Graduate School

How To Succeed

Sobering Statistics

Women make up just 22% of tenured faculty at universities

African-American only 3% Hispanics/Latinos only 2% Native Americans only 1% Asians only 4% First Generation Students only 12%

Problems Faced by Women, Minorities, and First Generation Students

Climate Lack of Visibility Lack of Role Models Isolation General Lack of Understanding of the

Academic Game

Combating the Problem

Check out the university before you attend—Are there any support groups?

Learn assertive communication skills. Find an advisor who will be honest with you. Brag. Work on mainstream as well as newer topics.

Differences Between Graduate and Undergraduate Education

Consumer to Producer of Knowledge Indifferent Faculty Emotional Suffering Is Good for You Assertive Students Timidity and Passivity Are Destructive Responsible for Knowing Regulations

Different Attitudes

Use of the best methods is important Accumulation of knowledge is its own reward Academicians are connected

The Unwritten Rules of Graduate Study

Show no weaknesses Sell yourself Do not come empty-handed—No one will

give you the degree. You have to take it! Find shared research interests Work in your field outside the academic

semester

Unwritten Rules Continued

Find an expertise you can share with the semester

Realize the importance of self-management Speak up Read journals in your field Begin presenting at conferences Show respect

Unwritten Rules Continued

Connect with Professors Avoid department politics Never bad mouth a professor