11 Things I Learned In Graduate School
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Things I Learned In Graduate School

239
11 Things I Learned In Graduate School
Mary L. DeGuzman

This past semester was my first semester of graduate school and if you are thinking about graduate school, or are about to start, here are some things that I have learned throughout these five months.

Enjoy!

1. Time Management:

During this semester you will be swamped with papers, tasks, meetings, grading, researching, and going to class, which means that managing your time is essential.

2. Communicate:

Whether you are communicating with your professor, your students, or your peers, communication is needed in order to make anything go smoothly during this time.

3. Be Patient:

During these times, being patient is a crucial trait to have, because every task will take time and tedious, so being patient will make everything better.

4. Don't Freak Out:

There were many times, when I was frantic and I lost my composure, but being calm in all those situations made it a million times better.

5. Double Check Your Work:

Always, always, ALWAYS DO THIS before you do anything.

6. Always Ask Questions

Asking questions will only help you during these times. There are no stupid questions. The more questions, the better.

7. Be Vocal

Now this means to always let your professors know where you are in your program. They will have to keep up with your progress within the progress, so always reach out to them and talk to them every day in every step within your program.

8. Get To Know Your Peers and Professors

There is something different about being in your graduate program that you have to speak to your peers and professors, so while you are talking with them, get to know them also.

9. Work Out

Working out is just a good idea. Endorphins are a great thing, and they make you happy.

10. Have A Support Group

Having a consistent support group that you can talk with and go to, to vent out about anything that is going on, will make your experience in grad school more sane.

11. Call Your Mom Every Day

Your mom, or any parent will want to hear everything that you have done this semester and that you have made it through your first semester! Also, because she loves you, talk to her.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

37825
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113519
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments