Advice From Those Who’ve Been There
What Do You Want in a Grad Program?
by Stephanie Howell, Physics Graduate Student, University of Oregon
Deciding on a graduate program can be overwhelming, especially while juggling demanding coursework, research, or whatever else you may have on your plate before graduating. Of all of the advice I received, here’s what stuck with me the most:
1. What you plan to do after graduation matters. Are you hoping to go into academia? Industry? Teach high school? Ask yourself if the program you’re considering will adequately prepare you for your intended career path.
2. What you want to prioritize while in graduate school matters. Different programs have different cultures. Do you thrive
in a competitive environment, or do you prefer something more collaborative? Are you willing to meet the workload requirements for a demanding program, or are you looking for an environment with a stronger emphasis on work-life balance?
3. Where you live matters. If you’re planning to get a PhD, that will take roughly six years. You want to like where you live! If you’re given the opportunity to visit a prospective program, go and ask yourself, “Can I really see myself living here?”
Remember, your experience in graduate school is supposed to serve you. Make your decision based on what you feel is best for your needs, not what you think is expected of you!
Make the Most of your PhD Experience
by Marisa Petrusky, Aerospace Engineering Sciences PhD Candidate, University of Colorado Boulder
With respect to PhD programs, remember that you’re in it for the long haul! People say the typical time to complete a PhD is four to six years, but STEM candidates very rarely finish in four. Sometimes research will progress quickly, and other times you may be stuck for months. Both periods are equally important to the research process and to your personal growth as a scientist or engineer.
Be patient with yourself and your work. Try not to compare yourself to others or adhere to expectations of what you think a PhD program is going to be like. And, when possible, enjoy the perks of grad school life—exploring a conference location, auditing a class for fun, or making friends from all over the world. The work will always be there tomorrow!
Research Potential Advisors, and Know You’re Not Alone
by Brianna Hauke, Atmospheric Science Graduate Student, University of Wyoming
As you work on graduate school applications, figure out which advisors you wish to work with. What is their advis-ing style? How much time do they devote to their students? Are they very hands-on? Do they meet with students weekly or monthly? See if you can get information from current students as well; they may be more honest than professors about these questions. Also look into what the program requires of students. Some programs have dropped GRE requirements and qualifying exams.
As you work on graduate school applications, figure out which advisors you wish to work with. What is their advis-ing style? How much time do they devote to their students? Are they very hands-on? Do they meet with students weekly or monthly? See if you can get information from current students as well; they may be more honest than professors about these questions. Also look into what the program requires of students. Some programs have dropped GRE requirements and qualifying exams.
