November 2008 Archives

What is funny about graduate school to you?

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I found a very fun and meaningful websit for Phd student.

http://www.phdcomics.com

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These two cartoons refelcts that sometimes, Phd just a work. we have to do that no matter we like it or not. And that is true when the Prof. said "You have nothing to lose". :D

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This one is more funny. After graduate, some guys get their faculty job, some guys goto industry, however, the rest of the Phd students become PostDocs .....

Finding a job is really a problem for every Phd student. It is better to prepare from the begining .....

How to flourish in graduate school?

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After I read the articles that discuss the life of graduate school, I realize many things. I think these articles are very helpful. They let me know how to succeed in graduate school.

Firstly, I think we need to find out why we are doing this. Why we came to Phd student? I think I have enough reasons to do this. Secondly, I need to and have already found that academia is a business. I should treat it like a job, otherwise I can not succeed. Next, the most important criteira to evaluate a graduate student is research achievement. And there are some personalities a graduate student should have to be successful in a graduate school, e.g. initiative, tenacity, and flexibility. Besides these, a graudate student should possess of certain skills, like interpersonal skills, organizational skills, communications skills and etc. In addition, choosing advisor and committee members is important as well. After we graduate, how to find a job is also a considerable issue.

Find a club/organization

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At present, I have not participated in any club or organization yet due to I am a complete new here. I dont know any club or organization.
Usually, I play basketball at Wednesday night, sometimes at Friday night as well. This basket game is general from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and most participators are Chinese graduate students. Because it is organized by The Penn State Chinese Friendship Association (CFA). In addtion, some of my friends play badminton, though I have not go there yet. But I think I will join them on one day.
Moreover, I heard there is a good club LateNight-PennState which give us a chance to relax at Thursday and Friday night. My friend Wen told me that the mission of LateNight-PennState is to make available to students quality late night entertainment during prime social times, namely 9:00pm through 2:00am (Friday and Saturday) and 9:00pm through midnight (Thursday). LateNight provides an alcohol-free environment with opportunities for students to gain experiences in programming, leadership development, and responsible social interaction. I believe I will try it, if I find anyone would like to go together.