For a lot of people today, they consider obtaining a postgraduate degree to be the only option they have as a millennial in a tight-knit economy. However, the biggest mistake you could possibly make is thinking that a postgraduate degree is your only option for a fruitful life. If you’re naturally called to the world of academics, a graduate degree could be for you, but you’re going to want to put in careful researching time.

Here are 4 things to consider before pursuing a graduate degree.

1. Research The Institution: Graduate degrees are far more detailed and student-oriented than undergraduate degrees. Just because you want a Public Administration Masters doesn’t mean that every college is going to be able to meet your specific needs. Take time to research the faculty, course offerings, and what you’ll get from that specific track.
2. It Won’t Be Easy: A graduate program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate degree. Graduate degrees are highly specific and come with a serious collegiate workload. If you think this is the “easy way out,” think again.
3. Take Some Down Time: The best possible thing you can do if you aren’t sure about graduate school is to get some real world experience. If you think you want to go into Public Administration, get a government job for a year or two. That’s the only way you can know for certain if that degree is for you.
4. Try Something New: Your undergraduate major does not have to dictate what you pursue in postgraduate. If you went to school for Biology, got a job as a journalist, and discovered your love of writing, it’s perfectly fine to apply to journalism programs despite your previous degree. Don’t pigeonhole yourself.

Definitely ponder these 4 things before making the final postgraduate call.