navigating graduate student life: advice from your peers

“NAVIGATING GRADUATE STUDENT

LIFE” Advice from your

Peers

Presented by:

I-Cubed: Graduate Student Advisory Committee

August 13th 2012

Who are We?

The Innovation through Institutional Integration (I-Cubed)

Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), a group of students dedicated to enhancing the

graduate education experience at the University of Florida.

Melodia

I just realized that we didn't mention GSAC??? Should we distinguish GSAC and I-cubed?

What is I-Cubed?

Innovation through Institutional Integration (I3) at UF

Began January 2009 and is a five year program.

$1 Million National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant

The Mission of I-Cubed at UF is: to transform graduate research-based education at the University of Florida through an integrative and interdisciplinary program that links various programs on campus to achieve synergies in education, research and professional development

A collaborative effort to enhance your graduate

experience.

I3

Resource HubWebsite with funding updates and

opportunities continuously disseminated to grad students

Research & Teaching Grants

Organize Graduate Student Research Day and other professional development activities

Program EvaluationProvide feedback to improve existing professional

development opportunities

WorkshopsIdentify missing elements in

graduate student training

What Does I-Cubed Do?Through its collaborative efforts, I-Cubed provides four main resources to enhance the graduate education experience at UF:

REFLECTION:

List some worries or concerns that come to mind about graduate school.

I-Cubed’s top 10 things to consider in order to succeed in graduate school

Graduate School can be challenging……We want to share some lessons learned!

Form Your Committee1

1. The PhD committee is typically formed before your proposal in your 1st or 2nd year * (This varies by department so it is important to FIND OUT!)

2. Forming your committee is a VERY IMPORTANT step in your graduate education!

3. Your committee members decide if you graduate…

4. Variation in their evaluation method for graduation

5. Who makes up the committee?a) Advisor (normally chair of the committee) is still most importantb) Other faculty (internal and external to your department)c) Present the expertise necessary for your PhD research

6. What should you do when selecting committee members?a) Interview faculty, find out their interests – you are more likely to succeed if you have similar interests as your

committee membersb) Have they demonstrated a willingness to assist?c) Is it someone who you can respect?

8. Be strategic with your picks. They must compliment each other but be able to advance your research.

• For additional information you can visit the UF Graduate School website -> Personnel and Policy ->Roles and Responsibilities of Graduate Faculty

AND • The Graduate Student Handbook!

Form Your Committee1

Attend Conferences2 Conferences are important because:a) They keep you up to date with trends in your fieldb) They allow you to networkc) Important for post-graduation plans!

Attending conference requires money. You can find funding through GSC, the Graduate School, your department, national student organizations

Build Transferable Skills in your Tool Box3When you select courses, attend workshops, or participate in organizations you should think about what

skills you will obtain that will make you marketable post-graduate school.

You Rule! But Know the Rules4

While graduate school will provide you with the opportunity to create a program distinct to you interests, there are rules at every level (committee, department, college, and graduate school) that guide that creation process.

In addition to being familiar with the rules you should find people that support you (at every level and also outside academia).

Money, Money, and Money5

Graduate school is expensive. Funding is very important not only for tuition and research but for food, rent, and health insurance.

Be flexible and seek opportunities for funding if you are only partially supported.

Look for TA-ships, graduate and undergraduate teaching opportunities, curriculum development. They all pay.

Just remember that acquiring and maintaining funding also has its own rules so make sure that you are familiar with those rules also.

Develop Relationships with Advisors, Others Faculty…..etc.6

INTERACTING

Develop Relationships with Advisors, Others Faculty…..etc.6

Mentors, guides, and helpers come from the most unlikely places - Be open!

1. Advisors have a stake in your successa) They want you to succeed just as much as you want tob) You both need to be clear about expectations

2. Utilize your committee members!a) They have experience that can benefit your graduate studies

3. Advisors are busy!a) Appreciate the time you have scheduled with advisors/committee

membersI. Respond promptlyII. Be proactive

4. Be realistic about goalsa) Don’t overpromiseb) Think in terms of deliverables

Present and Publish7

Present and Publish71.You work hard during graduate school and should be proud of

your work

2.Presenting and publishing your work allows you to get feedback on your research early

3.It creates great networking opportunities

4.It gets your name out!a)Will help with finding funding and jobs

5.Could be your ticket to faculty jobs and post docs

Attend training workshops by the Career Resource Center (CRC), Libraries, and I-Cubed8

Attend training workshops by the Career Resource Center (CRC), Libraries, and I-Cubed8UF offers TONS of workshops, training opportunities, and seminars to help you through the tough times.

Examples:• I-Cubed sponsored “Presentation Boot Camp”• How to apply for an NSF Graduate Research

Fellowship• Expanding the Teaching Toolbox• How to write a good interdisciplinary proposal

If you are not sure what is going on, check out the I-Cubed website!

Consider Internships9

Consider Internships9

1.Internships or any opportunity that provides industry or academic experience outside of the classroom or your home lab.

2.These real world experiences help to build your tool kit and identify what type of career you want after grad school (industry, academia, national lab)

3.Valuable work experience

4.If you have questions about where to get started visit the Career Center, attend conferences, and of course check out the I-Cubed website.

Work Smart, Work Hard10 1. Your graduate school education journey may be long and filled with

obstacles, challenges, and distractions but you can find ways to make it easier.

2. Be strategic when you are scheduling classes, choosing assignments, and presenting papers.

3. Remember to enjoy life. Work/Life balance is the most challenging part of the process.

Participate in Graduate Research Day

Oct. 23rd 2012Check out the website, stop by our table, or ask us for

more details!

GET STARTED NOW!

Make a list of things you want to accomplish while you are

here at UF.

Identify who/what you want to become at the end of this

process.

Start building your support networks.

Stay in touch with us! HAVE FUN

& ENJOY LIFE!!!!!!!

Thank You for Coming.Welcome to the Gator

Nation!!

navigating graduate student life: advice from your peers

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