Before you register for a specific program, find out if the institution provides job placement, and if so what percentage of their grads are hired in what time frame? Can they prove it?

Then take the most important step. Ask to speak with three of their recent grads. Talk with the past-students about the job market. How easy was it for them to find work with their newly-minted credentials? How much help did the school's placement office provide? How many job offers did they receive, and what salary range were they in? How happy are they in their new career?

This inquiry will give you a reality check and help you decide whether or not to go forward. Not taking another degree may be the best decision you ever make.

Suppose you do want to go forward. Then the degree must fit you, your natural abilities, and your long-term goals. You may want to become a physician executive because you think you'd like to run things. Your Birkman assessment will show you whether or not that is a good idea.

What kind of master's degree should you get? This quote from the American College of Physician Executives is right on target:

An ophthalmologist ended his private practice because of back surgeries. During his recovery, he attended law school and received a J.D. Being a people-person, he found practicing law too isolating and had to transition into a third career. You can avoid these kinds of side trips by avoiding any education that does not significantly add to your happiness and your marketability.

Remember, even if you complete an advanced degree with straight As, you will still be faced with a daunting question. Namely, how can I find a job? Rather than returning to school, it might make more sense to tackle the job market now, while you're younger and less financially burdened.

We tend to think more is better. But too many degrees behind your name can make you look unfocused, like you aren't really sure what you're trying to do. Multiple degrees can give you the appearance of riding your horse in all directions.

Academia values more degrees, but business values more real-world experience. Asking a school if you need their diploma is like asking the barber if you need a haircut.

Another degree can actually diminish your marketability.

Then there's the lost opportunity cost. Let's assume you decline the schooling option and take a $150,000 job instead. In two years you will have earned $300,000.

Now let's assume you begin a full-time two year master's program that costs $25,000. Your total investment in the degree will be $325,000 [the $300,000 lost wages, plus the price of the degree]. How long will it take to earn that back in your new job? Five to ten years, or more?