Thanks, Mark. I think graduate school has it’s merits, but it’s definitely not a perfect solution.

The pros are that a Master’s or PhD can get you connected with the research community, as well as force you to learn topics that you might not study otherwise. There is also a heavy bias towards graduate students when applying for entry level positions. Oftentimes companies use a master’s degree as assurance of a candidates merits. (Rightly so, there are thousands of people who claim to be versed in the skillset)

Cons are that when you enter graduate school you submit your learning to the course and pace of your institution. A lot of times this can rob the passion from a motivated self-learner.

There are other options to differentiate yourself like boot camps. But at this moment, a graduate degree (in my opinion) is a necessary evil for breaking in to the industry.