A new school year starts next week for many incoming graduate students at the IU School of Education. Improving and innovating the research in the education world remains a major mission of our school, and these new students will become a vital part of that work.
Whether you’ve just finished your undergraduate degree or have been away from the higher education world for a while, our current graduate students have advice and tips to share as you begin this exciting new chapter in your career.
Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies
“As a person who was previously working full time as a teacher before graduate school, it can be an identity adjustment becoming a full time student again. Embrace all that you are learning! That is why you are here. You bring unique positionality and perspective to diversify the research in the field. You belong here.”
Ph.D. in Higher Education (HESA)
“Allow your graduate experience to be both academically and personally fulfilling. While there may be obstacles, take those roadblocks as opportunities to learn and gain support from others in your newfound community.”
Ph.D. in Learning and Developmental Sciences, minor Informatics HCI
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learnt while at grad school is to know that it’s ok to ask for help. Whether it’s academic advice, research assistance, networking, financial aid, etc., there are people and departments here who can help. Remember it’s difficult to obtain assistance if people do not know you need it. Secondly, it’s important to find your tribe. Especially being an international student, it’s easy to become lost and feel alone in such a large university. Having a group of persons with whom you can connect with, form memories, discuss issues and be your cheerleaders and source of support is vital to your progress and persistence in graduate school.”
Ph.D. in Mathematics Education
“No matter what your teaching discipline (mine was math), you are training to be a writer. If writing doesn't come naturally to you, know that this does NOT mean you aren't good enough or that you don't belong. There are a lot of resources on campus to help you. Get involved as quickly as possible with research projects. Try methods you are not familiar with. Get to know which faculty you work well with; these folks are your future committee members. Try to keep teaching duties to a schedule. I love teaching, but it will take as much time as you give it (and more). Setting boundaries between your work as a teacher and as a student - and as a human - is really important. There are a lot of feelings and circumstances to navigate in this transition. Grad school stress is real and intense. Imposter syndrome is real. In my experience, the best time to get into counseling is before you think you need it.”
Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies with a minor in econometrics
“I think one of the key things to enjoy and learn during graduate school is discovering your research interests. If a course allows you to pick something from your research interest, spend sufficient time finding a topic you may want to study in the long term such as something you may study in your dissertation or you may want to submit to a conference or journal. Graduate courses and additional readings will help you to improve those ideas and find connections with the discussions in your field. Consider the research methodology/inquiry courses as integral parts of your program. Those courses offer an opportunity to examine issues that you often have some theoretical/conceptual background from your major area. Finally, invest in your analytical skills. Having a strong methodological background, whether quantitative or qualitative or something related to mixed methods, and analytical skills enables one to gain research experience during the graduate program.”
