members and more. These connections are essential to building your network, which can come in handy for everything from sharing ideas to future career opportunities.

5. Beat pandemic boredom

While almost everything was shut down for so long, you might have had the time to reflect on your future and to identify your true aspirations and ambitions.

Now that the world is slowly returning to normal, why not take a deep dive into a subject you’re truly passionate about? It will nourish your mind. And if you decide to pursue research to explore different boundaries, you could even make a difference in the world.

Graduate studies at the Université de Montréal

The Université de Montréal (UdeM), among the world’s top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education World Rankings, is an internationally renowned school offering a breadth and depth of graduate programs and pathways designed to help students build knowledge and advance their career prospects. What’s more, students can tailor their studies to their needs and goals, while enjoying the university’s thriving interdisciplinary community and Montreal’s unique ambiance.

If you’re looking for a dynamic, diverse learning community, look no further than UdeM. In addition to attracting students from all over the world, UdeM also boasts 13 prestigious faculties, thousands of distinguished professors and researchers and over 400,000 alumni. With its foundation in French and significant amount of coursework offered in English, UdeM is a rich bilingual environment in which to learn and live.

Speaking of living, no discussion of UdeM would be complete without mentioning its fabulous Montreal location. Lonely Planet raves of this cosmopolitan city: “Witness a French-infused city that’s in love with festivals, the arts, good food, living well and enjoying life to the hilt.”

Since UdeM knows that finances are critical for many aspiring graduate students, it offers guidance and resources, in everything from scholarships to budget planning.

There’s still time to apply for Fall 2022. Discover the programs offered next session and start your learning journey at UdeM!

A French program to begin your studies at the Université de Montréal

Did you know that the Université de Montréal offers an online and distance learning program for non-Francophone students who would like to improve their knowledge of French so they can pursue studies at UdeM?

The four-month Intensive University French program provides the ideal conditions for students to reach the advanced intermediate level of French proficiency they need for admissibility to most UdeM study programs.

Learn more about the Intensive University French Program

While recent events have been challenging, to say the least, sometimes obstacles can be turned into opportunities, like attending graduate school. We can think of no better place to turn your dream into a reality than at the Université de Montréal.

Article written in association with the Université de Montréal.