Does experience matter in postgraduate studies?

Not so long time ago, I had one of the undergraduate students asking me for an advice concerning her future plans after graduation. She could not decide if she should enroll in the postgraduate degree right after graduation or work some time and then continue her education. This was the thought I was having in my mind for a long time, and I even remember that we had discussions with some of my groupmates about the usefulness of experience for postgraduate studies. In my opinion, there are advantages and disadvantages of both pathways.

Enrolment in the postgraduate degree right after the undergraduate degree has a number of advantages, including active mode of learning, ability to fully devote your time and energy to studies, and openness to new ideas, experiences and challenges. More specifically, as a fresh graduate from the undergraduate degree your study skills are well trained and fresh which contribute to active mode of learning, and you are full of energy and enthusiasm to learn new things, and you enjoy challenges of your studies. Moreover, you will be one of the very young high profile specialists when you graduate, which gives you good opportunities in finding your dream job. On the other hand, there might be disadvantages, such as, disconnection from reality due to no or insufficient experience, less abilities in connecting theory to practice, as well as less focused in finding out the area of interest in comparison to individuals with more experience.

As for advantages of the enrolment in the postgraduate degree after a few or several years of work experience, they include the high ability to connect studies to reality, and better focus in choosing the area of interest. In other words, the familiarity of these individuals with the existing situation in the field and experience places them in better position in making judgements about value of information, arguments or methods, in applying theories or concepts to practical problems, as well as in choosing their area of interest. However, there are a number of disadvantages as well. More specifically, since there is a gap between their last study experience and the current one, it might require them some time to recover their study skills and be active in their learning mode. Also, if they have busy personal life, such as household duties and/or children, or some other obligations, it restricts their ability to fully concentrate on studies. They need to be highly efficient and effective in managing their time. Moreover, their experience might lead them to challenge new ideas which can be both good and bad. It is good if by challenging they offer better practical decisions to problems. But it is also possible that it restricts their openness to new things and experiences.

In conclusion, I would like to add that there is no single right answer to this question. Each one of us has its own reasons for choosing either one of the pathways. These reasons can derive both from professional and/or personal interests, or just different life situations. Therefore, whatever you choose it should meet your individual circumstances and interests. It should also be noted that the above mentioned arguments are my opinion only, and I’m open to your suggestions or examples from life. What is your opinion on this topic? Do you agree with the above arguments? Can you think of other advantages and disadvantages for the value of experience in postgraduate studies or vice versa?