80 likes | 195 Views
Join us for an insightful session on how to successfully navigate your Ph.D. journey at the NSBE Region 3 Fall Conference. From selecting the right department and securing funding to building meaningful relationships with advisors and peers, this session covers essential strategies for graduate students. Gain practical tips on developing your CV, networking effectively, and preparing for graduate school early. Learn about various financing options, including fellowships and assistantships, to support your studies and achieve your academic goals.
E N D
Getting Your Ph.D. NSBE Region 3 Fall Regional Conference Hosted by: Nathaniel W. Tindall & Georgia Tech Black Graduate Student Organization Prepared by: Lauren D. Thomas torch@nsbe.org
Contents • How to pick a department • Financing a Ph.D. • My Advisor and Me • Graduate Speed Chats
Picking a Department • Start looking, networking and preparing early • Develop a CV • Visit grad fairs • Take advantage of visit opportunities • Ask yourself • What are my goals in a Ph.D. program? • Where can I realistically spend the next 4-6 years? • What are the graduates from the program doing after?
Financing a Ph.D. • Department sponsored RA/TA/LA • Usually just cost of living expenses (if that) • Understand the responsibilities up front – 20 hrs. • Determine how this will support your grad work • Fellowships • Higher levels of funding, lower responsibility level • University/College offered – apply EARLY! • External fellowships, determine what can be combined • Loans • LAST resort!
LOOK FOR THE $$$$ Financing a Ph.D.- Fellowships • Disciplinary organization – ASME, ASCE, IEEE etc.. Usually for more advanced students, M.S. • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship – must write a proposal, no more than 1 year of grad studies $30k per year, tuition, fees, travel budget • SMART $31k per year + tuition and fees • American Association of University Women • Environmental Protection Agency • Ford Foundation
My Advisor and Me • Select an advisor based on personality match NOT solely research interests, notoriety, or publications! • What is your work style? • How do you like to be motivated? • Ask their students and graduates if available • Your advisor doesn’t need to be your friend, or even your mentor but it helps! • Check your ego at the door
Graduate Speed Chats • Goal: meet the Ph.D. students in the room and converse about their work, experience, future plans, and advice for your Ph.D. • 8 minute rotations • Feel free to share business cards!
Graduate Students • Name • Department, research area in 4 words • Institution • B.S., M.S., Background • Current status (student, candidate, defense, post-doc) • One thing you wish someone told you about grad school