Thrive at Grad School

Graduate school is more than a degree—it’s a season of growth, challenge, and discovery. But it can also be demanding, with coursework, research, and life all competing for your time.

Connecting: Building Your Support Network

Graduate school is a challenging yet rewarding journey that becomes much more manageable with the right connections. Your support network—peers, mentors, faculty, and even friends outside academia—plays a crucial role in your success. Connecting is about fostering relationships that provide encouragement, guidance, and collaboration opportunities.

✅  Fostering Relationships: Building a Foundation of Support

Strong, positive relationships are the backbone of a successful graduate experience. Whether it’s with classmates, lab partners, or professors, investing time in building connections can pay off in many ways.

How to Build Relationships:

• Be Approachable: Introduce yourself to classmates and faculty during the first few weeks of your program. A friendly, open attitude goes a long way.
• Be a Team Player: Collaborate on group projects, participate in study groups, and help peers when you can.
• Attend Events: Networking sessions, workshops, and departmental gatherings are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals.

Why It Matters:

• Relationships provide emotional support during stressful times.
• A strong network can offer academic and career opportunities.

✅ Supervisor Support: Cultivating a Productive Relationship

Your supervisor is a cornerstone of your graduate journey. A positive and productive relationship with them can greatly enhance your experience.

Building a Healthy Supervisor Relationship:

• Set Clear Expectations: Discuss your goals, timelines, and preferred communication methods early on.
• Communicate Regularly: Schedule consistent meetings to review progress, address challenges, and seek feedback.
• Show Initiative: Demonstrate your dedication by taking ownership of your research and being proactive.

When Challenges Arise:

• Address issues respectfully and professionally.
• Seek advice from peers or departmental advisors if conflicts persist.

✅  Building a Network: Accessing Resources and Mentorship

Graduate school offers a wealth of opportunities to grow your professional network. By building connections across your department, university, and field, you can access valuable resources and mentorship.

Practical Networking Tips:

• Join Professional Organizations: Membership in field-specific associations can connect you with experts and peers globally.
• Use Online Platforms: LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and academic Twitter are great for staying updated and reaching out to others in your field.
• Participate in Conferences: Present your work, attend panels, and engage with other attendees.

The Power of Mentorship:
Seek mentors who can guide your academic and career development. Mentors can be faculty members, senior students, or professionals in your field.

✅ Cultivating Belonging: Creating a Supportive Community

Feeling like you belong is essential for well-being and success in graduate school. By contributing to a positive departmental culture and celebrating diversity, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment.

How to Cultivate Belonging:

• Celebrate Diversity: Appreciate and learn from the diverse perspectives of your peers.
• Be Inclusive: Foster an atmosphere of respect and encouragement in your interactions.
• Support Others: Offer help to fellow students and recognize their achievements.

Why It’s Important:

• A sense of belonging boosts confidence and motivation.
• It fosters a collaborative environment where everyone thrives.

Conclusion: Strengthening Your Connections

Graduate school is not a solo endeavor; it’s a collective journey enriched by the connections you build. Strong relationships with peers, mentors, and your supervisor can provide the encouragement and guidance needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Remember, connections don’t just happen—they require effort, patience, and mutual respect. By investing in your network, you create a supportive community that uplifts you and amplifies your success.

Stay tuned for next month's feature — Balancing: Navigating Work and Life in Graduate School  — where you'll  explore actionable strategies for achieving harmony between your academic commitments and personal life.

Let’s make this year one where you thrive—in your studies, in your life, and in who you are becoming.

✨ Watch your inbox for GradDigest and follow us on social media for each new installment. We can’t wait to grow together.

Reference: Coe-Nesbitt, H. A., Soleas, E. K., Moucessian, A. M., Arghash, N., & Kutsyuruba, B. (2021, July). Conceptualizing thriving: An exploration of students’ perceptions of positive functioning within graduate education. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 704135). Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.704135

Graduate school is more than a degree—it’s a season of growth, challenge, and discovery. But it can also be demanding, with coursework, research, and life all competing for your time.

Engaging: Becoming an Active Participant

Success in graduate school doesn’t just come from completing assignments—it comes from being an active participant in your academic community. Engagement is key to your development as a scholar and a person, and here’s how you can embrace it in all areas of your graduate life.

✅ In the Classroom and Beyond:

Show up to class, seminars, and events with an open mind. Being an active participant doesn’t just mean attending—engage with the material, ask questions, and join in class discussions. This active involvement will deepen your learning and allow you to make connections with professors and fellow students.

✅ Research and Projects:

Your research is the heart of your graduate work, so it’s essential to be fully engaged. Dive deeply into your research, keep refining your hypotheses, and seek feedback from your advisors and peers. Participate in departmental research groups and projects to gain new perspectives and improve your skills.   Join FGSR's Thesis Jumpstart or Thesis Thursdays for time to write and ask for any support on writing our thesis, visit Thesis, Project and Practicum.

✅ Community Involvement:

Graduate school isn’t just about what happens in the classroom or lab. Get involved in campus organizations, committees, and social events to expand your network and contribute to your university community. These opportunities will help you develop your leadership skills, collaborate with others, and make lasting friendships.

✅ Expanding Your Horizons:

Engagement isn’t confined to campus. Seek out opportunities to contribute to community projects, join professional networks, or engage with alumni. This will expand your perspective and help you build relationships that can be beneficial to your career.  Join GATE's Entrepreneurship Week to learn more about starting a business and meet potential partners. For all the details, visit GATE here.

Stay tuned for next month's feature — Connecting: Building Your Support Network —where you'll discover ways to dive into your research, your program, and your community. Engagement fuels learning, builds confidence, and helps you feel connected to something bigger.

Let’s make this year one where you thrive—in your studies, in your life, and in who you are becoming.

✨ Watch your inbox for GradDigest and follow us on social media for each new installment. We can’t wait to grow together.

Reference: Coe-Nesbitt, H. A., Soleas, E. K., Moucessian, A. M., Arghash, N., & Kutsyuruba, B. (2021, July). Conceptualizing thriving: An exploration of students’ perceptions of positive functioning within graduate education. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 704135). Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.704135

Graduate school is more than a degree—it’s a season of growth, challenge, and discovery. But it can also be demanding, with coursework, research, and life all competing for your time.

Achieving: Progressing Toward Your Goals

Graduate school is a journey that requires more than just hard work—it’s about making consistent progress toward your goals. Whether you’re writing your thesis, preparing for comprehensive exams, or getting ready to submit a paper, each step is a part of your academic and personal growth. Here’s how to stay on track and continue progressing toward success.

✅ Setting and Meeting Goals:

The first step to success is setting clear, realistic goals. Graduate school comes with many milestones—completing your coursework, writing your thesis, attending conferences, and publishing your research. Learn to break down these large goals into smaller, manageable tasks and prioritize them according to deadlines and importance. Regularly track your progress and adjust your plans when necessary. This approach will not only help you stay organized but will also reduce the stress of last-minute scrambling. And if you are getting close to completion, remember to schedule your thesis submission or your application to graduate.

✅ Excelling Academically:

Achieving academic excellence is about more than just getting good grades—it’s about mastering your field. Stay organized with your studies, prioritize tasks, and adopt active learning strategies to deepen your understanding. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors for clarification or guidance, and take time to review your work critically. Academic excellence comes from continual effort and a mindset focused on mastering the content, not just memorizing it. Don't forget thesis submission deadlines! Join the FGSR's How to submit your thesis for defense session this month here.

✅ Making Your Mark:

Graduate school is your opportunity to shine. Attending conferences, publishing papers, and receiving academic recognition all contribute to your academic reputation. Look for opportunities to present your research at conferences or submit your work to journals. These experiences will help you build a strong professional network, improve your research skills, and open doors to future career opportunities. Join FGSR's Research Week by participating in the Student Showcase. For all the details, visit Research Week 2025 here.

✅ Career Readiness:

Graduate school isn’t just about academics; it’s also a time to develop skills that will help you succeed in your career. Seek out opportunities to teach, engage in career development workshops, and participate in internship programs. The skills you develop today—communication, leadership, and problem-solving—will be critical to your career post-graduation. Stay proactive in seeking out career opportunities and start preparing for life beyond the degree. Join GATE's Career Readiness Workshops this month to participate in November's Reverse Career Fair. For all the details, visit GATE here.

Stay tuned for next month's feature —Engaging: Becoming an Active Participant—where you'll discover ways to dive into your research, your program, and your community. Engagement fuels learning, builds confidence, and helps you feel connected to something bigger.

Let’s make this year one where you thrive—in your studies, in your life, and in who you are becoming.

✨ Watch your inbox and follow us on social media for each new installment. We can’t wait to grow together.

Reference: Coe-Nesbitt, H. A., Soleas, E. K., Moucessian, A. M., Arghash, N., & Kutsyuruba, B. (2021, July). Conceptualizing thriving: An exploration of students’ perceptions of positive functioning within graduate education. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 704135). Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.704135

Thriving in Graduate School: Your Guide to Success, Balance, and Fulfillment

Graduate school is more than just a degree. It’s a time of discovery, growth, and challenge—a season where you learn as much about yourself as you do about your discipline. But let’s be honest: it’s also demanding. You’re juggling coursework, research, relationships, and your own well-being, often all at once.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new monthly series: Thriving in Graduate School.

Over the coming months, we’ll explore six essential pillars that can help you not just survive grad school—but thrive in every sense of the word. Each pillar offers strategies, inspiration, and practical tips to support you along the way.

The Six Keys to Thriving

Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:

✅ Achieving – Progressing Toward Your Goals
Learn how to set meaningful goals, stay motivated, and build the habits that help you reach important milestones—from completing your thesis to preparing for your career after graduation.

✅ Engaging – Becoming an Active Participant
Discover ways to dive into your research, your program, and your community. Engagement fuels learning, builds confidence, and helps you feel connected to something bigger.

✅ Connecting – Building Your Support Network
Strong relationships with peers, mentors, and faculty can make all the difference. We’ll share ideas for developing meaningful connections and a sense of belonging in your academic life.

✅ Balancing – Navigating Work and Life
Balance is the foundation for sustainable success. You’ll find tips on managing your time, maintaining your health, and caring for yourself alongside your academic commitments.

✅ Enjoying – Embracing the Journey
It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and pressure. We’ll explore how to find joy in learning, celebrate small wins, and stay inspired by your passion for your field.

✅ Being – Developing Your Best Self
Your mindset matters. We’ll look at how to build resilience, confidence, and purpose so you feel prepared for whatever comes next.

For September, join Welcome Week activities—like FGSR BINGO or Grad Night with GATE—to kick off the term, meet new people, and start strong.

What’s Next?   Every month, we’ll dive deeper into each of these six keys. Expect practical advice, student stories, and small steps you can try right away. Whether you’re in your first term or getting ready to defend your dissertation, this series is designed to support you wherever you are in your graduate journey.

Stay tuned for our first feature next month—Achieving: Progressing Toward Your Goals—where we’ll share strategies for setting priorities, staying organized, and keeping momentum strong.

Let’s make this year one where you thrive—in your studies, in your life, and in who you are becoming.

Watch your inbox and follow us on social media for each new installment. We can’t wait to grow together.

Reference: Coe-Nesbitt, H. A., Soleas, E. K., Moucessian, A. M., Arghash, N., & Kutsyuruba, B. (2021, July). Conceptualizing thriving: An exploration of students’ perceptions of positive functioning within graduate education. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 704135). Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.704135