This week I started my first graduate classes toward a Master of Science in Communications Management at Syracuse University in New York. Any graduate program can be an intimidating journey, but the payoff for the practitioner, client and profession is a win-win-win.

Investing in professional development

During introductions of my class, the students were asked to explain why we were pursuing this master’s degree. All of us said we wanted to improve ourselves in some form or fashion, from developing better critical thinking skills to gaining a better understanding of business concepts. Whenever you get a chance to invest in yourself, do it. You’ll increase your marketability and self-worth, which is valuable when the time comes for a job or life change.

The students are also having great opportunities to make contacts with each other, professors and speakers. Expanding that ever-important network allows you to bounce ideas off like-minded professionals and you never know when you might need the assistance of someone’s expertise.

Providing better service

Most graduate programs will focus on applying theory to practical applications. This gives professionals a better grasp on why they’ve been doing the work they’ve been doing, why something is working versus a tactic that has failed, and how they can improve current processes in the work place.

As earning my Accreditation in Public Relations helped move me from a tactician to a strategist, advanced studies help professionals see the big picture. In turn, this makes the practitioner a more valuable asset to the organization by expounding on his ability to produce better results and advise senior leaders more effectively.

Advancing the profession

When practitioners invest in themselves and become better professionals providing enhanced service to clients, the overall career field benefits with improved trustworthiness. As professionals develop a more solid understanding of business concepts and how PR can affect the bottom line more strategically, the profession gains credibility as a deserving management function.

Jumping in

Are you ready to begin the journey of advanced studies?

1) Assess your personal situation
Be sure you’re personally ready to start a master’s program. Classes will be much more in depth, financial aid will not be as readily available, and more responsibility will be expected of you than was in your undergraduate work. Determine if you have the time, resources and maturity to commit.

I advocate for students to gain at least five years of professional experience between undergraduate and graduate studies. Not only will this give you tangible experience to relate to the studies, but this time in a professional environment helps mature a practitioner to better contribute to class discussions and debate.

2) Seek the program that best meets your needs

When I began looking at master’s degree programs, I knew I wanted a credible degree that not only focused on Public Relations but also on business concepts. I found that plus the flexibility I needed with an international move in the executive education program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Take the time you need to search out a program that best fits your situation. Online? Traditional classroom setting? How does the school rank in the U.S. News and World Report and other professional publications? Have the professors conducted research in the field and have they been published? What do alums of the programs say about it?

I began exploring the options about a year and an half out of applying. I settled on Syracuse University after researching the ranking of the school, interviewing alums of the program, and attending various webinars about executive education. For me, the Newhouse program provided a solid understanding of how Public Relations should be practiced to be most effective, critical management capabilities needed to work with executives, and a dedication to the advancement of the career field.

3) Enjoy the experience

I’m currently in my first week of classes, and I already know this is going to take a lot of commitment. Graduate school challenges you to become a better professional. There is stress, but by taking it in stride, you can achieve those valuable skills to become the practitioner you’re capable of being. Remain calm and enjoy your advanced studies for what they will bring in your professional development.

Are you thinking about or already in graduate school? What do you want to gain from the experience?

Syracuse University photo credit: MattCC716 via photo pin

Graduate photo credit: Kris Kesiak Photography via photo pin