COMMON MYTHS ABOUT
GRADUATE SCHOOL

Let's start by clarifying some myths people have regarding graduate school. Being a research facility, many of our researchers have graduate school experience...so who better to help set the record straight?

Myth: Graduate school is expensive.
Reality: Through designated scholarships, foreign student fee waivers and access to funding programs and industry sponsors, Masters and Ph.D. students researching at MIRARCO may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, Graduate Teaching Assistantships and other funding. With careful budgeting, you may graduate with little to no debt at all.

Myth: A graduate degree would take me too long to complete, and the work is too difficult.

Reality: A graduate degree is not meant for everyone, that's what makes you unique in the possibility of obtaining one. Most Masters and doctorate degrees can be completed while working. And what about the "difficult" part? Realize that a Masters degree encompasses broader studies in a specific field, whereas a Ph.D. develops new knowledge in a much more specific niche within that field. If there is a topic or field you have a passion for, then the research becomes fun!

Myth: People with their Masters or Ph.D. degrees focus solely on academics.

Reality: The applied research environment facilitates a hands-on team approach. You will become a project or team leader, an active team member, a mentor, an innovative thinker, an expert presenter. You will be responsible to help design and execute hands-on, cutting-edge research.

Myth: If you have a Masters or Doctorate degree you become too specialized and limit your job opportunities.

Reality: It is true that having a post-graduate degree means that you have more information in a specialized area, but think of that as a good thing and not a negative in terms of job opportunities. In research firms like MIRARCO we are always looking for qualified and capable people to take the lead roles on a multitude of potential projects.

Myth: Graduate studies typically lead to huge debt!

Reality: There are opportunities both at the Masters and the Doctorate level for major funding through scholarship and other bursaries. On top of the scholarships and bursaries available there are many jobs that compensate you while studying towards a masters or Ph.D., (e.g. MIRARCO).

Taking that step towards further education is not for everyone, but the extra letters you're adding behind your name are significant and can lead to: greater income, greater mobility and a sense of independence. If you are interested in furthering your education in the fields of: geomechanics and mine design, environmental monitoring and management, technology development, mine optimization, data integration, modeling or simulation - then MIRARCO may be the place for you!

Take a look at our website at www.mirarco.org, or go ahead and fill out a graduate student application form.