3 answers
Allison
Student
Athens, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What is your best advice for making the most out of graduate school?
I'm starting grad school in August and know it'll be different from my undergrad experience, so I want to try to be as prepared as I can.
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3 answers
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
225
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello, Allison. Thanks for reaching out! You have a great question. I admire students like you who want to pursue a graduate degree. My college professor once said the best time to go to grad school is after gaining at least three years of solid work experience. For BS Psychology graduates, good job options include: (1) Human Resources, even in entry-level roles; (2) School settings, working in student services; (3) Clinical settings, like mental health centers for kids or adults.
Now that I'm already in the field, I see the value in my professor's advice. In grad school, real-world experience is key because learning is often based on outcomes. This means you'll learn a lot from classmates with practical experience. This approach makes classes more meaningful.
We hope you enjoy your grad school journey. Stay curious and motivated. Embrace reading and research, as grad school is mostly self-directed and different from college. Build good relationships with classmates and school staff—they’ll be helpful when challenges arise. Talk to friends in grad school to get a better sense of what it's like. Having a mentor in your program can also be very beneficial, providing guidance and real-world insights.
Now that I'm already in the field, I see the value in my professor's advice. In grad school, real-world experience is key because learning is often based on outcomes. This means you'll learn a lot from classmates with practical experience. This approach makes classes more meaningful.
We hope you enjoy your grad school journey. Stay curious and motivated. Embrace reading and research, as grad school is mostly self-directed and different from college. Build good relationships with classmates and school staff—they’ll be helpful when challenges arise. Talk to friends in grad school to get a better sense of what it's like. Having a mentor in your program can also be very beneficial, providing guidance and real-world insights.
Ernesto Longhin
Psychologist
10
Answers
Mendoza, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Updated
Ernesto’s Answer
Hello Allison,
Certainly, postgraduate education will be different from undergraduate education.
Regarding your question, I think the best answer I can give you is to be yourself. I can appreciate enthusiasm and desire to progress when you express what you expect from the postgraduate program.
Just be yourself, I mean that the spirit of curiosity you radiate should be your guide.
Go completely open to the new learning experience, and you will make the most of it.
I hope my response was helpful.
I wish you all the best for your new stage of growth!
Certainly, postgraduate education will be different from undergraduate education.
Regarding your question, I think the best answer I can give you is to be yourself. I can appreciate enthusiasm and desire to progress when you express what you expect from the postgraduate program.
Just be yourself, I mean that the spirit of curiosity you radiate should be your guide.
Go completely open to the new learning experience, and you will make the most of it.
I hope my response was helpful.
I wish you all the best for your new stage of growth!
Yen Sou
Optometrist
1
Answer
El Monte, California
Updated
Yen’s Answer
Hey Allison,
Depending on what program you’re getting into, I would recommend getting out there and trying all the things (clubs, conferences, functions, mission trips, tutor etc.). As much as your energy will allow!
I did a doc in optometry and I took advantage of clubs (being in them and running for positions), worked as a tutor to underclassmen, a mission trip to Guatemala, conferences that spanned the US from Las Vegas to Boston and did rotations in all corners of the US - Maine, The South, Seattle, and Southern Ca.
I had the best time!
Depending on what program you’re getting into, I would recommend getting out there and trying all the things (clubs, conferences, functions, mission trips, tutor etc.). As much as your energy will allow!
I did a doc in optometry and I took advantage of clubs (being in them and running for positions), worked as a tutor to underclassmen, a mission trip to Guatemala, conferences that spanned the US from Las Vegas to Boston and did rotations in all corners of the US - Maine, The South, Seattle, and Southern Ca.
I had the best time!