Q&A

  • Q: How to prepare for employment?

    Q: How did you start preparing for post-graduation employment while still a student?

    A: Honestly, I didn’t do a great job of this, so I think that asking this question is productive in itself. My last year (when I was doing 100 other things) I made an appointment with the career center and started looking at what other graduates from my department  did upon graduation. In short, start exploring now! Network! Maybe there’s an internship you can do that could later turn full time. Read more suggestions form the GGW Community here.

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  • Q: How to celebrate graduation?

    Q: As an older student, I feel uncomfortable with a gift registry.  How else can I ask people to celebrate this milestone?

    A: This makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate the recognition that celebrations can look different for different people. My suggestion would be to build upon what you already do with your loved ones. Maybe it’s having a potluck, going on a vacation or attending a nearby event. Think about how you can take what you already feel comfortable doing and elevate it slightly to honor your recent accomplishment. Read more suggestions from the GGW community.

  • Q: How do you decide which program to attend?

    A: First, it’s nice to have options, so congratulations! This also means that you’ll have to make a decision as opposed to allowing the universe to make it for you.  Like dating, I think that you should have your standards and dealbreakers.  Are you willing to move?  Do you want to be in an urban environment? What type of mentoring is available to you as a student?  Take your time and visit the campus if you are able.  Set up times to talk with current students to gather the information that you need.  Again, take your time, sis.

  • Making time for movement in grad school?

    Q: How do you make time for movement given your grad student schedule?

    A: Honestly, making/finding time is the main concern I hear from folks who want to add be more active but aren’t sure how.  My main suggestion is to pick an activity that you genuinely enjoy so that its harder for your skip it.  Secondly, see how you can get ahead on an assignment (ie not save it until the last minute), so that you feel less guilty when taking time away.  Finally, if you pay for classes up front, you might feel less inclined not to go because you’ve already made the investment.  Check out this GGW podcast episode with personal trainer and recent PhD Assita Dialo for more tips!