Academic/Coursework Skills
Most obviously,
graduate study entails reading. Lots of it. Graduate classes often integrate more discussion than lecture; however, you will still need to , but also those other students make. Also remember that graduate professors tend to be more strict about class absences. Many take student absences personally as if it reflects a student's disinterest. That said, it is likely that you will miss a class here or there, so think ahead on what you will do . Finally, once you complete your coursework you're not yet ready to begin your thesis or dissertation. It is likely that you will be required to pass a comprehensive exam before you may begin your dissertation.
Manage Yourself
You may not be able to control what comes your way - whether it's paper assignments, difficult professors, or an unruly course schedule, but you can control one thing: Yourself. School will never be easy - but being organized and planning ahead will make it more manageable. First, learn some basic time management techniques. Use a monthly calendar to get you through the semester. A weekly planner will help you keep track of courses, meetings, activities, and assignments each week. Finally, get in the habit of maintaining a to-do list because it will prevent you from forgetting important tasks and will allow you peace of mind that nothing will be forgotten. For extra points, use a project planner to map out all of your major assignments and ensure that you never submit late work again.
Social Smarts
A big part of graduate study entails coming into contact with professors. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised at how often students ignore the faculty part of the grad school equation. Because the apprenticeship model of graduate study relies on student-faculty interaction, the faculty mentor is essential to your success in school, but also to your career after graduation. It is also likely that at some time you will need to seek assistance from a professor, whether it's your mentor or a class instructor. Before approaching the professor, carefully consider your situation, your desired outcome, the best way of ensuring your desired outcome, as well as how you will respond to an undesired outcome. Finally, don't neglect your grad student peers. Your colleagues can offer help now but also in the future. You will find that the professional world is very small indeed and in the future you will encounter grad student peers at all levels of the professional ladder. Form relationships and friendships with your graduate student peers now - seek their advice but also be a friend and give advice.
There's lots to learn about graduate study and many strategies to succeed. These are three broad areas on which to focus, but these just scratch the surface. Perhaps the most important take-away message here is that succeeding in graduate school requires more than book and classroom smarts.
