1. Work Life Balance
Family & Work. If you have both family and a job, you will a lot of demands on your time. However, it is possible for you to complete grad school while being able to maintain your other responsibilities. If you have a busy work schedule, remember many schools offer a variety of night or on-line courses. Communicate with management the benefit of you going to graduate school. Doing this will allow them to be more flexible with your work schedule. Also it is important that you inform your family and friends that you won’t have the free time that you use to have. Establish your time boundaries and don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help when needed.
School. Remember that your writing & classes must be a priority. Recognize that thinking, writing & analysis is NOT multi-tasking. Get free from distractions. It’s okay to put your cell phone on ‘do not distrub’. Graduate school is a job, dedicate real time to it.
Do not Forget. Sleep, nutrition, exercise & managing your stress. It is important that get you get adequate sleep. Yes you know may now be busier than ever, however depriving yourself of sleep not only decreases the quality of your work or your concentration, it could also bring on possible long-term health effects. Also incorporating other things such as good nutrition and regular exercise will help your mood and stamina. If you find managing your stress becoming difficult, look for social support from friends, family and even your professors. Take advantage of the school’s health and counseling services. Consider setting time for meditation or prayer, it helps!!!
Set Goals & Priorities. Only you know how you truly work. Make realistic goals. Communication is important. Keeping communication open, helps with your goal-setting and enables you to prioritize better.
Communicate. If I didn’t mention communication is important, then I will again. Communicate, communicate, communicate!!! No one can possibly know what is on your mind. If you find yourself struggling or needing help, let people know. Talk with your professors, family and friends. You will find more people want to see you succeed than fail.
2. Embracing Critique While Taming Your Inner Critique
Critique is essential to success. Listen to it. You can learn from someone critiquing your work. Don’t take things personal. Put it to best use to improve your work, then get over it and move on. Embrace critique, but caution with criticism.
Tame your “Inner Critic”. Overcome the impostor syndrome. Many graduate students start to doubt themselves and their ability when they start graduate school. Don’t let this happen to you. Remember you deserve to be here. Don’t focus on being perfect, focus on the value that you will bring.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. – C.S. Lewis
3. Resilience – How to Bounce Back.
Resilience is essential. You have to be realistic, you are not seeking the Nobel Prize!! Be flexible and know how to deal with conflict. Seek support. Deal with failure lessons learned. If you fall, get back on that bike and only stop at the top. Be a change agent.
4. Writing is NOT a 4 Letter Word!
Writing your way to success. Prioritize time for creativity, research and writing. Write early and often. Schedule 1 – 2 hours of dedicated time on a regular basis. Remember no distractions. Write and show as you go. Get feedback often. Get assistance, reach out to your writing lab or librarian if you get stuck.
5. Communicating and Networking
I know, I know. Here we go again with communication. It’s important!!!
Sometimes graduate students feel a bit lonely in graduate school. Find those who can share and encourage you on this new venture. You can learn from your colleagues as well as your peers. Don't be afraid to network with new people, this could definitely benefit you upon graduation. Also look into joining or forming a study group or club. Going to conferences that are associated with your field of study is another great way to network and get to know people. Don’t be afraid to ask for business cards or even give out yours when you meet someone. You never know how that person can help you down the line and vice versa.
6. Know yourself; Know your adviser
Establish communication rapport early with the faculty and your adviser. Find out the best way to contact them, however remain respectful of their time and space. Regular contact is more important than frequent contact. When you schedule a meeting, be prepared. Leave with knowing what is expected of you.
7. Tracking Your Success – Portfolio to Professional
Tracking your success. Start now! An organized portfolio will be a great way to jump-start your future career or if you are prepared to enter a doctoral program. It is a good idea to document your accomplishments. Keep track of your courses, award/recognitions, papers and presentations. You can gain creative ideas from the university’s faculty, workshops or the career center. This is an opportunity where you can showcase your creativity as well as your hard work.