For an article on my website, I gathered advice from professors and other faculty for new master's students.
They responded to the following question: "If you could give only one piece of advice to a new student in their first week of a Master’s of Civil Engineering program, what would you share with them?”
The question was open ended, but a lot of the advice overlapped. I want to share the main takeaways from the article here. If you have anything to add, then your comments are welcome.
1. Goal Setting is More Crucial in a Master’s Program than in an Undergraduate Program
A lot of the professors shared advice on goal setting. Your goals for your master's program are critical to the decisions you have to make for the program.
Should you do the thesis or no-thesis option?
What university and city will best serve your goals?
Do you want to join academia long term, or the private sector?
You can't make these decisions confidently unless you have a specific end goal in mind.
2. Your Career is Powerfully Influenced by How You Network in Grad School
Your personal and professional network is one of the strongest assets you have to advance your career.
How are you strengthening and growing your network?
3. Everyone is Scared and Overwhelmed – You Are Not Alone
Several of the professors shared how their initial experience with graduate school was overwhelmingly, frightening, and intimidating. If you are feeling this way, then know you are not alone.
Talk about it with others in your program. Look into getting counseling. A lot of graduate programs have a counselling service that is free to students.
Your sanity and happiness is worth prioritising.
4. Take Advantage of Your Graduate Program’s Services and Support Staff
If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program, then you may have a whole menu of services available to you, including:
-career and professional development services
-writing workshops and tutoring
-assistance for finding a mentor -networking events
-counseling services
-family and spouse support services
-health and wellness programs
Why not take advantage of everything offered by your university?
5. Be Appreciative of Your Time in Graduate School and Maximize the Opportunity
Graduate school can be brutal, especially if you are doing it while working.
Even if you are not working while in graduate school, you are experiencing a ton if stress on your financials, your energy, your time, your relationships, etc.
You need a strategy for keeping your head on straight and a system that allows you the space to appreciate your life and your program.
Practicing appreciation and gratefulness can mean the difference between succeeding and a mental breakdown. Take some time to develop a plan for implementing appreciation and gratefulness in your daily habits.
6. Find Your Motivation – Why Do You Want to Succeed in Graduate School?
Do you know why you want to succeed in your graduate program?
Does this reason align with your personal values and beliefs?
Clearly defining your purpose in graduate school will keep you focused and energetic. Take the time to really dig into what graduate school means to you personally.
It has to be more than just money if you want to be a top performer in your program.
Thanks