TCS partnered with the National Center for Atmospheric Research to secure a grant from the National Science Foundation to work with Minority Serving Institutions to attract and retain underserved students interested in a coastal or ocean career. The primary products of this grant were webinars and panel discussions on academic pathways or professional skills. This first event was “Ask Me About Grad School: A Conversation with Scientists”, which featured six current students or recent graduates of masters or doctoral programs. Their combined experiences provide insights on the costs and benefits of an advanced degree and some of the issues that complicate efforts to make the best decisions on whether to pursue a graduate degree.