discussion The Grad School Lounge

[R.E.M.]

  

Hi y'all! Welcome to the grad school thread. From writing papers, tireless nights reading dense articles, submitting ethics proposals, collecting data, etc. graduate school can be really overwhelming. This is a safe space for us to vent our frustrations, discuss, & exchange pieces of advice so that we can survive our graduate school residencies together.

 

This thread welcomes those pursuing any form of post-undergraduate studies (e.g. masters, doctorates, graduate diplomas/certificates, law degrees, medical degrees, etc.) as well as those hoping to gain admission into a graduate program. For prospective graduate students, feel free to ask questions about the application process or any other general inquiries you may have. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we'd be more than happy to help 

 

I'll create a master list in the OP of all of the forum's graduate students (past, present, & incoming). In the meantime, I encourage all of you to introduce yourselves! State your degree title, department, & research areas. I'll start! I'm beginning my MA in September. I'll be studying 'Developmental Psychology' with a research focus on neurodevelopmental disorders! Presently, I'm working on isolating specific gene networks implicated in adolescent depression.

 

Members:

 

Spoiler

 

1. @R.E.M. - MA (Developmental Psychology) 
2. @Bamboo - MD (Medicine) 
3. @Euterpe - MSW (Social Work) 
4. @G.U.Y. Gaga - PhD (Biomedical Science)
5. @shookspeare - PhD (Humanities) 
6. @Bloo - PhD (Computer Science) 
7. @Exquisite - MA (Economics) 
8. @Nightingale - J.D. (Law) 
9. @shinyshimmery - MBA (Business) 
10. @Devin - MBA (IT//Fraud & Forensics) 
11. @suburbannature - MA (Psychology) 
12. @CBC - PhD (Computer Science) 
13. @Rotunda - MA (Public Policy) 
14. @Tinashegrande6 - MSc (Chemistry) 
15. @cloudbusting - MA (Museum Studies) 
16. @ennui - PhD (Bioengineering) 
17. @trainsskyscrapers - J.D. (Law)
18. @astrorep - Prospective student
19. @wolfaire - Prospective student
20. @worldwide angel - Prospective student 

To be added to the OP, please PM me your degree title & discipline/concentration

[cloudbusting]

Might as well use the fresh start to catch y’all up on what’s going on!

 

Swapped from a thesis to comprehensive exams this semester after realizing a family emergency was going to distract me. It’s probably the only thing that kept me from straight up dropping this entire semester and postponing graduation tbh.

 

On the bright side, I took my exams at the beginning of this month and passed with distinction! Now I just have to finish up this semester and do a quick summer class to make up the credits from my thesis hours and I’ll be 100% done 

 

Internship is going well; I’m working with a local museum to help their archaeology department with a NAGPRA grant. My work isn’t directly handling ancestral remains though - that’s what one of their PhD candidates is doing (basically putting individuals back together). I work with the funerary objects and mostly create storage mounts so that they remain safe while they’re being repatriated. Also working on some bulletin boards for their department, so it’s nice to get in a bit of exhibit work as well!

 

hope everyone is surviving their semester 

[Bloo]

Successfully defended my PhD thesis while ATRL was offline. 

[CBC]

42 minutes ago, Bloo said:

Successfully defended my PhD thesis while ATRL was offline. 

Dr. Bloo? 

[Bloo]

1 hour ago, CBC said:

Dr. Bloo? 

Has a nice ring to it, huh? 

[trainsskyscrapers]

2 hours ago, hurricane326 said:

Just popping in here once to say that even though I'm only finishing up my freshman year of my Justice Studies major w/ concentration in Law, I'd love to go to law school at some point. I just got an A on my first midterm and the professor congratulated me in class like five times. He said it was very rare that someone who had never done an IRAC exam before to get an A 

Congratulations!   

[cloudbusting]

12 hours ago, Bloo said:

Successfully defended my PhD thesis while ATRL was offline. 

omg congrats! that’s incredible 

[Devin]

13 hours ago, Bloo said:

Successfully defended my PhD thesis while ATRL was offline. 

We love to see it. 

[Devin]

Can’t believe its almost 2 years since I finished grad school.

[Bloo]

39 minutes ago, cloudbusting said:

omg congrats! that’s incredible 

 

21 minutes ago, Devin said:

We love to see it. 

Thanks, you two!  

19 minutes ago, Devin said:

Can’t believe its almost 2 years since I finished grad school.

What’s that like? I’m basically numb from my PhD. Just ready to graduate and leave grad school in the dust.  

[Devin]

2 minutes ago, Bloo said:

 

Thanks, you two!  

What’s that like? I’m basically numb from my PhD. Just ready to graduate and leave grad school in the dust.  

Honestly, feels like a weight has been lifted and I can finally close that chapter.

 

Growing up I was one of the kids who’s parents made education the top priority. So holiday breaks and summer vacations were always educational.  Then after high school, I went straight into college trying to balance a full-time job (plus in and out bad relationships). There were times I genuinely wanted to quit, change majors, meltdown, etc. 

 

Grad school is actually when I started liking school again. Idk if it was because I was towards the end, the instructors were better, or the courses became more concentrated on what I actually loved to do; but I got that passion back. I was sad cause I couldn’t walk the stage due to the pandemic, but thankfully I landed a position at a great company to move up a few months after graduation. 
 

If I could do it again, I prob attend a different uni, choose my initial major, and gave myself more free time. My heart goes out to you and any student enrolled in grad school cause its not for the weak. 

[Bloo]

27 minutes ago, Devin said:

Honestly, feels like a weight has been lifted and I can finally close that chapter.

 

Growing up I was one of the kids who’s parents made education the top priority. So holiday breaks and summer vacations were always educational.  Then after high school, I went straight into college trying to balance a full-time job (plus in and out bad relationships). There were times I genuinely wanted to quit, change majors, meltdown, etc. 

 

Grad school is actually when I started liking school again. Idk if it was because I was towards the end, the instructors were better, or the courses became more concentrated on what I actually loved to do; but I got that passion back. I was sad cause I couldn’t walk the stage due to the pandemic, but thankfully I landed a position at a great company to move up a few months after graduation. 
 

If I could do it again, I prob attend a different uni, choose my initial major, and gave myself more free time. My heart goes out to you and any student enrolled in grad school cause its not for the weak. 

Oh wow, I find it so fascinating that you felt better about grad school than you did undergrad. I had the opposite experience. College was so much fun for me. It was challenging, of course, but I had so much fun with friends and that was easily my social peak. PhD programs are so terrifyingly isolating and then a pandemic starts in the middle of it all only makes it worse. But the feeling of being underpaid and overworked just takes an emotional toll. I’m in CS, so a lot of my college friends were making really good money doing jobs I also could have done with my bachelors. And here I am struggling to make rent and being worked to death. That really made the appeal of quitting hard to silence. So I just had no passion in the second half of my PhD. Glad it’s ending. 
 

I’m glad you were able to land a good job at a good company though! That’s ultimately what makes the years of struggle feel like it was worth something. 
 

I was going to go back to the first page to see what you majored in but… Yeah… What did you study in college and grad school?

[Devin]

23 minutes ago, Bloo said:

Oh wow, I find it so fascinating that you felt better about grad school than you did undergrad. I had the opposite experience. College was so much fun for me. It was challenging, of course, but I had so much fun with friends and that was easily my social peak. PhD programs are so terrifyingly isolating and then a pandemic starts in the middle of it all only makes it worse. But the feeling of being underpaid and overworked just takes an emotional toll. I’m in CS, so a lot of my college friends were making really good money doing jobs I also could have done with my bachelors. And here I am struggling to make rent and being worked to death. That really made the appeal of quitting hard to silence. So I just had no passion in the second half of my PhD. Glad it’s ending. 
 

I’m glad you were able to land a good job at a good company though! That’s ultimately what makes the years of struggle feel like it was worth something. 
 

I was going to go back to the first page to see what you majored in but… Yeah… What did you study in college and grad school?

I have a MBA with a minor in IT and HR. Initially I wanted to be an attorney or therapist. 
 

Interesting cause many students share one of our experiences. For me, I was so focused on work, competition, and academics that I lost myself in actually having fun during undergrad. It felt never ending, I felt trapped and isolated because most of my friends either didn’t go to school or the ones who did had a great support system to financially provide. So I was kinda hit with that adult life at freshman year working and paying bills to literally exist. Then the meltdowns I had if one thing went wrong with the car, a book being too expensive, or my laptop crashed.  I also learned to surround myself around better friends and family too that makes a difference.

 

In your case, you’re actually being hit with that emotion and adult life in the proper/later stages of college. Its a pensive time but my biggest suggestion would be find small things that brings you happiness and motivates you. I love fitness but during that time I got into yoga, meditation, cooking, book reads in parks, early job hunting, and etc.

 

With a PhD and your personality based on the forum, you’ll be amazing in whatever direction you take. What exact fields are you interested in? I work in healthcare and I learned this environment thrives off connections and you will move up easily. 

[shookspeare]

thinking of leaving my PhD with my masters at the end of next year tbh, I don't want to be a professor at all anymore now that I've really seen the state of academia  I could make more money with less stress elsewhere

 

 

[Bloo]

8 hours ago, Devin said:

I have a MBA with a minor in IT and HR. Initially I wanted to be an attorney or therapist. 
 

Interesting cause many students share one of our experiences. For me, I was so focused on work, competition, and academics that I lost myself in actually having fun during undergrad. It felt never ending, I felt trapped and isolated because most of my friends either didn’t go to school or the ones who did had a great support system to financially provide. So I was kinda hit with that adult life at freshman year working and paying bills to literally exist. Then the meltdowns I had if one thing went wrong with the car, a book being too expensive, or my laptop crashed.  I also learned to surround myself around better friends and family too that makes a difference.

 

In your case, you’re actually being hit with that emotion and adult life in the proper/later stages of college. Its a pensive time but my biggest suggestion would be find small things that brings you happiness and motivates you. I love fitness but during that time I got into yoga, meditation, cooking, book reads in parks, early job hunting, and etc.

 

With a PhD and your personality based on the forum, you’ll be amazing in whatever direction you take. What exact fields are you interested in? I work in healthcare and I learned this environment thrives off connections and you will move up easily. 

Oh nice! Are you doing things relevant to law or therapy or have you taken a different direction since then?

 

That makes sense. Financial hardship honestly makes things so much more difficult for any situation. I also can see how the pressure to be overly-involved with campus activities can become overwhelming if you're also trying to stay atop your studies. I hope that everything is much better (though it sounds like that's the case). To be perfectly, I was very fortunate in that I basically had a full-ride for college so the financial hardships were completely absent during my time there which is probably a big reason it was so fun for me. Money I earned at my part-time gig was basically just fun money. Grad school is the exact opposite. I don't pay tuition but housing, electricity, etc. isn't covered by a scholarship. 

 

Thank you sis!  I'm planning on going on to be a professor at some point. First going to do a postdoc and then I'll switch from there into a tenure-track position. I mostly want to see if I want to commit to a research-oriented institution for my tenure-track or a more teaching-focused position. I love teaching and I like research, but I gotta see if I can justify the natural stressors of it and find a good work-life balance first (hence the postdoc).

 

3 minutes ago, shookspeare said:

thinking of leaving my PhD with my masters at the end of next year tbh, I don't want to be a professor at all anymore now that I've really seen the state of academia  I could make more money with less stress elsewhere

 

 

Perfectly valid decision. PhD is not for everyone. I always tell people if none of your professional interests in the long term do not require a PhD then there is little to no reason to get one. If I wasn't set on being a professor then I'd have quit ages ago. If you can Master out, that would be good so the time spent working towards the PhD isn't completely wasted.

[Devin]

2 hours ago, Bloo said:

Oh nice! Are you doing things relevant to law or therapy or have you taken a different direction since then?

 

That makes sense. Financial hardship honestly makes things so much more difficult for any situation. I also can see how the pressure to be overly-involved with campus activities can become overwhelming if you're also trying to stay atop your studies. I hope that everything is much better (though it sounds like that's the case). To be perfectly, I was very fortunate in that I basically had a full-ride for college so the financial hardships were completely absent during my time there which is probably a big reason it was so fun for me. Money I earned at my part-time gig was basically just fun money. Grad school is the exact opposite. I don't pay tuition but housing, electricity, etc. isn't covered by a scholarship. 

 

Thank you sis!  I'm planning on going on to be a professor at some point. First going to do a postdoc and then I'll switch from there into a tenure-track position. I mostly want to see if I want to commit to a research-oriented institution for my tenure-track or a more teaching-focused position. I love teaching and I like research, but I gotta see if I can justify the natural stressors of it and find a good work-life balance first (hence the postdoc).

Currently, I work in Appeals/Compliance dept. To me its entry level cause I truly want to get into HR or IT affairs. But it pays well and ties into the legal sides of business. When I officially chose business as my major I definitely wanted to work in a field that at least ties into my old passions. 

 

YES the financial aspect does remove a ton of stress which ultimately makes the experience fun and ability to engage in campus functions. I’m lowkey jealous  but also happy you were able to enjoy undergrad. Now grad school fortunately I had instructors that weren’t as complex and given that you’re going for a PhD you professors prob be too demanding and hands on. 
 

I think you will do well in both research and teaching. Some institutes I believe you can do both? Its all about what makes you happy in the future. If you’re more family-oriented or wanna start a family teaching might be better. But research is amazing too, we need more researchers. You actually could be the next doctor to discover a cure and make history. 

[Bloo]

2 minutes ago, Devin said:

Currently, I work in Appeals/Compliance dept. To me its entry level cause I truly want to get into HR or IT affairs. But it pays well and ties into the legal sides of business. When I officially chose business as my major I definitely wanted to work in a field that at least ties into my old passions. 

 

YES the financial aspect does remove a ton of stress which ultimately makes the experience fun and ability to engage in campus functions. I’m lowkey jealous  but also happy you were able to enjoy undergrad. Now grad school fortunately I had instructors that weren’t as complex and given that you’re going for a PhD you professors prob be too demanding and hands on. 
 

I think you will do well in both research and teaching. Some institutes I believe you can do both? Its all about what makes you happy in the future. If you’re more family-oriented or wanna start a family teaching might be better. But research is amazing too, we need more researchers. You actually could be the next doctor to discover a cure and make history. 

Oh that sounds like a good stepping stone! There's a lot of opportunity in the IT space, especially for those that are well-versed on the business side of things (and the legal side). Unfortunately, many IT people are not the best with interacting with people so if you can be that golden goose that can actually talk to people while also having the technical background to interface with the IT folk, then you're set up for a lot of potential in your career. So that sounds like you're off to a great start!

 

Yeah.... finances are everything. I had dental and vision insurance in undergrad because of Obamacare's < 26 y/o amendment. I turned 26 during the pandemic (of all times lol), so I haven't had dental or vision for a few years now and I'm so excited just to be able to see a dentist here soon.  From what I've seen, MBAs do seem to be pretty good experiences. I don't know much about them, but now that you mention it, I can see how what you're saying makes sense. In a PhD, most of the stress comes from your research expectations and navigating the politics of your department in order to remain funded and to graduate. It's all a mess.

 

Yeah, it's normal to do both at R1 institutions. The issue is that R1 schools don't prioritize teaching. Teaching is more of a burden because it distracts you from research which is what entirely decides tenure, raises, etc. So even though you get to teach, I don't think you're as set up to enjoy it honestly. But, yeah, the family component is real as well and it is something I really want. I'm single as hell so here's to hoping that changes. I honestly would rather have a family than a super big and prominent research career if I'm being entirely honest. I enjoy research, but as an only child, I really would like to build up my own lil family and all that. Idk. Maybe an overshare. But yeah.

[Devin]

6 hours ago, Bloo said:

Oh that sounds like a good stepping stone! There's a lot of opportunity in the IT space, especially for those that are well-versed on the business side of things (and the legal side). Unfortunately, many IT people are not the best with interacting with people so if you can be that golden goose that can actually talk to people while also having the technical background to interface with the IT folk, then you're set up for a lot of potential in your career. So that sounds like you're off to a great start!

 

Yeah.... finances are everything. I had dental and vision insurance in undergrad because of Obamacare's < 26 y/o amendment. I turned 26 during the pandemic (of all times lol), so I haven't had dental or vision for a few years now and I'm so excited just to be able to see a dentist here soon.  From what I've seen, MBAs do seem to be pretty good experiences. I don't know much about them, but now that you mention it, I can see how what you're saying makes sense. In a PhD, most of the stress comes from your research expectations and navigating the politics of your department in order to remain funded and to graduate. It's all a mess.

 

Yeah, it's normal to do both at R1 institutions. The issue is that R1 schools don't prioritize teaching. Teaching is more of a burden because it distracts you from research which is what entirely decides tenure, raises, etc. So even though you get to teach, I don't think you're as set up to enjoy it honestly. But, yeah, the family component is real as well and it is something I really want. I'm single as hell so here's to hoping that changes. I honestly would rather have a family than a super big and prominent research career if I'm being entirely honest. I enjoy research, but as an only child, I really would like to build up my own lil family and all that. Idk. Maybe an overshare. But yeah.

Its not overshare at all; its honestly therapeutic to discussion esp amongst those who share similar experiences. I’m only child too omg.

 

 

And yes that’s fair enough tbh. Then I would say go with your gut feeling and stick with teaching. At least with teaching you will be able to start a family + be able to have more human engagement. Unless you would like to get the best of both worlds, start with research then by like 30 you switch over to teaching. 

[Bloo]

56 minutes ago, Devin said:

Its not overshare at all; its honestly therapeutic to discussion esp amongst those who share similar experiences. I’m only child too omg.

 

 

And yes that’s fair enough tbh. Then I would say go with your gut feeling and stick with teaching. At least with teaching you will be able to start a family + be able to have more human engagement. Unless you would like to get the best of both worlds, start with research then by like 30 you switch over to teaching. 

I agree on that front. I often just lurk on Reddit to see the experiences of other grad students. It's very therapeutic in a way.

 

Yeah, that's generally what I'm planning. Going to do research for my postdoc in a different environment and see how I like that before making a decision any further. Baby steps.

[witness1.3]

Submitting my 97 page capstone paper tomorrow, and then in a few weeks i’m officially a masters of science in occupational therapy 

[Ms. Togekiss]

I'm working on my budget and Jesus Christ being a grad school student is so limiting... I need to buy a car but I doubt I will be able to afford it on 2k a month 

[R.E.M.]

On 4/14/2022 at 8:16 AM, Bloo said:

Successfully defended my PhD thesis while ATRL was offline. 

Congratulations Dr. Bloo 

[Bloo]

20 hours ago, R.E.M. said:

Congratulations Dr. Bloo 

Thank you, bb!  

[Euterpe]

I am graduating in August, but my university only does commencement once a year, so I'm walking across the stage next weekend, two honor societies for graduate school under my belt! I can't believe I have one more semester (but it's not over, because that licensing exam, blah.)

 

@BlooPersonally, I hope you change your username to Dr. Bloo. 

 

On 4/16/2022 at 9:19 AM, witness1.3 said:

Submitting my 97 page capstone paper tomorrow, and then in a few weeks i’m officially a masters of science in occupational therapy 

Congratulations! I can imagine the work will be so fulfilling!

 

On 4/16/2022 at 9:40 AM, astrorep said:

Sometimes I question if a PhD is even worth it 

 

Maybe I should've just studied computer science 

What is your PhD in?

 

On 4/23/2022 at 2:25 PM, Ms. Togekiss said:

I'm working on my budget and Jesus Christ being a grad school student is so limiting... I need to buy a car but I doubt I will be able to afford it on 2k a month 

Oh yeah, all my work money went to tuition (and bills). No extra cash at all for anything. 

[Bloo]

2 hours ago, Euterpe said:

@BlooPersonally, I hope you change your username to Dr. Bloo. 

It’s something I’ve thought about. But I love my original username too much to change it. 
 

But congratulations on walking next weekend! That’s very exciting, sis.