The decision to pursue graduate studies should not be taken lightly. Decisions should be made after serious consideration of personal and professional goals. One must evaluate the variety of programs offered, whether traditional on campus versus online classroom, cost of continuing education, financial aid availability, employment while in school, time allotment to complete studies, computer program technical skills, and computer/library access, to obtain a master's degree. Graduate programs should help the student acquire 3 core competencies.

Woolcock1 lists these 3 skills as detective (data collection, analysis, and interpretation), translator (reframing given ideas for diverse groups), and diplomat (negotiation, conflict mediation, and deal making). Benefits of a master's degree include intellectual improvement, personal development, acquisition of enhanced verbal/writing skills, advancement in career positions, and networking with peers and colleagues. According to Leung,2 graduates of master's degrees are required to show originality, knowledge application, and awareness of critical issues on a higher level than undergraduates.

The first challenge is understanding which kind of graduate study will prepare and meet basic individual needs.3,4 Time constraints are another factor because interaction with professors, current graduate students, and counselors are necessary in making that initial decision. Online degree acquisition boasts of schedule flexibility, students setting their own pace, no travel time, and 24/7 Web interaction.3,4 But there are still deadlines and assignments that must be met while trying to meet the demands of daily living. Online students often feel isolated from other students and faculty.5 Similarities and differences of various graduate programs must be assessed by the potential student. Students must balance work, family, and school demands where feelings of being rushed and fatigued are common.6 Often, everything else in your life takes precedence over school. Failure to complete a course or degree is usually caused by social or family reasons rather than academic reasons.2

There are several solutions for success. The first strategy for success is to choose the right school. The second strategy is time management. Keep a notebook to jot thoughts, ideas, and observations to use at a later time. Make "to-do" lists, crossing out tasks as they are completed. Navuluri7 compared the basics of time management to our heart's rhythm using the PQRSTU pneumonic. P is for Prioritizing events that are controlled by others and those controlled by you. Q is to Question the task's effectiveness, efficacy, and efficiency. This involves knowing the "why's" to enable accomplishment. R is Recheck your list of completed and unfinished tasks and/or events as soon as possible. S is Self-reliance in knowing what you can or cannot do as well as can or cannot control. The key here is to be realistic, adaptive, creative, and persistent. T is Treating yourself. Take a break to clear your mind. Restart working after feeling ready or refreshed. Finally, U is You can do it. I always think of Rob Schneider from "Saturday Night Live" when I hear that phrase! However, it is very motivational to ascertain that you can do it, whether by yourself or as a team with others. The third and final strategy for success is stress management. There are many ways to destress, but it has to be something that is enjoyable and meaningful. Physical activity, singing, crafts, music, meditation, traveling, and massages are various outlets for relieving stress.

Graduate study can be very challenging but rewarding. Studies show that graduate program graduates subscribe to occupation-related journals, participate in national organization, and read professional journals. I have my own ABC pneumonic to use once the decision to further your education is made. A is Assess your personal and professional goals. Many jobs now require a master's degree. B is Buy into your decision! Weigh all of the pros and cons before choosing. And finally, C is Charge ahead, keeping your goal in sight!

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