Entering the Workforce or Going to Graduate School: Themes in Psychology Alumni Decision Making

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to explore how psychology majors decide whether to enter the workforce or attend graduate school. Thirty-two psychology alumni, including 22 women and 10 men ( Mage = 28.88 years, SD = 5.25) participated in semi-structured interviews about their ending time as an undergraduate and figuring out next steps. Using consensual qualitative research (CQR) themes emerged related to gaining experience, relationships, uncertainty, and self-knowledge. Alumni entering the workforce reflected on internship experiences, uncertainty, and finances, while alumni entering graduate school emphasized first-hand experiences, self-knowledge, goals, and location. Additional differences emerged for alumni identifying as first-generation students. Results highlight diverse factors influencing the decision to enter the workforce or attend graduate school.