The type of burnout I write about is mainly for those experiencing burnout in school, whether you’re an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral level student. Of course there are other types of burnout as well, like with work, or organizing, romantic relationships, etc., and the list goes on. But I talk about school burnout specifically because […]
I am thinking about the future, which is not something I’m good at.
Part of the core requirements in my graduate program is to take an advanced mediation class which focuses primarily on, mindfulness. I kid you not, it’s like the perfect program for hippies-turned-academics or academic hippies, like myself.
It’s that time of year when students and professor return to college classrooms to, gods willing, learn something to take out into the world. Last semester became an extended learning moment for me when I agreed to become a graduate assistant for one of my professors. Like many graduate assistants, my duties included creating and […]
The other day, I noticed that I had an email waiting for me in my inbox titled, “Loan Management Made Easy” from Fedloan Servicing. Throughout my time in school, I have been successful in avoiding any messages, email or snail mail, that have to do with my student loans. Until this dreaded day.
I am thinking of going to business school. And I have been surprised by the reactions I have received each time I have shared this aspiration. In other words, I have gotten one reaction: surprise.
So guess what! If you decided to start on the bizarre journey that is graduate school, you’re about to face the full reality of that decision. Are you ready? Have you girded your loins and put on your thinking helmet? Here are some tips to help get you prepared for the incredibly slowly unfolding adventure […]
For some reason, I am mildly enamored with life advice/self-help essays and seminars. Maybe it is because these essays distill years of experience into highly concentrated, sometimes over-simplified advice. Maybe it’s because I like seeing how others interpret their paths to success, what they identified as holding them back, and what they think can lead […]
Official graduate school acceptances are flying through the (e)mail like so many focused pigeons. If you spent your fall and winter honing your cover letter, resume, and essay, this is a particularly exhilarating and stressful time of year. After all, soon you will have to choose which program is right for you, if any. So […]
This space is for discussion about the experiences of women in academia. I try to provide a broad perspective, but as a lone scientist, unless I hand the microphone over to some other brilliant people, I am only really providing one. Enter Dr. Carly Kocurek, a newly-minted PhD in American Studies. Recently, she reflected on […]
Grandma Philososaurus is apparently infamous for this phrase. Unfortunately, I appear to be the only grand child who didn’t hear these words of advice, and perhaps the one most in need of them. I started my MA program at my dream school three semesters ago. I’m nearly done now. I’ve established myself socially, traveled abroad […]
Welcome! I hope you’re settling in OK. Whether you’re sharing an office with a whole gaggle of fellow grad students, or you’re living in the lap of luxury, AKA a quiet place to call your own, get settled down. Put up some pictures. Get your chair angled just right. Find the best coffee place and […]
No matter how well prepared someone is for starting graduate school, some surprising obstacles and challenges pop up along the path to that MA or Ph.D. I asked six graduate students what unexpected challenges they face, and their responses, ranging in topic from surprising fees to disillusionment with the grad school culture are illuminating.
In our first Grad School: 101 post, Kim left a question in the comment section that is a perfect segue into this week’s topic: researching graduate programs.
This week we’re talking about extra-curricular research and activities in Grad School: 101. And really, I cannot emphasize enough just how important that first point is.