Top 10 Tips for Thriving in

Graduate School:  3 Student Perspectives

Presented by: Ahmad Ashoori

Blake Smith Luz Angélica Caudillo Mata

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Where to find this presentation and ALL THE LINKS! http://orientation.grad.ubc.ca/resources/

Before we begin…

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Blake Smith

Ø  PhD student in Art Education

Ø  Liu Scholar @ Liu Institute for Global Issues

Ø  Artist & teacher educator Ø  Originally from Atlanta, GA, USA

Ø  PhD student in Geophysics/

Applied Mathematics

Ø  Research Assistant at the Geophysical Inversion Facility

Ø  Member of the Student Committee of the Institute of Applied Mathematics

Ø  Originally from Mexico

Luz Angélica Caudillo Mata

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Ø  PhD student in Electrical Engineering

Ø  Former President of Thunderbird

Residence Association

Ø  Former Vice-president of ECE

Graduate Students Association

Ø  Originally from Iran

Ahmad Ashoori

#1: Resources •  Inside UBC

Ø  Departmental Ø  Legal

Ø  Research & learning

Ø  International House (“I-House”)

Ø  Bookstore / SUB / AMS services

•  Outside UBC

Ø  SIN Number

Ø  Driver’s license/BC ID/etc.

Ø  Helpful websites

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#2: Know the ground rules l  Rights and responsibilities

l  Be clear about your work expectations

l  Clearly define roles and expectations with your supervisor

l  Life is unpredictable, so is graduate school...

Remember! l  Don't take things personally

l  It's your responsibility to make grad school one of your best experiences in life!

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#3: Communication & Building relationships

Be proactive

Givers & takers – which are you?

Listen well, smile often J

Build your team & community

Important people & Gatekeepers

Sharing is caring!

#4: Funding/Budgeting

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•  Scholarships •  Research & Teaching Assistantships

•  Outside of UBC - Grants, etc. •  Jobs

Ø On campus

Ø Off campus

Time management skills

Know how you work!

Free software

Back up your work!

#5: Getting Organized

It’s easier to be organized when you have the right tools!

Evernote

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#6: Degree planning & Career building

Planning:

Conferences

Publishing

Opportunities

Milestones

Vacations!

Networking

Resume vs. CV

Online Presence

Deadlines:

Conference proposals

calls for submissions,

thesis/dissertation,

ethics (BREB),

funding,

SHHRC/AF

#7: Explore all your options

Build communities & get involved!

Take advantage!

You will be living in one of the most amazing cities in the world!

Internships Clubs

Volunteering

#8: Self-care & Stress management

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•  Make yourself comfortable

Ø  At home Ø  At work

Ø  Carpal tunnel/Repetitive Strain Injury

•  Work hard/play hard

•  Be sociable

•  Working out, hiking, soccer •  GSS Whistler trip

•  Clubs/other resources

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#9: “Getting off on the right foot”

Maintain your confidence Say yes within your limits

Don’t live on an island Be assertive, not aggressive

Self-advocate Be proactive

Be visible

Be you.  

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(and buy an umbrella) J

#10: ENJOY THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.

REMEMBER TO

BREATHE!

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Today’s Top Ten Tips: 1 Resources 2 Know the ground rules 3 Communication & Building relationships 4 Funding/Budgeting 5 Getting Organized 6 Degree planning & Career building 7 Explore all your options 8 Self care & Stress management 9 Getting off on the “right foot” 10 Enjoy this experience!

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Where to find this presentation and ALL THE LINKS! http://orientation.grad.ubc.ca/resources/

Thank you! Questions?