Professional Growth
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
Graduate School is an Apprenticeship
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
Perspective from a faculty member
As you begin, here are some strategies that that can help set you up for success (your success):
You Belong Here.
Some of you are the first in your families to earn a bachelor’s degree, and now you are going even further by pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. Some of you have moved hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from your families and communities to attend graduate school. A sense of belonging while you are in graduate school can greatly reduce both isolation and feeling like you will not be smart enough (a.k.a. imposter syndrome ).
We encourage you to reach out and connect with community – across and off campus – as this is vital to your success. It can be particularly helpful to find students, staff, and faculty with whom you have similar life experiences based on race, gender, ability, sexuality, economic background, or nationality. Connecting with community can also look like making time in your schedule to spend time with, Skype, or call loved ones to maintain your relationships with family and friends, especially if you moved to Washington for graduate school from another state or country. Connecting can also mean things like volunteering with local organizations and social movements in your city, as many of us care deeply about issues of equity and social justice.
Take It One Day at a Time.
Think about what you need to thrive each day. This can include making time for exercise, getting enough sleep, setting aside time for connecting with a friend or family member, and making sure you have enough time to get some work done. Take a look at your daily calendar and plan blocks of time where you can accomplish things from your priority lists and to-do lists, even while sustaining yourself. You might have bigger projects you want to (or need to) accomplish. Break those down into manageable and realistic tasks and do just a little bit on the project each day. Before you know it, you will have made progress.
Take Control of Your Schedule.
This may feel challenging when you have many demands on your time – perhaps classes, research obligations, work responsibilities, family life, etc. And yet, your calendar is your own. Make note of the essential elements in each day and then look for the spaces between other obligations. Even with a 15- or 30-minute time block, you can make progress on something important to you. Perhaps that is marking off one of the bite-sized tasks from your priority list (it can be energizing just to cross something off!), stretching or going for a walk, or just resetting with some needed down time. When time feels out of our control, it adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed. Take it back – time is yours.
Future Careers
No matter what career you plan to pursue after earning your graduate degree, being
proactive in the career development process and using your time strategically while
enrolled in graduate school will enhance your career success. Getting an early start
with the steps outlined below can prove instrumental to success, and can make the
difference between falling into a job because it’s available and finding an intentional match that meets your professional desires.
Orientation (beginning of your program)
Orient yourself to the career and professional development resources offered by:
- Your department
- The Career Center on your campus
- Alumni Association
- The Graduate School
- Counseling Center
- Library system
Many other centers, offices, and programs
Self assessment (beginning of your program and beyond)
Learn more about who you are and what you want out of life. It’s important to know your:
- Strengths
- Work & life values
- Decision-making style
- Interests
- Sources of motivation
- Geographic preferences
Career exploration (beginning and middle of your program)
Learn more about the career paths you are considering. Be sure to explore:
- Different employment sectors that offer careers that interest you (academia, corporate, non-profit, government, self-employment, etc.)
- A variety of job titles and responsibilities
- Salary and job outlook information
Additional Advice
You Are What You Study
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
You're The One Driving
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
There Are No Stupid Questions
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
The More You Risk, The More You Learn
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.
When You're Overwhelmed (Video)
Note: This video is used with permission from the University of Washington. The content is relevant to all graduate students.