Preparing for post Grad-School Life

[MrWizard454]

Hey All,

 

Just wanted to get some tips on a topic I've been wondering about for a while. So I'm about to start a PhD in photovoltaics or something nano-related come the Fall. I'm absolutely looking forward to it, but having spent some time in industry, I think I have a better sense of the kind of job I might want far down the line and wanted tips on how to prepare for it. 

 

I love R&D, but in the long term I'm wondering about opportunities for leadership roles in this capacity. I know a PhD by itself is pretty rigorous, but could anyone offer any tips as far as how to distinguish yourself even amongst PhD candidates? What in graduate school would you say distinguishes someone for management in comparison to other PhD students who are all working equally hard?

 

Thanks in advance.  

[SNPCracklePop]

Great question.  I would aim for opportunities that could easily translate to leadership roles for your resume during your program.  Your dissertation will be an example of you being a project manager.  If your lab hosts undergraduates/high school students for rotations, your experiences as them can serve as examples, especially if you publish a paper with them.  I would also jump at any internship opportunities that come up as well.

[eeee1923]

Also getting involved with outreach opportunities on your campus is helpful. You should definitely get in contact with the institute's career services office - they always have contacts that can help one get unique opportunities. 

[MrWizard454]

Thank you both for the responses, I'll definitely take a look at some outreach opportunities while I'm at it. 

 

Great question.  I would aim for opportunities that could easily translate to leadership roles for your resume during your program.  Your dissertation will be an example of you being a project manager.  If your lab hosts undergraduates/high school students for rotations, your experiences as them can serve as examples, especially if you publish a paper with them.  I would also jump at any internship opportunities that come up as well.

 

If you don't mind my asking, when would you say is the best opportunity to take up an internship during grad school? I know past the first year with course work, there's typically less structure since you're doing research full time (no start/end to the semester). Would any time during that be ideal?