Thread by @Mr_Olumade

1/n - As a grad student/fellow for 5 years, the experience isn’t a whole lot. However, permit me to share a few tips/lessons I have learned in grad school for the benefit of intending grad student.

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2/n - You should not underestimate the importance of reading and studying. There’s always something new in your field. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to be aware of advancements in your field. It will help you look forward to “what’s next” in the field.

3/n - Before you’re in grad school (I’d put this up there too), do a great deal of research into your choice of mentor. That mentor will play a great role in shaping what kind of researcher/student you become. Trust me, you want to watch the kind of shoulders you stand on.

4/n- Notice I used the word ‘mentor’ and not ‘supervisor’. A supervisor will simply oversee your project and time there. That person won’t necessarily be interested in your growth. A mentor will be interested and invested in your growth and development, beyond your research.

5/n- You are choosing that mentor just as much as the mentor is choosing you. Ask questions. Discuss with current grad students with that mentor. Ask what it’s like to study and work in that environment. CHERISH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH!

6/n- Be a master of your field, and a jack of other related fields. Make efforts to be an expert in your own field & also make sure you’re not ignorant in other fields related to yours. That versatility is ALWAYS a plus. Research is fast becoming multidisciplinary.

7/n- Collaboration is very important in grad school. You won’t always be able to do it alone. Learn to collaborate and work in a team. It helps you become a good researcher. It will expand your research experience. And of course, It will help you get more publications.

8/n- Attend seminars/conferences and ensure you network. Meet people, talk abt what they do, and what you do & ask questions. It will help you grow. You are slowly building your building your own network of friends/researchers. You’d appreciate it if it’s there when you need it.

9/n- In grad school, learn a skill. Pick up something new- data analysis, coding, design, etc. There’s a great deal of them. Develop yourself. You’d be surprised how handy it can be when you need those skills.

10/n- Make a habit of carrying a small book around where you can pen ideas & thoughts when they jump at you. I can nearly promise you that if you don’t write them soon, you won’t remember when you get home. Those ideas may just be the next big thing. The future you will thank you

11/n- Your desired field can change in grad school & it’s okay. If you get the spark for something else, talk to your mentor about it. Don’t dismiss it. Loving what you do is important in grad school. You can troubleshoot an experiment for a year. That passion keeps you going.

12/n- You are not too young to apply for scholarships, grants and funding opportunities. Always apply. You will certainly get rejections & it’s okay too. Don’t give up. As your CV gets better, keep applying. Once you get the first one, it become easier. Don’t stop applying.

13/n- You will feel overwhelmed at some point. When you do, it’s okay to take a break. Do something else, get distracted. Go hiking. Go for an outing. Sometimes, you’d get an idea for your work while doing something unrelated. It helps to zone out for a while when you feel down.

14/14- Stay humble. Treat everyone with respect. Give a helping hand when you can. Teach and train others when you get the opportunity. The only thing better than being mentored rightly, is mentoring others rightly.

What have you learned? Add yours below 👇🏼

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