On Being a Successful Graduate Student THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA On Being a Successful Graduate Student

Graduate School: Not just more years of college! The Undergraduate Student Breadth over depth Recipient of knowledge Externally directed The Graduate From apprentice to expert Depth over breadth Analyzer and creator of knowledge Self-directed

What is the Purpose of Graduate Study? The primary purposes of research-oriented, thesis-based Master’s programs (e.g., MA & MSc) are: To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a particular academic field To learn how to conduct research in that field (and perhaps prepare for PhD study) To begin affiliating with the academic community of the field

What is the Purpose of Graduate Study? The primary purposes of professional Masters programs (e.g., MEd, MArch, MEng, MPT, MLIS) are: To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a particular professional field To master skills (including research / experimentation) that are necessary for advanced practice in a particular professional field To enhance affiliation with the professional community of the field

What is the Purpose of Graduate Study? The primary purposes of Doctoral study (e.g., PhD) are: To master the knowledge of a specific academic field – and become prepared to teach that knowledge at the university level To make an original contribution, through research, to the knowledge within a specific field (i.e. “create new knowledge”) To establish oneself as an expert and leader within the academic community of the field

Why Graduate School? 1,914,438 595,478 2,907,904 Doctoral / Professional Degree 1,318,960 139,009 2,312,426 Master's Level Degree 1,179,951 645,835 2,173,417 4-Year Degree 534,116 65,203 1,527,582 2-Year Diploma or Degree 468,913 164,063 1,462,379 Some College but No Degree $ 304,850 $ 304,850 1,298,316 High School Graduate $ 993,466 No High School Diploma Accumulated Payoff Incremental Payoff Lifetime Earnings Education Level 1,179,951 139,009 595,478 Source:   US Employment Policy Foundation's analysis of March 2003 Current Population Survey data

Keys to Success in Graduate School What kinds of challenges might graduate students encounter? Different expectations for a grad student Lack of direction (e.g., the never-ending thesis) Feeling isolated or unsupported Difficulties with supervisor, other students, etc. Anxiety about getting through successfully Funding constraints or financial difficulties Unexpected personal problems or conflicting life commitments

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 1. Be proactive – take responsibility for your own grad school experience Think about what you really want from graduate school, and identify opportunities to attain those goals Continue the mental transition from being told what to do, to deciding what to do Don’t wait for faculty members to come to find you – take the initiative to build relationships

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 2. Establish positive relationships with your supervisor and members of your committee Schedule regular meetings with your entire supervisory committee – at least once a year Have a clear purpose for each meeting, and communicate the agenda in advance to your supervisor / committee Follow up on items discussed in meetings – keep your supervisor informed of your progress and challenges Act as a “junior colleague” – ask questions, advance ideas, show interest and support for shared goals

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 3. Embrace your academic community Seek input and collaboration from faculty members and your peers – don’t isolate yourself Attend optional seminars and lectures within and beyond your program or department Attend and present at conferences Begin thinking of yourself as a member of your profession and academic field

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 4. Know your program requirements and timelines: Masters students Your program may require any or all of the following: Coursework Comprehensive or qualifying exams A research thesis or major project Public presentation and/or defense of thesis or project UBC Graduate Policy states that: Masters students must complete all degree requirements within 5 years of enrolment

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 4. Know your program requirements and timelines: Doctoral students Your program may require that you do coursework Doctoral programs will require that you: Develop and gain approval for a research proposal Pass a comprehensive exam “Advance to Candidacy” Complete a research thesis (dissertation) Defend the thesis at a Doctoral Oral Examination UBC Policy states that Doctoral Students: Should advance to candidacy within 2 years, and must within 3 years Should complete all degree requirements within 5 years of enrolment and must within 6 years

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 5. Create and follow an annual plan Use UBC’s upcoming CV template as an annual guide to: Track your specific program requirements (e.g., courses taken, comprehensives, research, thesis, etc.) Schedule meetings with your supervisor and committee Publish articles and produce patents, copyrights, artistic works, performances, designs, etc. Attend conferences and make presentations Apply for fellowships, scholarships, and research grants Take professional development courses

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 6. Bring a professional approach to your studies and interactions Key skills: organization, preparedness, collegiality, budgeting Take workshops through the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Professional Development Initiative (PDI) or UBC’s Teaching and Academic Growth (TAG) Learn about research ethics and scholarly integrity >>>

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School Research ethics and scholarly integrity All UBC researchers are required to: Give proper recognition to those who have made intellectual contributions to the content of your publication; refrain from representing others’ academic work as one’s own (this is plagiarism) Conform to UBC requirements for working with humans, animals, biohazards, radioisotopes, and the environment (these need Research Ethics Board approval) Use scholarly and scientific rigor in obtaining, recording, and analyzing data, and in reporting results >>>

7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 7. Seek balance and support in your life Remember that you have friends and family outside grad school Seek out the many resources at UBC that can help you through the tough times Remember that this will be among the most inspiring and satisfying times in your life And, because your mother isn’t here: “Get enough sleep, make time for physical exercise, and eat your veggies!” Recognize that researchers before you have correlated adequate sleep, exercise, and healthy diets with critical analysis, innovation, and economy of effort

Summary: Your 7 Keys to Success in Graduate School 1. Be proactive – take responsibility for your own grad school experience 2. Establish a positive relationship with your advisor/supervisor and the members of your supervisory committee 3. Embrace your academic community 4. Know your program requirements and timelines 5. Create and follow an annual plan 6. Bring a professional approach to your work and interactions 7. Seek balance and support in your life