Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS 782-01 [email protected]

Dr. Sundar Christopher ATS [email protected]

Navigating Graduate School and Beyond:Sow Well Now To Reap Big Later

Introduction and Sowing

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The world beyond exams and research• Few professors have time to advise and mentor

their students• Advising is sometimes left to the post-docs• Other professionals (academic and otherwise)

become disillusioned with the process• Some researchers and professors are successful

lecturers and researchers• Learning to navigate the career path can be the

difference in success and disillusionmentDr. Sundar Christopher ATS [email protected]


Why the need for the course?• Students should have the necessary tools to be

successful• Advisors have a professional obligation to

empower students beyond classes and research



Problems facing many graduate students• Do not know how to write a proposal• Do not know how to prepare/manage a budget. • Do not know what is expected of them after

graduation.• Do not have skills required for employment

• Communicating effectively• Managing multiple projects• Writing competitive proposals



Proposal writing process• Write Letters of Intent• Draft 15-page proposal• Review proposals of peers• Understand the selection process• Know what to do if proposal is selected or

rejected



Other issues facing graduate students• Managing time and stress• Presenting effective talks• Managing your advisor• Advising vs. mentoring



Sowing• Cast a Vision• Do a S.W.O.T.• Avoid the Resume



Cast a Vision• Map out a plan for your career

• Without a plan, you lose focus• It’s never too late to plan

• Keep a journal• Write down thoughts and notes• Keep track of successes

• Know your destination



Planning your career• When should you start planning your career?• Do you have a deliberate plan?• What if you change your mind?



Plan your career while in graduate school• Think about where you want to be after

graduation• Have a game plan• Keep focus• Avoid becoming a wanderer• It’s never too late to plan!



Bad habits to avoid• Squandering time• Losing focus• Failing to think about what a future employer

wants• Failing to empower yourself



Keep a journal• Career plans• Successes• Career-related ideas and information• Strengths and weaknesses (S.W.O.T)• Highs and lows



Tips for career planning• Think about career goals from first day of

graduate school • Prepare for employment from first day• Spend an hour per week evaluating goals• Map out actions to help you achieve your goals• Write your vision, goals, and plans in a journal• Talk to peers to help you set goals• Discuss career plans and goals with a mentor


Habits for a successful student• Know your destination• Drive toward the goal• Ensure that graduate work will help you achieve

your goals


Sample Goal: University Professor• Visualize yourself five years from now• See what your potential employer sees

• Research• Teaching• Service

• Build your portfolio• Remember: What you sow is what you reap


Take home message• Start planning your career when you enter

graduate school• Spend one hour per week mapping out strategies

to help you achieve your goals• Spend extra time on career thinking and

preparation as you progress through graduate school

• Position yourself to launch into a successful career


Journal Entry• Record the job you want after graduate school• List the types of knowledge, skills, and abilities

you think you will need


Food for thought• Where would you like to be after graduation?

• What type of employment will you seek?• What skills will it require?

• What do you think should be your career preparation steps?


Dr. Sundar ChristopherATS 782-01 [email protected]

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