Things they don't tell you about graduate school

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My advice for those just beginning

  • Many, many things may be the way they are because of department/campus/regional politics. (And that's not always bad.)
  • Your advisor is probably making it up as he/she goes along, just like you are.
  • Your students (particularly freshmen) think you are supposed to have all the answers. If grades are involved, they are not likely to be pleased or reassured to find out you are human.
  • Everything takes longer than you think.
  • There is no right way. There are better ways and more famous ways, and those may be two different things.
  • Big name researchers may (and often do) give dreadful seminars.
  • Just because the food is free does not mean it's any good or that you have to eat it.
  • Beware of a group or advisor of whom the highest praise is lukewarm.
  • A group referred to as "dedicated" should be considered with caution. "Dedicated" often means "life-stealing."
  • Hours spent in the lab or office simply to satisfy an attendance quota are not likely to help. Butts in seats ≠ minds at work.
  • Even so, sometimes you just need to throw more hours at a problem.
  • Make friends outside your group. Even better, make friends outside your department. Best of all, have at least one friend you talk to regularly who isn't in grad school at all.
  • Find time to do something that isn't work. Every week. Do not schedule anything else during that time.
  • You will be wrong a lot. Maybe even most of the time.
  • Your conclusions may change every few days or weeks. This is normal.
  • Surround yourself with people who are experts at other things. Ask them for help early and often.
  • Ask for help even if you're not sure what particular help you need. Sometimes the greatest help comes in formulating the questions you need to ask.
  • Don't put up with bullies.
  • Find an advocate. When you run in to trouble, you'll need someone to back you up.
  • That guy who is arrogant and belittling? He's probably afraid you'll think he's a fraud. You don't have to fear him.
  • You are not the only impostor in the room. Everyone else is hoping you won't notice.
  • "I don't know" is a legitimate answer. When answering questions about your research, "I don't know yet" is probably better. You might never know. That's okay, too.