Career Pathways Discussion

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Hi, Sam. I enjoyed taking classes here and there before I officially returned to school in a grad program. I was able to take some good ones without being officially enrolled, mostly one class at a time while I was working full time. I got the benefits of thinking and learning and exploring without the commitment to a program. I did eventually commit to a Master's program, but maybe you would not decide to do that.

-- Chloe Maher

The goal ultimately is lifelong learning. So, ideally, what we mostly learn at any level is curiosity and the tools to deal with it. The 13th Century roots of the University as an institution are reflected in the guild structure of graduate school. The apprentice presented to the members of the guild a piece of work--a thesis--that showed he (in the medieval day) could produce to guild qualities and so become a Master. But then of course then and now scholars continue to produce knowledge having shown that they can. So even graduate education is also about lifelong learning.

Lots of ways to lifelong learning, whether it be credentialed or not. Chloe's idea is great. Book clubs, writing circles, music societies, using the resources of a University (lecture series, plays, music, films--I'm doing that for a group of honors students next fall), etc etc are other ways. It's important that it be social and interactive. But the point is that even if/when you went to graduate school, you'd still be on the prowl to find ways to sate your curiosity.

-- Kim Kleinman