The Academy

  • Mental Health, Q&A, The Academy

    Imposter syndrome as a PhD with no MA?

    Q: How do you manage feelings of intimidation/imposter syndrome as a new PhD student who does not have a master’s degree?

    A: Whew this is a BIG question and definitely something I’ve experienced firsthand.  I think that the first thing is to acknowledge what you are feeling and then try to put things into perspective.  It’s likely that the other students also doubt their abilities even with a MA. Just because your fellow cohort members have an additional degree, but that has absolutely no bearing on your abilities.  You were admitted because the admissions committee believed that, even without an MA, you could thrive.  You can. I’d also suggest checking out this recent GGW podcast on Imposter Syndrome. 

    Read more advice from the Grad Girl Wellness Community by checking out this post.

  • Q&A, The Academy

    How to spend summer break?

    Q: What’s the best way to spend your summer in between semesters?

    A: This is a difficult question to answer because summer expectations vary by discipline and how far along someone is in their program.  I’ve spent a lot of my summers either studying for comprehensive exams, doing fieldwork and now writing.  What I would offer to anyone is to think about one thing that you always wished that you could do during the school year, whether it’s Netflix or using that free trial of Class Pass, and make time for that. This will *help* balance out whatever academic responsibilities you have and make things feel like you actually are treating yourself to something you really want.

  • The Academy

    What to do when graduation is delayed?

    Q: How do you stay motivated when you’ve had to delay your graduation date?

    A: This is something that’s extremely relevant to me since I thought I’d graduate this year but am now planning for Spring 2022.  For me, it’s been helpful to have a plan for the next 12 months (or however long you think you will need).  It’s okay to make adjustments–life happens.  I’d also ask if there are any benefits to taking this unexpected time.  More publications? Networking? Also, staying off of social media so that you aren’t bombarded with other people’s graduation celebrations might also be helpful.

    Read more responses from Fellow GGW Followers here.  

  • Mental Health, Q&A, The Academy

    Is a PhD worth the stress?

    Q: If there are so many potential drawbacks, especially in terms of mental health, why do people still pursue a PhD?

    A: I would start by saying that any job, not just the PhD, has the potential to have a negative mental health impact.  A toxic environment can exist anywhere–I know from experience.  Secondly, I try to keep in mind that this is bigger than me. The people who have invested in me up until this point, those I hope to inspire in the future and the intended impact of my work is far more important to me than a professor who has let the academy give them a false sense of superiority. At the same time, I’m sure it’s possible to honor those people and your personal mission outside of academia if one chose to do so.

    Photo from Kevin Turcios from Unsplash