Dal PhDer

I agree with Marshall! I was thinking a bit more about this, and I really feel my UG experience did not prepare me for Graduate school...for me, it was a completely different experience. The structure of it was different, the expectations were higher, the quality of work you're expected to put forth is greater, you'll have to balance/juggle a lot more responsibilities...it was just completely different. I really felt that the 'type' of work I had to do, changed drastically from UG... It might have been different and a bit more difficult...but totally worth it! And I enjoy graduate school much more than UG.

Grad school has deteriorated my entire body. I have horrible vision that didn't start until my 3rd year of my UG, and has gotten drastically worse since I started my masters. I certainly notice dry eyes and headaches from computer reading the most- I'm pretty sure my eyes are going to turn into tiny little squares soon. I've also noticed a big change in my posture - with lost of shoulder, back, neck, and jaw problems...caused from working at a desk so much and being tense/stressed...not to mention the 90lbs of books/articles/computers I carry around daily.

I certainly think it's a great idea to be more involved with professors- I truly believe that's the way to get the most of the grad school experience. You will probably find that after or before class is a great way to start chatting with your professors. I know I was really surprised my first few classes that the prof would come in 10-15 min early and just chat the students up. Just building a rapport is great. Also, engage in the discussions in class and challenge things- show you can think outside the box and that you have your own opinion...bring in additional materials to class that link into what is being taught. Also, what people said about getting feedback on papers is really important. I never felt comfortable just 'dropping' by- but that's just my personality. I would do to the prof after class as say "I have a few questions about the assignment, would we be able to talk today or tomorrow about it?" ...if they say 'drop by during office hours' then you know that they are okay with students doing that. Or they might say 'email me to set up'..To me, that was the most comfortable way to engage with them. As others said- don't force it..be yourself, open for discussion and wanting to learn. I think if you're in grad school you've already shown that you different than other students and are eager and motivated.

"Lack of support" means a lot of things...do you mean funding? Guidance? Social? I work in a lab with UG (depends on the year), Masters, PhD, and Post-docs and then 2 employees. There's a total of 6 of us. We have very little to do with eachother's work, so all of our support (outside of minor office mishaps/computer problems) comes from our advisor. However, depending on how the lab works, and who is involved in what, I think it's really great to have a Lab Coordinator that knows the students' projects/tasks/duties and can assess the employees work. Really, an advisor is waaaaay too busy to be the point of contact for a lab. I think a RC for the lab is the best way to handle things, and that way it can be taken to the advisor. Also, the most successful labs I have been in had monthly lab meetings- this is a great way to share work, problems, etc. I don't know if that helps- perhaps so more details on your situation could help guide advice.

I feel the opposite..a bit. To be honest, I don't know what I did in my UG aside from drinking, slacking off, sleeping in, and the occasional paper/test. To me, my UG was filled with lots of work (I remember me being at school..but not sure what I did - i blame it on the hangover), but a lot of free time. For my Masters I worked full-time and went to school full-time. Course work to me felt like a lot more- more reading, more synthesizing the material, more presentations/teaching, and lots more discussion- plus working on a thesis proposal, thesis, and then defence on top of that. I didn't get burnt out (as my job was related to my thesis), but it was a lot of work and my social life wasn't as busy as my UG. For my PhD I work part-time as an RA(20hrs) and then a TA, and I find that I am ALWAYS saying "I HAVE SO MUCH WORK TO DO!!! AHHHHH!!"....I don't think workload really mattered, it's more that my motivation and desire to put everything into my work has changed. My working schedule is normally M-F 10am - 2pm, 6pm - 12pm; Sat/Sun (I put at least 12-15 hours in)...but when you enjoy your work, it feels different. I don't know if that helps... >.<

I went through wanting to quit a couple months ago. I was working on a project that didn't excite me and wasn't really my passion. I felt exactly how you did- that the academic world wasn't for me...I enjoy research and learning, but I didn't think it was the right fit. Holy cow- I am glad I didn't quit. I am back to having the same enjoyment and enthusiasm that I once did. I mean, I think that I will go through periods where I question my choice and want to quit- but I think most of us do. I dunno- to me, it sounds like a PhD is something you want to do. Don't let a little bump in the road deter you from a path you want. This isn't going to be an easy journey, that's why not everyone does it...but think long and hard about why you want to quit and leave, and if this is what you really want. I am not in hardcore sciences, so I don't quite know your situation...but is this project you're suppose to be working on - is it 'work' that you get paid do to, or 'work' that would be unpaid and an opportunity for your dissertation? Are you not able to work on a project that is only yours and is your interest? I work on a lot of projects just for 'experience' and 'funding' that are not directly related to my project.

This certainly sounds like a different process than my department...so I can't offer advice...what I will do is send you lots of hope, luck, and 'finger crossing'...goodluck!

what a fantastic thread...congrats to everyone who has made it to where they are based on hard work and smarts! I am the first in my family to attend university. I was also raised by a single parent who worked her butt off. My family, like a lot have said, are supportive, proud, loving and excited for me...but they just don't understand! After 2 years, and at least 10000 times being told, my mom STILL doesn't know what I am doing! God love her! I have to say that I appreciate the fact that she tries to understand and give advice, and she wants to help and be there for me...but it is difficult not having a parent who understands. I am so close to my mom- being an only child from a single parent household- she knows everything about me and we share everything with eachother...and so it's difficult when I have a bad day or meeting and I want to talk to her, and she just doesn't 'get it'...you know? But I appreciate and love that she still wants to hear everything, and know what's going on! I also think it makes us appreciate life and where we are so much more. I work for someone who can from a wealthy family...and he just doesn't get it...if I win a $300 conference award...I am psyched! It's like I won the lotto! And it's also hard because he doesn't understand that I need to work outside of my degree. Sure I might get a stipend, but after tuition is taken off, I can't support myself on $650 a month! I need extra work...so it's also difficult in the way that I have to get him to understand my financial situation- I just can't go to my parents and say I need $xxxx.xx for rent or food! Good on us!

Hi! First- congrats on the two interviews! That's amazing! Second- I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Third- I am REALLY bad at saying 'no' ... to the point where I end up being overwhelmed. Quite recently I pulled my big girl boots up and said I had to reject an opportunity with a professor because I was so overwhelmed. Like you, I battled with knowing what the most appropriate and professional way to do it was...but I decided that honestly was the best method. I simply said: Thank you for the offer. I think the opportunity is exciting and interesting, but unfortunately I have to focus on my dissertation at this time. The professor was pleased that I understood my limits and said she was glad to see students balancing priorities and focusing on school. I think you would be surprised at how understanding the employer/professor will be. If you apologize and thank them for their time and the opportunity, but stress that the most important thing is not to fill your plate full, then they will understand. Hope this helps Cheers

I love my kindle too- it's the only thing I read novels on...but like you, I like to have the textbook...I am even getting to the point where I need paper copies of my articles. I use to only read articles/text via PDF on a computer...but the more I get in, and the more I want to write, use stickies, highlight and scribble, the more I find it easier to have a paper/hard copy in front of me. Not to mention I read and type together, I just find it too difficult to read and make notes on the computer while I type...I know it's easier for a lot of people, but it just doesn't feel right. I think it's really a personal preference!

This is so important. I know a few people who have just opted to take in any roommate, and it didn't go well. Really being upfront with your expectations, how you like to live your life, your schedule, and chores- is really important.

yeah, that's kind of where I am coming from. Dating someone that kind of knows what the academic environment is like, can be a lot easier- as they know the dynamics, stress, and time commitments.

I think it totally depends on you. Like a lot of these people- I am not a roommate type person. I've lived with partners, but I value my space, quiet, and ability to make a place my home. However, my very best friend loves roommates. She interviews people and finds mates that suit her lifestyle (as a med student and a neat freak). She's been really successful! Having a roommate is great because you save money, it's a social relationship, and can be a great longterm friend. I think it's really personal preference. What do you do at your place? Are you a homebody? Or do you spend most of your time away from your home? If you want to live alone, perhaps you can sacrifice other things to make it more affordable! Or you might just want to commit to a semester somewhere with someone, and if you don't like it- think about moving!

I think there are many types of jobs out there...some people work shift, some 12 hour days, and other 9-5 M-F. There are a lot of people who come home from work in the evenings and weekends and that's their time to relax. Having been in a relationship for 5 years with someone who was like this, I felt bad a lot of the time when I said "I can't do that this weekend, I have school work to do". For some relationships it's a breaking point, and for others it's not- and it does require managing and balancing commitments (in and outside of school). IMO, I think that in a longterm relationship it's a bit more forgiveable if you can't always give your outside of school commitments the same amount of time as your in school- your spouse, friends, and family normally understand. However, I think when you're dating and just starting a relationship, sometimes the other person might not be as forgiving...but it's not a black or white situation. For me, I balance my time with work, school, friends, and family- with that said, I am often telling my friends I have to work, and spending evenings and weekends putting in time on my dissertation. I have tried dating a few times, and to be honest it was too much of a time commitment for me. I would rather spend my extra free time with friends and family then go on a date 2 - 3 times a week. It's not that I value it more over a relationship- but I just see my PhD as another relationship in my life. It's certainly possible to date during your PhD and be successful! I mean there's tons of success stories on here. But I do think that for a lot of people, dating while you're doing your PhD is difficult- especially if you're dating someone who isn't in the same shoes as you. (It also might be that I am in a barren city...)

This is so true! I am sure it's very field dependent, but if you get involved with TA and RA work, you would be surprised as to what opportunities can open up for you and the networks you build. I think this is also a crucial part of your PhD process- getting experience in applying your skills, working with data, presenting/writing, working with interdisciplinary teams, etc...These are the skills that employers want to see, and once you graduate if you have a full toolbox, you'll be an attractive candidate. It is hard though because you have to balance the ability to take on more work (lots of programs and advisors are against it)..but I think this is where students need to fight a bit and think of the bigger picture. You can just do your degree and pave yourself for one road (say academics), you need to really dive head first into all opportunities and say "would this experience help me in the future?" I think a lot of students don't consider jobs outside of academics. I am always trolling work site for government, private, academic, etc. jobs. It also doesn't hurt to apply and get the feedback. If you apply and get a rejection right away, it's worth while contacting them and asking what type of skills/qualifications outside of what they stated they are looking for and what you could do to make yourself a successful application. Also, if you get an interview it's worthwhile to go for the experience! I think the job market is poor for everyone...but I also think that if you look at every opportunity as a door leading to many great things, you'll be more successful. Students who box themselves into one little niche will have a difficult time getting work over someone who has a variety of experience and skills.

Job interviews can be really difficult, and it can be a fine line between selling yourself and coming off really confident. I think your CV and/or resume is the place to really list all your accomplishments- that's where you hit them up and make them say "wow!"...if you do this, you don't really need to reiterate all this information. However, there are some really key areas that you can bring in your accomplishments. If you are applying for a position and they will want you to write grants- you can always say "yes I have experience. As you can see from my CV I have been successful in attaining grants and scholarships, and have been the primary author and developer on these applications". Or if they are asking you to produce publications, you can always say " I have experience in writing publications, and have had successful publication with ____ and ___ who are quite well known/prestigious in my field". The more interviews you do, the more you will be able to come off as a seasoned pro. Do you have anyone now that could mock interview you and provide feedback? Perhaps a mentor? This would be the most ideal situation! Good luck!

It's not just about talking about your day, it's also the understanding that when you're in graduate school there are many sacrifices- such as your time. It's not that I think PhD students should always date other PhD students...I just think that when you're in a longterm relationship and you make the choice to do your PhD, your partner is accepting that there will be sacrifices and you might not be there. But when you're dating and starting out in a relationship, I think it might be a bit harder for a partner to accept those sacrifices. Not to mention the process of dating and finding someone is a lot of work! I think if you're on the dating scene, dating other students might be easier, as they are more accepting of your time limitations. There's always exceptions, but as someone who is single- it's a legit concern for me that if I start dating someone they might not appreciate/understand the time constraint (and the frequent mini meltdowns pre-supervisor meetings)...

Hi there, I think the first thing you should realize is this - you are feeling exactly like 95% of all the other students that will be in your class! Try not to worry about formatting- this is something, like other have said, that you can easily accomplish. Graduate school is all about becoming an independent thinker, synthesizing materials, and learning how to convey your opinions/thoughts in a professional manner. Readings: There will be a lot...and you will be expected to do more than 'just' read. You will have to really understand and think beyond the page....criticize the work, think about the benefits, limitations, and future directions...I even brought in additional papers for my classes (the students hated me, but for me, it was connecting ideas and expanding my understanding of the topic)...try not to look at just the readings week by week, but try and connect them, and bring that into class. Class: My classes were very much like seminars in the fact that they were mostly discussion base. At first, it will be intimidating to speak up and talk...but force yourself, and you will find it comes easier and easier. Don't worry about questions you have, or if you think your ideas are off...I always think it's important to show that you think outside the box, and can support your opinions. Also, I think it's important to sometimes question what you're given...not every professor will give you readings that they think are the gold standard- some will want to challenge you and how you think Seminars: My seminars were student presentations and discussions. It's hard not to feel intimidated and nervous during these periods (we all do), but look at it as a learning experience in a friendly environment. Engage and participate- the more you do, the more comfortable you will become. Take opportunities to get feedback on your work from your peers- and collaborate! This is what the experience is all about! Coursework: I would recommend always meeting with your professor to discuss your final research paper. I don't know about your department/field..but often times, professors will look at drafts and give feedback. Take that opportunity to get the feedback and advice, so you can know exactly what they expect. Also, hook up with other students...peer feedback is great- but reviewing others work is a great opportunity for you to learn and will help your own writing. Overall: remember that you're just heading into grad school..you're not expected to know everything! this is a learning experience! be open, and take every opportunity to engage with your peers and professors. Don't be afraid to speak- remember, 99% of the people there want you to be successful! They don't want you to crash and burn- so think of it as a friendly environment! Don't be scared- be excited! it's common to be nervous, but try and think about how amazing, rich, and fun it will be

Thank you for the responses! It's nice to hear other peoples' strategies for working...I think we all boarder on the line of risking 'burn out'...but I do really think it's important to savor sometime just for you. Friends are hugely important! None of my really close friends are in my situation- I almost think that's a lot better...I think if they were also in grad school, that's all we would ever talk about, and I would never escape this environment!

I have to agree with TakeruK. International conferences are something that are really expensive. I attended one last summer that was not related to my work only because my supervisor told me I had to and paid for it. However, I would attend an international conference at my own expense to present work related to my field, network, and lets be truthful- travel! Personally, I would wait until there are local or domestic conferences for my own money. You can attend more, the student scholarships will actually cover about 90% of the cost, and you'll be able to network with the same people most of the time. Domestic/local conferences are more affordable and realistic- and I think at least 1 a year is something everyone should do. Overall, your supervisor SHOULD fund you for conferences...but myself and many other students often don't have that luxury...that's why it's really important to pick and choose the right ones! On a side note: I do know a post-doc that pays her own way to an international conference every year just to network with other students and chat with them...in some respect, the community at the conference is really what drives her along and gives her support...I think that's important - if you can afford it!

I think they would be good reference. I mean, your Masters still has many factors/situations/relationships that are much like a PhD. And I really think writing a Masters/PhD thesis is quite a similar process, just at different scales. I am sure parts of these books are useful for anyone in grad school- if anything, it will let you know if what you are experiencing is normal!

I know this is mostly about already being in a relationship...but have the single PhD students tried dating? I can't even imagine....the time and work involved...and how do you explain to someone who might not be a student themselves what it's like?

I have heard a lot of strange stories from CIHR results this year. A gentleman in my lab, who is perfect on paper (6-7 publications, 3-4 are first author; successful Masters scholarships; lots of RA work) and I was sure was a shoe in, actually ranked significantly lower than myself...who is not even CLOSE to his publication record. Apparently, there are "committees" within A and B that are linked to topic. I am thinking that regardless of if you are A or B, some people may have been reviewed against each other if they were in the same topic area (e.g., cardiac health). Honestly, a 4.3 vs 3.89 is huge. If you are close to the cut off (I don't know what it was this year), I would certainly ask for a third reviewer! Good luck with future competitions everyone! [i am waiting to see SSHRC results....I want to the % funded...seems like CIHR is hopeless!]

Love roasted chicken! Good for sammies, pizza, and snacking, but I love making soup out of the bones! I just can't skimp on food! I would rather go without some other luxury!

I think I know who you are talking about! I feel like I will go back to the series in some time...I did enjoy the story, and especially knowing they make it to America, kind of makes me excited. However, I had a lot of anxiety reading the book. I often thought about what would happen if I mistakenly got sent back in time and what I could then invent (like the car, plane, or television)...I became very depressed when I realized that outside of using most of these things, I know very little about how they are constructed. ...I suppose I will just bring my knowledge of pizzapockets to revolutionize the past.