How to Succeed in Graduate School With Actually Trying (Part 3)
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.
Unless you are in a creative writing program, don’t workshop your writing with more than two other peers you really respect. Too many opinions render it useless. Moreover, most people don’t even know how to give feedback effectively.
Learn by example if you don’t understand how to do something, and the faculty are no help- li reviews, analyses, journal article formatting. On the other hand, there’s no reason you can’t find hundreds, if not thousands, examples to learn from.
Do not buy any textbooks. Even if you think you will use it later. Use your library’s interlibrary loan to get a copy. There are also (ahem) other ways to get copies on the internet that I will NOT tell you about if you ask.
Speaking of money, class and wealth shine bright. There is a common unity around not being paid a lot, but notice the people who go to multiple conferences each year, spend money on alcohol and meals, and visit family at every school break. One, don’t be that person. Second, if you do have the means to do all of the above, by all means, enjoy it. But be careful about how you present it. Do things with friends that don’t cost (too much) money. Walking! Time in the park! Hanging at someone’s house! All free.
Talk about your interests and what you want to do as much as you can without getting obnoxious. The more people that know what you want to do, the more people can think of you and recommend you for opportunities when they come up. (I have gotten a fantastic research assistant project and a full-time job because of this).
Faculty, no matter how accomplished, can be socially awkward. Don’t take it personally. Academics do not allow for healthy social hygiene.
Don’t wear sweats or pajamas to class. It was barely cute in undergrad. I don’t mean suits, but make it look like you are ready to be there and work. Even leisurewear is fine. But if you give a shit about your self other people will too. So invest in one good sweater and one good pair of jeans and make it a uniform.
Even though it may not be obvious, graduate students who have parents that are academics have a huge advantage. Not that these students aren’t smart and great, but know they will get ahead in a lot. (I never said grad school honored merit!)
Back to gossip: students gossip about each other, and faculty gossip about students. Just accept it.
Be aware of what you post publicly. Do not talk about students you teach or complain about faculty, even if you don’t name names. They will find out. Even if your profile is private, screenshots exist.