3 answers
Samantha
Student
Bolingbrook, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
603 views
What advice would you give your past self starting SLP Grad School?
What advice would you give your past self starting Graduate School for the first time? I'm about to start my SLP master's program and would really appreciate some guiding advice or pointers!
Login to comment
3 answers
Jim Hebb
Human Capital Consulting
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi Samantha! I'm guessing SLP is Speech-Language Pathology (not my field, I have a masters in Human Capital/Business)? Regardless of the major, I'd offer a few thoughts that are broadly applicable to anyone pursuing an advanced degree:
* Approach with curiosity, and seek to learn ... in undergrad, we tend to focus too much on doing the assignments/getting the grade ... grad school is different, it's your opportunity to build the foundational knowledge to help you ge the career you really want. Don't just memorize to pass the test ... don't just try to "get through it" ... LEARN it.
* Get hands-on experience ... everything you're learning will come to life and make so much more sense if you get the opportunity to apply it in a real-life situation. If you can work in the field (even if tangential to the specific job you really want) during grad school, do an internship, or even do a practicum or two it will accelerate/ground what you're learning in class (and probably make it more enjoyable). It will also make you a more valuable/attractive candidate once you graduate.
* Make connections ... get to know a few of your fellow students as well as practitioners already well into their career. You'll learn from them (and they may learn from you!), and most successful job searches happen when there is a connection to someone at the employer.
* Enjoy this time ... this stage of life while you're in school will vanish before you know it, and you'll one day look back on it with fond memories. Explore your interests ... volunteer ... pause to take the trip to Europe ... and don't let your relationships with family and friends suffer.
Good luck!
* Approach with curiosity, and seek to learn ... in undergrad, we tend to focus too much on doing the assignments/getting the grade ... grad school is different, it's your opportunity to build the foundational knowledge to help you ge the career you really want. Don't just memorize to pass the test ... don't just try to "get through it" ... LEARN it.
* Get hands-on experience ... everything you're learning will come to life and make so much more sense if you get the opportunity to apply it in a real-life situation. If you can work in the field (even if tangential to the specific job you really want) during grad school, do an internship, or even do a practicum or two it will accelerate/ground what you're learning in class (and probably make it more enjoyable). It will also make you a more valuable/attractive candidate once you graduate.
* Make connections ... get to know a few of your fellow students as well as practitioners already well into their career. You'll learn from them (and they may learn from you!), and most successful job searches happen when there is a connection to someone at the employer.
* Enjoy this time ... this stage of life while you're in school will vanish before you know it, and you'll one day look back on it with fond memories. Explore your interests ... volunteer ... pause to take the trip to Europe ... and don't let your relationships with family and friends suffer.
Good luck!
Megan Kennedy, M.S.
Associate Infrastructure Architect
1
Answer
Elverson, Pennsylvania
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
First, let me say, congratulations on going for your masters! SLP is a great field! Good luck to you.
Grad school is all about organization and setting a good pace for yourself. I did most of my master's online, so I had to self pace, which isn't always easy, especially working full time and going to school. If you're into having something tangible, get yourself a planner and write down all classes, assignments, schedules, etc. If you prefer Google Calendar or something else, that works great too. Maybe use both, I still tend to have a calendar I write in and my Google calendar, and my work calendar. They keep me on track, otherwise I'd be all over the place.
Make sure you give yourself time to do assignments so that you aren't rushing around doing everything last minute (even if you're a procrastinator like me and you focus better when you're squeezed). You'll be happy you gave yourself more time, especially on the BIG projects.
Make sure you make enough time to keep taking care of you. Self care is super important to help relieve stress and give you a break from all the studying. Get enough rest, drink enough water and exercise. I found that making time for me helped to "fill my cup" and got me though those big projects and long nights of studying. Working out is my stress relief and therapy, it still keeps me sane to this day.
Be ready to learn, pay attention, focus and take good notes. Good luck, congratulations on this next step. You got this!
First, let me say, congratulations on going for your masters! SLP is a great field! Good luck to you.
Grad school is all about organization and setting a good pace for yourself. I did most of my master's online, so I had to self pace, which isn't always easy, especially working full time and going to school. If you're into having something tangible, get yourself a planner and write down all classes, assignments, schedules, etc. If you prefer Google Calendar or something else, that works great too. Maybe use both, I still tend to have a calendar I write in and my Google calendar, and my work calendar. They keep me on track, otherwise I'd be all over the place.
Make sure you give yourself time to do assignments so that you aren't rushing around doing everything last minute (even if you're a procrastinator like me and you focus better when you're squeezed). You'll be happy you gave yourself more time, especially on the BIG projects.
Make sure you make enough time to keep taking care of you. Self care is super important to help relieve stress and give you a break from all the studying. Get enough rest, drink enough water and exercise. I found that making time for me helped to "fill my cup" and got me though those big projects and long nights of studying. Working out is my stress relief and therapy, it still keeps me sane to this day.
Be ready to learn, pay attention, focus and take good notes. Good luck, congratulations on this next step. You got this!
Michele Hansen
Chief Product Officer
3
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Congratulations on starting grad school! It's a great idea to use one of the many AI platforms out there. You can start by asking a simple question and then add, "help me brainstorm how to best prepare for the opportunity." AI can be a wonderful tool to bounce ideas around. Every year, I use AI to help me set my professional goals and explore new possibilities. Best of luck on your journey!