Obviously with the upcoming graduation in December nearing, I have been thinking more and ore about my future. I have sent out a handful of resumes and cover letters, and I've heard back from some and not others. Mainly I have been trying to take what I am learning at my internship and apply it to the "real world." Everyday I come here, I learn more and more. I know that, someday, I want to be the "big shot" in an organization (public or private), but have realized that there is a lot to still learn. While thinking about that, I had been looking more seriously into Graduate School. I always knew that eventually I would want to go back to get my Masters degree, but I didn't want to do it right after school. I wanted to get some experience, and then go back. After looking at some of the classes offered for a Graduate degree in Public Administration, I decided that it would be very beneficial to continue my education now. I think right now is a good time--I'm not really grounded. In a few years, it will be harder to pick things up and go back to school. Besides, I like my school, program, and professors so much that I want to do it in Grand Forks. Josh told me...even before I started thinking about grad school...that he wanted to stay in the area for awhile longer because things are going well for him at his job. So I think it's the perfect time.
So now I applied, got 3 recommendations, and next Friday I will take the Graduate Records Exam in Fargo. I have been studying a little bit, but I guess I have three other school tests next week! So next week will be a little bit stressful. I was really nervous for the test, because I am not the greatest at standardized tests, but one of the professors that I talked to in my program said that it's a small factor in determining whether or not a student gets into grad school. I feel a little bit better, but I still want to do well. The test is computerized, which will be nice because I will be able to see my score right away for all of the sections except for the essay portion. That will help ease my anxiety. After that, I just have to wait for the scores to be mailed to the graduate school at UND, and see if I am accepted.
Wish me luck!