1. Should I go to graduate school?

2. What’s it like? It can be very rewarding.

3. What’s it like? It can be an adventure.

4. What’s it like? “But I am very poorly today and very stupid and hate everybody and everything.” -Charles Darwin, 1861 It can be incredibly frustrating.

5. Will I get a job after grad school? In 2013, doctoral-level scientists had unemployment rate of 2.1% (below national average of 6.3%)

6. Will I get a job after grad school? Data from University of Tennessee-Knoxville EEB

7. Advice from science Twitter

8. How do I pay for it? Very different from undergraduate Look for programs with tuition remission, stipends (usually through assistantships), health insurance Yearly stipends typically small (~$25k)

9. How do I pay for it? National Science Foundation data on graduate debt by field

10. When do I apply? To start grad school fall 2016, application deadlines are as early as December Now (or earlier): look into different grad programs contact potential grad advisors

11. How do I select a graduate program?

12. How do I contact potential grad advisors? NOPE!

13. How do I contact potential grad advisors? Why are you interested in this person’s work? Explain how your goals fit with their research program. Outline your plans and timeline. Attach your (up-to-date) CV! NOPE!

14. How do I contact potential grad advisors?

15. When do I apply? To start grad school fall 2016, Now (or earlier): look into different grad programs contact potential grad advisors Soon: take the GRE write personal statement contact faculty for letters of recommendation

16. Applications: the personal statement Advice from UC Berkeley Career Center:

17. Resources for more information See my website: williamsmicrobegenomelab.wordpress.com