Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS Navigating Graduate School and Beyond: Sow Well Now To Reap Big Later Introduction and Sowing

The world beyond exams and research Few professors have time to advise and mentor their students Advising is sometimes left to the post-docs Other professionals (academic and otherwise) become disillusioned with the process Some researchers and professors are successful lecturers and researchers Learning to navigate the career path can be the difference in success and disillusionment Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Why the need for the course? Students should have the necessary tools to be successful Advisors have a professional obligation to empower students beyond classes and research Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Problems facing many graduate students Do not know how to write a proposal Do not know how to prepare/manage a budget. Do not know what is expected of them after graduation. Do not have skills required for employment Communicating effectively Managing multiple projects Writing competitive proposals Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Proposal writing process Write Letters of Intent Draft 15-page proposal Review proposals of peers Understand the selection process Know what to do if proposal is selected or rejected Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Other issues facing graduate students Managing time and stress Presenting effective talks Managing your advisor Advising vs. mentoring Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Sowing Cast a Vision Do a S.W.O.T. Avoid the Resume Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Cast a Vision Map out a plan for your career Without a plan, you lose focus It’s never too late to plan Keep a journal Write down thoughts and notes Keep track of successes Know your destination Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Planning your career When should you start planning your career? Do you have a deliberate plan? What if you change your mind? Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Plan your career while in graduate school Think about where you want to be after graduation Have a game plan Keep focus Avoid becoming a wanderer It’s never too late to plan! Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Bad habits to avoid Squandering time Losing focus Failing to think about what a future employer wants Failing to empower yourself Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Keep a journal Career plans Successes Career-related ideas and information Strengths and weaknesses (S.W.O.T) Highs and lows Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Tips for career planning Think about career goals from first day of graduate school Prepare for employment from first day Spend an hour per week evaluating goals Map out actions to help you achieve your goals Write your vision, goals, and plans in a journal Talk to peers to help you set goals Discuss career plans and goals with a mentor Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Habits for a successful student Know your destination Drive toward the goal Ensure that graduate work will help you achieve your goals Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Sample Goal: University Professor Visualize yourself five years from now See what your potential employer sees Research Teaching Service Build your portfolio Remember: What you sow is what you reap Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Take home message Start planning your career when you enter graduate school Spend one hour per week mapping out strategies to help you achieve your goals Spend extra time on career thinking and preparation as you progress through graduate school Position yourself to launch into a successful career Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Journal Entry Record the job you want after graduate school List the types of knowledge, skills, and abilities you think you will need Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS

Food for thought Where would you like to be after graduation? What type of employment will you seek? What skills will it require? What do you think should be your career preparation steps? Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS