a successful graduate student

A Successful Graduate StudentA Successful Graduate Student

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A Successful Graduate StudentA Successful Graduate Student

by by

Salih DuffuaaSalih DuffuaaProfessor of Industrial Engineering and Professor of Industrial Engineering and

Operations ResearchOperations Research

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline

• Definition of a successful graduate Definition of a successful graduate student.student.

• Nature of graduate School/ studiesNature of graduate School/ studies

• Measures of successMeasures of success

• Elements of success as a studentElements of success as a student

• Tips to be successful in researchTips to be successful in research

• Concluding remarks.Concluding remarks.

Successful Graduate StudentSuccessful Graduate StudentSuccessful Graduate StudentSuccessful Graduate Student

• Complete his program in time with a high GPA.Complete his program in time with a high GPA.• Complete his program in time with high GPA and Complete his program in time with high GPA and

publish from his thesis.publish from his thesis.• Complete his program in time with high GPA and Complete his program in time with high GPA and

publish from his thesis in first tear journals.publish from his thesis in first tear journals.• Complete his program in time with high GPA and Complete his program in time with high GPA and

publish from his thesis in first tear journals and publish from his thesis in first tear journals and conduct his departmental duties very well.conduct his departmental duties very well.

• Complete his program in time with high GPA , publish Complete his program in time with high GPA , publish from his thesis in first tear journals, conduct his from his thesis in first tear journals, conduct his departmental duties very well and help his colleagues departmental duties very well and help his colleagues

• ..

Graduate School Versus Undergraduate Graduate School Versus Undergraduate Graduate School Versus Undergraduate Graduate School Versus Undergraduate

The UndergraduateThe Undergraduate

• StudentStudent

• Breadth over depthBreadth over depth

• Recipient of knowledgeRecipient of knowledge

• Externally directedExternally directed

The GraduateThe Graduate

• From apprentice to expertFrom apprentice to expert

• Depth over breadthDepth over breadth

• Analyzer and creator of Analyzer and creator of knowledgeknowledge

• Self-directedSelf-directed

Source of this slide is : University of British Columbia Web Site.

What is the Purpose of What is the Purpose of Graduate Study?Graduate Study?


• To understand thoroughly and think critically about To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a particular academic fieldwhat is known in a particular academic field

• To learn how to conduct research in that field (and To learn how to conduct research in that field (and perhaps prepare for PhD study)perhaps prepare for PhD study)

• To begin affiliating with the academic community of To begin affiliating with the academic community of the fieldthe field

The primary purposes of research-oriented, thesis-based Master’s programs (e.g., MS, MA & MSc) are:


• To understand thoroughly and think critically about what To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a particular professional fieldis known in a particular professional field

• To master skills (including research / experimentation) To master skills (including research / experimentation) that are necessary for advanced practice in a particular that are necessary for advanced practice in a particular professional fieldprofessional field

• To enhance affiliation with the professional community of To enhance affiliation with the professional community of the fieldthe field

The primary purposes of professional Masters programs (e.g., MEd, MEng) are:




• To master the knowledge of a specific academic field – To master the knowledge of a specific academic field – and become prepared to teach that knowledge at the and become prepared to teach that knowledge at the university leveluniversity level

• To make an original contribution, through research, to To make an original contribution, through research, to the knowledge within a specific field (i.e. “create the knowledge within a specific field (i.e. “create newnew knowledge”) knowledge”)

• To establish oneself as an expert and leader within the To establish oneself as an expert and leader within the academic community of the fieldacademic community of the field

The primary purposes of Doctoral study (e.g., PhD) are:



Source of this slide: University of British Columbia Web Site.

Graduate School (GSGraduate School (GS))Graduate School (GSGraduate School (GS))

• Different than undergraduate. How? Personnel Different than undergraduate. How? Personnel characteristics expectationcharacteristics expectation

• MaturityMaturity• ResponsibleResponsible• IndependenceIndependence• MMotivationotivation

Graduate School (GS)Graduate School (GS)Graduate School (GS)Graduate School (GS)

• Different than undergraduate. How? Personnel Different than undergraduate. How? Personnel characteristics expectationcharacteristics expectation

• discipline discipline • EnthusiasmEnthusiasm• PerseverancePerseverance• ImaginationImagination• CreativityCreativity

Graduate SchoolGraduate SchoolGraduate SchoolGraduate School

• Different than undergraduate in learning outcomes. How? Different than undergraduate in learning outcomes. How? • Level of learning ( Blooms Taxonomy) Level of learning ( Blooms Taxonomy)

• KnowledgeKnowledge: arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, : arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state. name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state.

• ComprehensionComprehension: classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, : classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate, select, translate,

• ApplicationApplication: apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, : apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write. use, write.

• AnalysisAnalysis: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, : analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test. examine, experiment, question, test.

• SynthesisSynthesis: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, : arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write. prepare, propose, set up, write.

• EvaluationEvaluation: appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, : appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate.value, evaluate.


• Different than undergraduate. How? Outcomes:Different than undergraduate. How? Outcomes:• Level of learning ( Blooms Taxonomy) Level of learning ( Blooms Taxonomy)

• KnowledgeKnowledge: arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, : arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state. name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state.

• ComprehensionComprehension: classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, : classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate, select, translate,

• ApplicationApplication: apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, : apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write. use, write.

• AnalysisAnalysis: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, : analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test. examine, experiment, question, test.

• SynthesisSynthesis: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, : arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write. prepare, propose, set up, write.

• EvaluationEvaluation: appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, : appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate.value, evaluate.


• Different than undergraduate. How? Different than undergraduate. How? Research componentResearch component::

• ThesisThesis

• Learn the research process.Learn the research process.

• MayMay contribute to knowledge contribute to knowledge

• DissertationDissertation

• Perfect the research processPerfect the research process

• Contribute to and advance knowledgeContribute to and advance knowledge

Measures of success in GSMeasures of success in GSMeasures of success in GSMeasures of success in GS

• For Graduate SchoolFor Graduate School

• % of graduate students to total student population.% of graduate students to total student population.

• Graduate student per facultyGraduate student per faculty

• Success rateSuccess rate

• Completion rateCompletion rate

• Publication ratePublication rate

• Graduate student satisfaction rate .Graduate student satisfaction rate .

• For StudentsFor Students

• Degree cycle time.Degree cycle time.

• GPA.GPA.

• Number of publication during study period.Number of publication during study period.

• Job opportunities. Job opportunities.

Elements of Success in GSElements of Success in GSElements of Success in GSElements of Success in GS

• Understand requirements and expectationsUnderstand requirements and expectations::

• Degree requirements. Degree requirements. • Load requirements.Load requirements.• Graduation requirements.Graduation requirements.• Develop you degree plan early on first semesterDevelop you degree plan early on first semester

• Who can helpWho can help( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members, ( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members,

senior colleagues, university web)senior colleagues, university web)


• Identify available resourcesIdentify available resources::

• Laboratories . Laboratories .

• Other departments offeringOther departments offering

• Library.Library.

• Faculty interest.Faculty interest.

• Who can helpWho can help

( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members, senior ( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members, senior colleagues)colleagues)


• Be VisibleBe Visible::

• Department seminar . Department seminar . • Department activities.Department activities.• Be available at and after working hours in the department .Be available at and after working hours in the department .

• Hard workHard work• Nothing replace this quality.Nothing replace this quality.• Read moreRead more• Know moreKnow more• Do assignment on timeDo assignment on time• Excite your professors ( Below expectation, as expected, more Excite your professors ( Below expectation, as expected, more

than expected).than expected).


• Be TolerantBe Tolerant::

• Be a good team player by tolerating colleagues . Be a good team player by tolerating colleagues .

• Do not be sensitive to faculty behavior.Do not be sensitive to faculty behavior.

• Tolerate additional assignment by the department.Tolerate additional assignment by the department.

• Living and office conditions. Living and office conditions.

• Attend seminars and conferencesAttend seminars and conferences• Departmental and related departments.Departmental and related departments.

• Local, regional and international conferences.Local, regional and international conferences.


• Be proactiveBe proactive::

• Identify your area of interestIdentify your area of interest• Seek a professor early as a mentor or advisor .Seek a professor early as a mentor or advisor .• Seek additional work as a research assistant on projects Seek additional work as a research assistant on projects • Start preparing for your thesis early ( Use summers).Start preparing for your thesis early ( Use summers).• Offer your help to the chairman.Offer your help to the chairman.• Present your workPresent your work

• Who can helpWho can help

( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members, senior ( Graduate Advisor, chairman, faculty members, senior colleagues)colleagues)

Develop ExpertiseDevelop ExpertiseDevelop ExpertiseDevelop Expertise

• Take essential courses in the area (most likely Take essential courses in the area (most likely core courses).core courses).

• Support them by elective courses that develop Support them by elective courses that develop your expertise.your expertise.

• Have a coherent program.Have a coherent program.

• Do not take the easy path.Do not take the easy path.

Success in researchSuccess in researchSuccess in researchSuccess in research

• The research component in graduate study is the The research component in graduate study is the major difference between graduate and major difference between graduate and undergraduate.undergraduate.

• It is crucial to click into research by understanding It is crucial to click into research by understanding the research process and bringing your brain power the research process and bringing your brain power ( imagination intelligence, etc.( imagination intelligence, etc.

• At the beginning stages the role of the advisor is At the beginning stages the role of the advisor is crucial. crucial.

Be Observant Be Observant Be Observant Be Observant

• Keenly observe department norms and how Keenly observe department norms and how people interact and work together for daily people interact and work together for daily activities, departmental functions, as well as activities, departmental functions, as well as seminars you participate in. seminars you participate in.

• In your seminars, observe the types of questions In your seminars, observe the types of questions asked and how senior graduate students (and asked and how senior graduate students (and other faculty that may be attending the seminar) other faculty that may be attending the seminar) approach issues. approach issues.

• Note items of special interest that may be good Note items of special interest that may be good research topics for that seminar or for later research topics for that seminar or for later research projects. research projects.

Success in ResearchSuccess in ResearchSuccess in ResearchSuccess in Research

• Understanding the research processUnderstanding the research process• Learn it early in graduate courses through term Learn it early in graduate courses through term

papers.papers.

• Formulation of answerable questions and achievable Formulation of answerable questions and achievable extensions. extensions.

• Perseverance Perseverance

• Start early on:Start early on:• Second semester or first summerSecond semester or first summer

• Learn library and search skills.Learn library and search skills.

• Write review papersWrite review papers


• Selection of the advisorSelection of the advisor• ExpertiseExpertise

• ChemistryChemistry

• InterestInterest

• Selection of the thesis/dissertation topicSelection of the thesis/dissertation topic• Clear objectivesClear objectives

• Realistic objectives : Answerable questions.Realistic objectives : Answerable questions.

• See sample proposalsSee sample proposals

( Who can help: Graduate Advisor, Mentors, etc)( Who can help: Graduate Advisor, Mentors, etc)

Success in Research: Sources of Success in Research: Sources of Thesis/ProposalsThesis/Proposals

Success in Research: Sources of Success in Research: Sources of Thesis/ProposalsThesis/Proposals

Keep a research/ideas journalKeep a research/ideas journal

• Keep this focused on topics of most interest to you Keep this focused on topics of most interest to you from seminars, discussions, and readings; the seeds of from seminars, discussions, and readings; the seeds of your dissertation and further research might be in your dissertation and further research might be in here; keep your journal with you wherever you go. here; keep your journal with you wherever you go.

• Sources of thesis or dissertation: Review papers, Sources of thesis or dissertation: Review papers, Extension of term papers in courses, Department Extension of term papers in courses, Department thesis and dissertations.thesis and dissertations.

Managing the Research ProcessManaging the Research ProcessManaging the Research ProcessManaging the Research Process

Managing the processManaging the process• Know the graduate school rules, regulations, deadlines Know the graduate school rules, regulations, deadlines

and formsand forms

• Set weekly/monthly goals/ targetsSet weekly/monthly goals/ targets

• Meet weekly with the advisorMeet weekly with the advisor

• Get feedback early on by discussing your work with the Get feedback early on by discussing your work with the advisor and presenting it to the committee early onadvisor and presenting it to the committee early on

Writing and Presentation SkillsWriting and Presentation SkillsWriting and Presentation SkillsWriting and Presentation Skills

Develop your communication skillsDevelop your communication skills

• Take English writing course.Take English writing course.

• Have a writing colleagueHave a writing colleague

• Sharpen your presentation skills Sharpen your presentation skills


• Bring a professional approach to your studies and Bring a professional approach to your studies and interactionsinteractions

• Take workshops through the college of Take workshops through the college of Graduate Studies’ Professional Graduate Studies’ Professional Development Initiative. Development Initiative.

• Learn about research ethics and scholarly Learn about research ethics and scholarly integrityintegrity

• Attend conferenceAttend conference


• Join a research team group or project. Currently Join a research team group or project. Currently KFUPM has Research Groups.KFUPM has Research Groups.

• Networking: Networking: One of the most important skills you One of the most important skills you should be learning in graduate school is how to should be learning in graduate school is how to "network.'' Breaking into the research community "network.'' Breaking into the research community requires attending conferences, meeting established requires attending conferences, meeting established researchers, and making yourself known.researchers, and making yourself known.

•


• Seek balance and support in your life:Seek balance and support in your life:

• Remember that you have friends and family Remember that you have friends and family outside grad schooloutside grad school

• Seek out the many resources at KFUPM that Seek out the many resources at KFUPM that can help you through the tough timescan help you through the tough times

• Remember that this will be among the most Remember that this will be among the most inspiring and satisfying times in your lifeinspiring and satisfying times in your life

• And, because your mother isn’t here: “Get And, because your mother isn’t here: “Get enough sleep, make time for physical enough sleep, make time for physical exercise, and eat your healthy food.exercise, and eat your healthy food.

Further ReadingsFurther ReadingsFurther ReadingsFurther Readings

• http://unlmcnair.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/how-to-http://unlmcnair.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/how-to-be-a-successful-graduate-student-by-william-bauer/.be-a-successful-graduate-student-by-william-bauer/.

• http://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/~martel/293/http://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/~martel/293/• http://www.cs.indiana.edu/how.2b/how.2b.html. http://www.cs.indiana.edu/how.2b/how.2b.html.

How to be a good graduate student How to be a good graduate student byMarie byMarie desJardins e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected].

• http://hegis.umn.edu/res.htmhttp://hegis.umn.edu/res.htm• http://hegis.umn.edu/res_gradstudent.htmhttp://hegis.umn.edu/res_gradstudent.htm• http://www.siop.org/tip/april08/13tiptopics.aspx.http://www.siop.org/tip/april08/13tiptopics.aspx.• http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/publications/toolkit.pdf: http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/publications/toolkit.pdf:

Tools for success.Tools for success.

Discussion and QuestionsDiscussion and Questions

a successful graduate student

Documents

purpose of graduate

high gpa

professional community

academic community

particular academic

research experimentation

university levelto

specific academic field