I'm coming out of my cave!
As some of you may know, I take my RW career pretty seriously, and I'm constantly pushing for more. So this past 10 days I pretty locked myself in the house and completed all my applications to grad school. Only coming out for tofurky!
I've missed the hobby so much! and I'm very excited to be hosting incalls tomorrow. I'll be making an ad about that shortly, because this isn't one 
Anyway, I'll soon begin prep for interviews (as PhD programs require interviews) and would love pointers from you who have experienced the trials of grad school?!?
the end of the tunnel. I'm nearly ten years removed from school. I worked full time and completed my graduate studies at night. Weekends and nights were dedicated to studying. I remember always being tired during that period and never had time for anything. It was such a relief and great feeling when it was complete. Good luck.
Thank you so much, yes there is a light at the end of the tunnel! No more school after this. God, I'm 7 years deep. When done I'll be 12 deep easily. Nooooo more.
That's just what I say though. Low key, I love school.
...oh..wait...........
Nevermind.
Why did I laugh so hard!?
Me and you both babe!
but if the interview is anything like a job interview, then there are two key questions you'll be asked, and which you should prepare honest and informed answers to. These are:
1. Why do you want to pursue this career?
2. Why do you want to pursue this career with us?
I know this from conducting interviews with people whom I have interviewed at my company. There are no stock answers I look for. Rather, I want to see if the person has given serious thought to these, and to see how well they express themselves.
For most companies I would consider the second question pretentious. Sure if I was applying for a job at NASA, it would be something beyond just wanting a paycheck.
has done any research into our company to know if they would be a good fit. Initiative is always a desired trait.
I was asked variations of those questions when I interviewed for my first real job in the corporate world.
My answers:
1. I checked into several majors and I felt my chosen major would make me the most money.
2. Your company has a reputation for excellent monetary compensation for employees who do well.
I was hired!!
I totally agree. One of my mentors urged me to customize each personal statement I wrote to include faculty from each chosen school.
To personalize my application and clearly state what I could bring to that program. It sounds like these programs are a little full of themselves. That's because they are. especially at the level I applied, everybody in the room is a doc. Encountering egos is kinda expected
I went to grad school while working full time. Not a lot of fun. Most important thing for me was time management and resisting the urge to goof off in my free time because I really didn't have much free time - had to study and do assignments.
Be committed and dedicated to school. Once you get the hang of the workload you will be able to better judge when and for how long you can play!
Omg yes! Because I will have that little crappy GA pay, I plan to continue providing. Hopefully it will supplement my income. I imagine lots of studying in between sessions. But being prepared and planning, is a must
1) Choise your faculty advisor carefully. If your school just assigns you one, you can usually interview others and swap early on if you find one more compatible to your style of study.
2) Cultivate some mentors among other grad students that are nearing completion of the same major as you. Many of the classes you will be required to take will be offered from more than one instructor. Those that have gone before you can help you pick professors that are less-demanding of your time/work commitment. You get the same credit for passing the course whether it requires 50 hours of work or 100.
Yessss!
Now I hear there is a sweet spot. Tell me if it's true or not please.
I hear that: you want to find a advisor that is busy, but not too busy. Cause one that is always available isn't as notable, but one too busy won't give you the attention you need?
Some one told me that, didn't know how true it is, but I made sense.
In one of my interviews I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up”. I replied “I am grown up”. What a fucking moron.
I worked on the east side, school was on the west side and I lived a bit north of the city. It sucked. I always felt pressured. Getting home after school was a major hassle. Two trains. A missed connection meant a one hour wait for the next one. I survived, graduated, then changed my field of work! Oddly it didn’t matter. When prospective employers saw I had a gradute degree they didn’t relly care what it was in. Obviously I was not in a profession like law or accounting where it does matter.
Good luck.
I hope I never do.
It's fun to wonder about.
The skills to turn professional as a gigolo. Getting a payoff in your skill set is pretty good, as many of the ladies here will attest.
but I fear losing my amateur status should hobbying ever become an Olympic event.
8o)
Olympic-worthy sessions, but I was just the one holding the water bottle and sweat towel. She did all the work.
Unfortunately it was a hundred Colones, not a hundred dollars, but still enough for me to lose my amateur status. lol
For the record, one dollar is approximately 500 Colones, so I was paid about 20 cents, but payment is payment, that's my story and I am sticking to it.
you get what you pay for. (Sorry, you teed that one up.)
(Our flight was just called. I'll look for the snappy comeback tomorrow. Lol)
In Scotland one time a lass happened upon a Scotsman who was sleeping off last night's imbibing.
Being curious, she decided to lift his kilt to view his manhood, and sufficiently impressed, she took the blue ribbon she had in her hair and wrapped is around his member.
Upon waking the Scotsman saw the ribbon and said:
I don't know where ye was last night, but you won first prize laddy.
Hmmm may be moving to your area, if I get into my chosen schools. I don't take colones, but I do take other things
It is great to know you are following your passion. It's very admirable and it gives me a motivational push. Fantastic work and have a wonderful time hosting! Thanks for sharing the good news.
Welcome to the realm of academia where those pursuing a PhD will be hazed the hell out of. Academically speaking, of course. You asked for some pointers regarding the trials of a doctoral program and interviews. So, while I have not finished my PhD, I'm in my second year, these are my tips.
1. Know why you picked that particular program, possible area of focus, and the faculty you want to work with. Also know if you want to go full time (3-5 years) or part time (4-7 years). Be able to touch these topics in your personal statements & interview.
2. PhD Advisor: They should be reputable within the field you want to study. You should be interested in what they have previously studied since it is likely your research may rely heavily on their previous findings. In addition, your PhD Advisor is someone that should be helping you find research opportunities and introducing you to their network. I've had friends pick programs because they were known for being "easy". Now, they hate their program, their cohort, and their decision because they do not coalesce well with the faculty or their Advisor.
3. Interviews: Be yourself. However, be able to articulate professionally all in #1.
4. Conferences are your friend! Try to attend as many as possible and network. Most of all, if you can, present research at those conferences that is both relevant and will leave a lasting impression.
5. Institutional reputation for your specific field trumps location. It may be a personal trial for those years but it pays dividends.
6. Publish as much as possible.
7. Your cohort is a support system but make sure you have friends outside of your cohort.
8. Have some damn fun. Well, try to!
Best of luck, darlin'! I'm sure you'll do phenomenally well. Sending positive vibes your way!!
LJ, xx