Advice from Experienced Travelers: What to Expect on the Grad School Journey

In which current and former students in master’s and doctoral programs share their graduate school challenges and surprises.

As you navigate your way through graduate school, it can be helpful to hear from those who are a bit farther down the road. This post is the second in a series that shares tips and encouragement from graduate students and those who have recently completed degrees. Part One in this series is “Cautionary Tales.” It covers realities of graduate school — like academic challenge and greater responsibility — that can cause problems if you are not prepared. Today, we’ll focus on a few of the good things about graduate school. What is it that makes this endeavor worthwhile, anyway?

Part Two: Scenic Turnouts — The Joys of the Journey

In graduate school, you can go in depth on a subject that you care about. This is a gift that it can be easy to forget amid the formulas and footnotes. “In graduate school, you have the opportunity to study what interests you and learn a tremendous amount,” said Drew, a Ph.D. student in Hebrew Bible.

Karol, who recently completed an Ed.D. in adult and higher education leadership, agreed. “I was surprised how much I loved the readings and assignments, as I am passionate about my field,” she said.

Embrace the Grind

Like his fellow graduate students whom I talked to, Jonathan, who is nearly finished with his M.Eng. in mechanical engineering, encouraged others to “embrace the grind,” rather than look for easy ways out or opt to avoid stress at all costs. He looks at his graduate studies as part of his higher purpose in life. “With this purpose in mind, you can power through the ‘slings and arrows’ that are necessarily associated with professional labor.”

Another joy of graduate school can be the unique opportunities it offers. Michelle, getting her Ph.D. in musicology, talked about a music history class she taught early in her Ph.D. program. “I really loved teaching that class,” she said. Most students were ESL and hadn’t been well-prepared for doing that kind of academic work. It was very rewarding.” Another year, she edited an academic journal.

While graduate school is an academic endeavor, it is also a time to grow as a person. “A graduate degree involves intensive research and writing but there is also a strong self-development component,” said Karol. “You will not be the same person when you take your first class as you are when you finish the program, you will be surprised at your endurance, grit, and persistence.” 

Next time: Roadblocks. What happens when graduate school throws major challenges in your way?

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