On Oct. 16, Concordia hosted more than 20 schools from across the country in a graduate school fair to help inform and equip students who are considering furthering their education. During the fair, admissions counselors, department heads and current grad students offered their perspectives on why someone should consider attending a graduate program.

Aidan Eldridge and Abigayle Duchateau volunteered at the event as current graduate students attending Chapman Law School. “I think that students should really utilize these events,” said Eldridge. “I was unaware that resources such as this were possible, and when you’re going to a school that offers these resources, you’re able to talk to students such as myself. We want to help you learn all you can so you can make an educated decision. Take advantage by talking to as many people and learning about as many colleges as possible!”

“I think it’s super important to come to career events like this, that’s how I made my decision,” said Duchateau. “I talked to schools that I wasn’t necessarily interested in, but I just wanted to learn more about them. Because of this, I ended up becoming more interested in the school I ended up choosing. You get more answers than you knew you had questions for, and I think it’s important to explore your options!”

Kelsea Shackelford represented the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling, which is associated with Concordia Irvine. She encouraged students to also consider their options close to home. “Students should take advantage of the grad fair to explore the programs you already have. You do get a discount [for Townsend Institute programs] as an alumni, and we also have really great programs as a whole from the Townsend Institute, within organizational leadership and the behavioral sciences. I would recommend seeing what we have to offer to potentially continue your education at a great school.”

Especially for students considering entering specialized fields such as healthcare, grad school may be a necessary career step. Department Head Micah Hernando from Loma Linda University said, “I believe these events are very beneficial to students, especially when we are looking for our future healthcare professionals. We’re looking forward to bringing and creating a better future!”

There are also programs that offer alternatives to the traditional paths towards grad school. 

Advisor Lindsey Banks from the University of San Francisco emphasized their unique programs which seek to create options for prospective students considering a career change. Regardless of what major you pursued in undergrad or what job you might currently hold, there are schools that want to help you pursue specialized higher education degrees in fields such as business or nursing. 

Vanguard University admissions counselor Lexi Canner said, “I think it’s super important that students go to grad school so they can continue to be lifelong learners, and then also to interact with the Lord in their fields of education that they want to be in. It’s such a great opportunity to grow in that way.”

With countless unique programs, specialized benefits and accessible options, graduate school is a significant opportunity to consider, especially for upperclassmen who are beginning to plan their next steps. For advice in starting your research and applications, make an appointment with the Career Studio on the top floor of the library, or contact Mariah Lucas at mariah.lucas@cui.edu. 

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