Job prospects for recent college graduates are pretty grim, and students across the nation are looking to continue their education in hopes of better placement in the labor market.

And while it’s important to explore your options when college graduation is near, it is important to look before you leap into graduate school, the experts warn.

“Ask yourself how can this benefit you,” suggests Kelly Harrington, career coach and president of Career Max Group Harrington. “What would success look like after spending two to four years in extra schooling? Are you ready and willing to devote yourself to the heavy work load, and do you have the time and energy to follow through?”

Graduate school is an expensive purchase and time-consuming process, here are four tips to help determine if it is the right move for you.

Get Your Mind in the Right Place

The experts agree, if you can afford it, it’s a good time to continue your learning, because employment is low and competition is high.

But ‘just cause’ is not a reason to go.

“Graduate school is intended to begin with a purpose,” says Bari Norman, certified educational planner. “It should be a way to the next level.”

You also shouldn’t enroll in graduate school because the labor market is too scary, the experts say.

“Most of us in school, from first grade to graduate school, are conditioned to wait for things to happen,” said Dr. Adele Scheele, career expert and best-selling author of Skills For Success and Jumpstart Your Career in College. “We found out what was expected of us, gave it a try and waited for a response. We assume graduate school will launch us to a guaranteed success, but nothing is further from the truth.”

Define What Success Means to You

After getting your mind prepared for more schooling, define what success means to you.

“Not everyone has to go, but if you are called to graduate school, you have to ask yourself what success in your program is,” Harrington said. “For some, success is getting the grades to graduate, but for others, it’s about expanding your network, meeting people to further your career and building professional relationships.”

Narrow Your Interests

Choosing your specific area of expertise is crucial when entering graduate school, because it could limit your job prospects in the future.

Graduate school should be used to bring your expertise to the next level or make a career switch.

“Graduate programs can help your careers, but you have to be aware that it will limit your spectrum,” says Norman. “While you are increasing your opportunities through those you meet, you are knocking out others by choosing a specific career path.”

Scheele said once you narrow your preferred area of study, choose projects and papers that will interest you, which could lead to interviews and company meetings at potential employers.  

“Pick a subject you enjoy that will lead you to new ideas and opportunities,” says Scheele. “You want to develop a strong connection with your future career.”

Once Your In, Make the Most of it

Upper-level education is not only a time to hit the books, but to expand your social and professional networks. “If you use it properly, you will come out with a larger skill set and be  prepared for the real world,” claims Norman.

Scheele recommends using every outlet offered by the school to get ahead in your program and fully benefit from all it has to offer.

“Don’t depend on your professors to discover your hidden talents,” says Scheele. “Get to know them, read their research, volunteer to help with their work and put forth the effort to make a solid connection with them. This can result in a future internship or position.”

Volunteer in programs that can provide you with introductions and networking opportunities.

“You want to come off as assertive, creative and a leader,” advises Scheele. “It proves you can do more than follow directions and shows you have a special spirit about you.”

The experts agree graduate school may not be for everyone, but it has a great deal of advantages.