Structuring your early career as a graduate student THINGS I WISH SOMEBODY WOULD HAVE TOLD ME AT THE START

Agenda for the session 1.First, take a moment of appreciation 2.Major differences from undergrad 3.Independence 4.Involvement 5.Self-care 6.Online presence 7.Student resources 8.Research 9.Changing 10.Tips and tricks 11.Open questions and answers

Congratulations!

Why I went to graduate school…

Top 5 Reasons to love graduate school 1.Teaching 2.Learning new and interesting things in my field 3.Imagining the options your continuing education will unfold 4.Meeting new people 5.Contributing to society

Major differences from the undergraduate experience Expect a change in ◦Difficulty level ◦Self-directed method of learning ◦Limitations in frequency of course offerings ◦Program of study ◦Scheduling ◦Planning, saying “no”

Graduate School: The Modern Time Warp

Independence You got yourself here, you will get yourself through Advocating for yourself Being on your own/independent Autonomy Source: illustrationsource.com

The importance of involvement This is a MUST! Don’t wait to live until grad school is over ◦Grad school is still a part of your life: LIVE IT! Get involved ◦On campus, and off campus within the community ◦Graduate Student Government ◦Networking ◦Departmental gatherings ◦Honors societies

Self-care ◦Scheduling time for it ◦Know when to “clock out” ◦Health on campus ◦Counseling center (928) ◦Health services (928) ◦Practicum lab (928)

Being a Grad Assistant -Remember YOUR education comes first! -But ALSO remember that teaching is a very Important job.

NAU Student resources Cline library Health and Learning Center Student Technology help Counseling Center Practicum lab Faculty Mentors Graduate College Graduate Assistantships Writing Center Computer Labs Departmental Administrative Assistants

Writing your thesis Start thesis topics early (aka now) Pick a thesis advisor Do the thesis in sections

Keep in mind The Impostor Syndrome ◦(Clance & Imes, 1978) Change is okay, and expected Talk with faculty, objective mentors, counselors, etc If you are going to change, try to change early Change happens ◦Changing emphasis areas ◦Changing programs ◦Changing schools ◦Taking a break

Assorted tips and tricks Ask for help when you need it! Reinvent yourself SAVE EVERYTHING!!! ◦Utilize cloud storage, save syllabi University politics ◦Involvement with a committee Plan when you will be done. Stick to it. Explore Flagstaff