For most students, getting a Graduate Degree or Ph.D. can seem like an overwhelming task, especially considering the poor state of the economy. However, according to the School of Business, the benefits of continuing one’s educations can be immense.

The School of Business with cooperation from Beta Alpha Psi and the Illinois CPA Society will team up to present “What a Graduate Degree and Ph.D. Can Do For You” on Wednesday to teach students just how valuable these degrees can be in both the academic and business worlds.

Jay Shinde, assistant business professor, is one of the coordinators of the presentation.

“One of the best things about being a teacher is helping students achieve their potential,” Shinde said. “I have been wanting to do this for a while, and the Illinois CPA Society is sponsoring this event – so, we are finally doing it.”

Shinde will be speaking about the Ph.D. aspect of the program and said there are many misconceptions about getting a Ph.D. This includes the belief that a person must go through a master’s program before getting a Ph.D.

Shinde wants to also debunk the misconception that earning a Ph.D. is always an expensive process. He said 99 percent of Ph.D. programs are funded and cost student very little to participate.

He said benefits can be extremely great as well, such as making an average of three times as much as person who only gets a Bachelor’s Degree.

John Willems, coordinator of graduate business studies, will be speaking about the benefits of getting a Master’s degree.

Willems said he was invited to speak at the program by Shinde, but he knows just how valuable getting either or both of these degrees can be.

The average starting salary offered to recent MBA graduates in 2010 nearly doubled the salary offered to undergraduate students, according to a recent survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council.

“Employees with graduate degrees have the skills that give them a greater ability to advance in their careers,” he said.

Willems and Shinde agree that the presentation will be beneficial to all who attend.

“Given the extremely competitive job market students need to know about all of their options about what to do after completing their undergraduate degrees,” Willems said.

Often, even students who are talented academically overlook the option of continuing their education by attending graduate school, he said.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday in Lumpkin Hall Auditorium from 5p.m. to 6 p.m.

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-7942 or alwywialowski@eiu.edu.