How to Succeed in Graduate School With Actually Trying (Part 2)
I see many incoming graduate students asking for advice on Twitter, and I am here to give you the real deal. (Turns chair backward and straddles it). A lot of the official advice is not helpful and is way too general. Even more, I’ll stretch it out over a week. I can’t blow your mind in one sitting. So take my advice, or don’t. I think I’ve done pretty well for myself so far. “Graduate School” is a social construct and means different things to different people. I also am extremely privileged and more prepared in life to face challenges.
“Networking” is not a fixed thing; no one uses it the same way. So if you are not shaking hands or making coffee dates and “informational interviews,” don’t worry. Instead, find the way that works best for you.
Don’t rely on the kindness of friends to edit. Pay for a copy editor when needed.
Go to as many events as you can, especially sponsored by your department. Even if you go at the beginning and make sure you are seen. You may not care about the subject, but people (faculty, other students) will notice that you are there, and it will pay off.
Imposter Syndrome (at least the way we use it now) is a myth. It’s a way to blame the victim for feeling bad about themselves. The line “no, you deserve to be here! You are good enough!” makes it seem It's your fault for not having confidence, not the systematic issues and culture that make people feel like shit, especially people of color and first-gen students. I don’t mean to minimize the actual feelings, but resist seeing this as yet another flaw.
Going further: maybe you don’t “deserve” to be there. Maybe you were admitted as a favor or as a fluke. Maybe you did present yourself as more competent in your application. No one deserves it- grad student is a playground for the privileged. People rarely get in based on merit anyway. But you are there now, so learn as much as you can.
Working faster does not mean someone is better or more intelligent.
Faculty are experienced and can help, but you don’t always have to believe their feedback in your heart, but do what they say to get the grade/approval/publication. Don’t make things harder on yourself. You’ll be able to write what you want and how you want after you graduate.
Do not do any labor for free. Do not do any labor for free. This includes TAing a class, mentoring someone, and especially planning a student conference for your department. “Looking good on your CV” is not enough. It’s exploitative and takes the responsibility off the program to build their program. If the department wants a conference to be organized, they can hire a GA. If they want an ambassador/mentor for new students, give them a stipend. Of course, there are exceptions: one-time opportunities or something that does not prevent you from doing your paid work. Resist the temptation to be someone’s research assistant for free. If you are interested in their work, shadow them a few times, but you should not have any responsibilities.
Speaking of work, get a job even for a few hours. It keeps you on schedule and grounded. Work somewhere on campus that is less brainpower, like a front desk or cashier. No one is above working any job. Grad students will complain about being poor but think they are above taking most hourly wage jobs. Bonus if you can get a job where you can also get some reading done; many campus jobs are like this. I attribute my success in class to my low-stakes hourly job.