HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR GRADUATE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE : 7 Tips to Create an Extraordinary Career

Information overload is typical in graduate school and you need practical advice to enhance your experience. These tips learned from other graduates helped tremendously and led to extraordinary opportunities that have defined my career thus far.

Coursework

• Learn exactly what the ‘takeaways’ will be before you sign up for any class. This knowledge will provide clarity and focus and help you manage expectations through assignments and coursework. In one course, our professor’s key takeaway was to develop a final research project suitable for peer-reviewed publication. Our team worked toward that goal during the course, achieved excellent grades, and our research was published by the end of the academic year.
• If you are sitting in an elective class for two weeks, wondering when it’s going to get better, drop it. Life is too short. You are making a significant investment of time, energy, and resources. You want a great return on your investment and an experience that will help you grow. 

Networking

• Networking is everything! This is true in life and in business. Building relationships is just as important as your coursework. Most graduate schools have a rich diversity of students and talent and this is your opportunity to develop networking skills. Take the initiative. You will be glad you did. Many fellow classmates assumed leadership positions after graduation, and the best career and professional job opportunities still come from my fellow classmates.   
• Join LinkedIn now, if you haven’t already, and update your profile regularly. Proudly share your Graduate School affiliation and connect with classmates. Invariably, other students will have awe-inspiring resumes, faculty will have multiple degrees and publications, and leaders from all over the world will grace your campus. Do not be intimidated and don’t undersell yourself - you’re equals on a quest to learn. Embrace your academic community. You have much to offer and your fellow students and faculty can learn much from your experience.

Career

• If you came to graduate school contemplating a career change, you’re not alone. I knew I wanted to do more than just ‘heart surgery’ after graduation. Decide what you want and set goals. If you are not sure, talk to your fellow classmates. You will gain tremendous insight as you explain to others what you want. Always work toward your goals and network throughout the year.
• Make use of your entire University: Learn about other parts of the school. If the work of faculty from other schools within the university interests you, make an appointment to visit with them. Leverage your alumni networks. They are invaluable.
• Finally, always remember: Show up on time. Show up prepared. Be professional.

Share what you learn and “pay it forward” after graduation to help the next generation of students. You will get out of graduate school what you put into it, and no one will discover your potential for you. Use this unique opportunity wisely.