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You
did it! Not only did you make it through your undergraduate
degree with flying colors, but you also worked your way through
graduate school's required hardships, like the grueling application
process, entrance exams, ascertaining letters of recommendation
and more. And now the road to your career is welcoming you
like a red carpet, and it seems as if the hard part is over.
Or has it only just begun?
The
hoops you need to jump through to get into grad school can
distract you from the reality of the hard work ahead. But
graduate school doesn't have to be intimidating. Remember
when you thought college was scary? Now, as a seasoned student,
you are ready to tackle a new challenge with ease. Relax and
you might even enjoy yourself. Here are some tips to make
the most of your new venture and smooth the transition from
undergrad to graduate school.
Get Involved
Graduate
school is about more than just academics. In order to feel
connected and part of your campus, explore the different extracurricular
activities that interest you. There are a vast number of choices,
ranging from groups that are university-wide to those for
graduate students only. Join a mountain biking club, participate
in a pre-professional society or run for student government.
These experiences will help you to meet other graduate students
while doing things that you enjoy. And they won't hurt your
resume either.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Making
new friends is part of what graduate school is all about.
Meeting people and socializing is not only a great way to
unwind, but it also helps you forge relationships like those
you will have with future colleagues. However, while everyone
loves a party, make sure that your social life doesn't affect
your grades. Your courses should always be your number one
priority. Don't pick up the bad habits of skipping class,
oversleeping, or turning in late assignments. Reward yourself
with fun outings after all your homework and studying is complete.
Create a Time and Money Budget
It's
easy to get overwhelmed by so many conflicting demands. As
a graduate student, you may face more personal and professional
responsibilities than you had as an undergraduate, such as
work or family. Make a schedule and calculate your available
hours per week, including school as well as outside obligations.
Then divide up these hours for study, rest, entertainment,
etc. Once you've laid out your schedule on paper, it will
be easier to see where your time is going and how you can
use it more efficiently. Additionally, money might be more
of an issue now, especially if you have taken out loans to
finance your education. Similar to the time schedule, listing
your monthly expenses will also help you to be aware of your
spending habits and highlight areas where you can possibly
cut costs.
Forge Your Career Path With Experience
Graduate
school is a time for you to solidify your career goals, and
your courses are more specific to your field of study than
they were in your undergrad years. Whether you are already
clear about your ultimate goals or not, explore your interests
through electives and internships. If your program doesn't
have required fieldwork built in, create your own opportunities.
Get to know your professors and the career services staff.
Many campuses offer services such as career fairs, recruiting
programs and counseling appointments. Visit the career center
early to make sure you don't miss out on anything. Join professional
associations in order to network within your industry. Take
advantage of the resource you have in your classmates as well.
Many of them may be working professionals who are attending
school part time or have worked for several years before going
back to school. Their valuable industry insight and contacts
can help you to get your foot in the door.
Be Confident
Receiving
your bachelor's degree proves you can be a successful student.
Don't doubt your abilities in graduate school even if the
work seems more difficult and the expectations higher. Remember,
the students around you are all in the same boat, facing the
same fears, whether they are fresh out of college or returning
to school after working. It is helpful to form study groups
and to attend help sessions. Don't be afraid to enlist tutoring
if necessary. Make a list of your accomplishments and post
it above your desk to remind yourself of how far you've come
and how much you can accomplish.
Don't Forget to Have Fun!
Before
entering the so-called "real world," reap the benefits
of student life. At what other time in your life will you
have exposure to a world-class learning environment, as well
as a pool of people roughly your own age with similar interests?
So sign up for that extra course, spend a few more minutes
playing ultimate Frisbee on a sunny afternoon, and give yourself
a break. You've worked hard and you deserve it!
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