Faranak Mahmoudi is an Environmental Sciences-Chemistry PhD student studying the detection and measurement of opioid compounds in urban wastewater and surface water. The rate of consumption of opioid painkillers in Tennessee is higher than the national average, so there is an urgent need for research in this area. By determining the concentration of opioid compounds in untreated wastewater, it is possible to back-calculate the measurements to accurately quantify the intake of drugs by the local population. Faranak is using multiple analytical approaches in the lab to determine the molecular structure of the opioids in solution. Faranak recently presented her work at the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) national meeting in Philadelphia as well as at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the ACS in Columbia, South Carolina.

Consider these excellent reasons for why you should go back to college and start (or finish) that graduate degree you have always wanted.

Flexible And Distance Learning Are More Common and Accepted

Most reputable universities now offer classes or full degrees online. Night classes or hybrid programs (that are partially online and partially on campus) are also very common, and so there is likely some arrangement that can accommodate your busy schedule.  TTU offers many programs online including our MBA, PSM in Environmental Informatics and PSM in Manufacturing Sustainability, MPS in Healthcare Administration, MS in Computer Science, and MS in Sports Management.

You Want a Promotion

In today’s world, college degrees are simply necessary for many job opportunities, and there might come a time when your current education level prevents you from climbing the corporate ladder any further. For example, if you really want a promotion to a position that requires a college degree, you will need to go back to college in order to advance your career. Many companies are willing to pay partly or in full for the continuing education of their employees.

You Want to Change Careers

Another excellent reason to go back to college is if you want to change careers. Wanting to work in a different field and occupation can be an extremely smart career move that can result in you having a higher income and better job satisfaction. Life’s just too short to be stuck doing something you don’t enjoy. If you really want to pursue your dream, getting the right education to be hired into your new field is essential, as are any transferable skills and experiences you’ve had in your career, because that’s what you’ll have to focus on to catch an employer’s attention.

You Want an Advanced Degree

If the career you have in mind generally requires an advanced degree, then at some point you will have to make the leap to go back to college. This can be very difficult if you’ve been out in the workforce for a while to save up money after graduating with your bachelor’s degree, but if your heart’s set on becoming a doctor or a college professor, you’re going to have to take that plunge eventually. If this is truly the path you want in life, you won’t regret shooting for higher things.

Many Professors are Accommodating

Professors want to see you learn and succeed. So don’t be tepid about going back to college because you’re afraid your life will get in the way of your learning and the college won’t be understanding. Professors are usually willing to grant exceptions and extensions for students who work or have children, so long as you are making an effort and do complete the work. All you have to do is ask. Colleges also have many support programs for graduate students.

Bottom Line

Make no mistake, going back to college is a major decision to make. But in many cases it is the right one, and you have a lot of allies to help you make it through. Between more prevalent convenient learning options, schools and professors being accommodating and companies that want to invest in their employees, it’s a more obtainable goal than ever. So be sure to explore your options and make the best choice for your future.

 Source:  Lizzie Weakley and theCampusCareerCoach.com

  Find out what it takes to be a graduate student by attending a Graduate Studies Information Session! Each semester we help you get ahead with your application by hosting an event that keeps you in the know about graduate school.  

   This month Graduate Studies representatives and several graduate students will be available to talk to you, one on one, about available programs, application processes, financial assistance, and overall admission. You’ll also find out how long it takes to get a a degree and what GPA may be required.

   Two sessions will be available: March 30th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and another will be hosted at 3 p.m.. The sessions will take place in Johnson Hall Auditorium, remember, snacks and prizes will be available during the session!

   Can’t attend a session, no problem! Our office is always open to perspective students who have questions about their future career as a graduate student. Our office is in Derryberry Hall 306 or you can call us at 931-372-3233!

In part three of our series “Being a Tennessee Tech Graduate Student,” Shree Krishna Dangal, a recent MBA graduate from Nepal, provides his perspective.

The dream that I nurtured during my undergraduate study has grown along with me and I always hoped to see it turn into reality someday. Therefore, in order to comprehend my dream of becoming a successful team leader, I intend to pursue the MBA degree, realizing that my career goals of leading teams would be best facilitated Human Resources specialization. Besides, I always wanted to learn skills which would place me in an international corporation allowing me to work and live abroad.

The realization did not come easily, but the road I have taken makes me more certain that joining a business school is the right decision, and College of Business at Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) is undoubtedly the right school for me.

Tennessee Technological University consists of people from around the globe. The feature that attracted me to College of Business the most is the college was its accredited by AACSB International. Based on the quality of programs and survey feedback from students, the college has been included in Peterson’s Publication of Best 300 Business Schools, which also increased my enthusiasm to apply here. Its dynamic curriculum, promising and engaged faculty, and international associations make it the ideal environment for me to develop the management and leadership skills required to lead an international company.

Above all, the positive response I received from former MBA Director Amanda Brown heightened my aspirations regarding the possibility of a Graduate Assistantship at the University. Fortunately, I was able to get an assistantship and currently I have been working at College of Graduate Studies supporting marketing efforts. Tennessee Tech has been a remarkable place to develop my interpersonal skills and prepare myself for my professional career. Initially, it was tough for me because the education system was really different from that of my home country Nepal. However, this did not bothered me at all for my growth because of continuous support of my supervisors, faculty, and people around college of business and university. I am very happy to have attended graduate school at Tennessee Tech.

Check out this video on Graduate Assistantship possibilities at Tennessee Tech, featuring me!

Wings Up!

Shree Krishna Dangal, MBA ’16

tntech.edu/graduate