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Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success

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Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Kasey Kiesler
HCS/504
September 24, 2012
Professor Brenda Harton

Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success
The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise. With determination and hard work, overcoming these barriers will lead to success.
Personal and Professional Goals
Pursuing graduate studies can be a very personal decision. More individuals are looking into higher education degrees to combat the negative effects of a poor economy on their families (McKelvie, 2009). Providing financial stability to one’s family is a readily attainable goal by obtaining a Master’s degree. Achievement of this goal is appreciated when exceeding the basic needs of family members, financial obligations are met within deadlines, and a spouse can stay at home more often and spend additional time with children.
Personal goals may center on passion for one’s career. Graduate school is an admirable choice for those who want to immerse themselves in their chosen discipline, gain a higher level of education, and become experts and leaders in their field (Russell, 2007). An excellent way to determine when these goals have been met is to examine one’s problem-solving and decision-making skills, perform a self-evaluation of one’s knowledge base, and assess leadership abilities. There should be a noticeable

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