Young Researchers Organization Blog
A platform for physicists to share insights, ideas, and experiences.
by Chirag Rathi Congratulations! Embarking on the journey toward a PhD is a monumental step filled with potential for discovery and deep learning. If you’re here, you likely share a passion for exploring science and are eager to find the ideal environment where your interests can thrive and your research skills can evolve.
Yet, finding the right PhD program can be daunting. Questions like Where should I start? What should I prioritize?, and How can I narrow my options? are common and valid concerns. But worry not—you’re not alone in navigating this process. Welcome to the IReNA Blog! Here, we’ll walk you through seven key factors to consider when choosing a PhD program. While this article is mostly geared towards US-based PhD programs, there are many elements that will still be useful to students aiming for non-US PhD programs. These insights will help you make an informed and confident decision as you take the first steps toward an enriching academic journey. 1. The Department Search Graduate school is a transformative experience, far removed from undergraduate studies. Your research will take center stage, often requiring countless hours of dedication. If you don’t enjoy the work, those years of graduate school can feel unbearable. That’s why it’s vital to go beyond evaluating the university—dive deep into the department and its people. Start by researching professors and their work. Review their publications and projects to identify those whose interests align with yours. Keep in mind that departmental web pages aren’t always up-to-date. Reaching out to faculty directly is key—send concise, professional emails to gauge their availability for new graduate students. Additionally, consider contacting graduate students in the department. They often provide candid insights into the program, its culture, and the professors’ advising styles. If your efforts to connect with faculty or graduate students are met with silence, proceed with caution. A lack of responsiveness could signal deeper issues within the department. 2. The Mentors’ Insights The internet is a treasure trove of information, but it can be overwhelming and sometimes unreliable. Your current professors and mentors can help you cut through the noise. They often have personal or professional connections with researchers at other institutions, allowing them to provide insider knowledge about the programs you’re considering. These trusted advisors can also help you identify professors who are still actively working in your field, even when departmental pages are outdated. Their guidance can be invaluable in narrowing down your list of schools and ensuring you make informed decisions. 3. The Case of Graduate Student Networks Graduate school isn’t just about research; it’s a holistic experience. Social support can significantly impact your mental well-being and overall success. Look for departments with active graduate student organizations or committees. These groups often serve as hubs for networking, professional development, and social events, offering opportunities to connect with peers and find internships, summer schools, or jobs. Remember, all work and no play can lead to burnout. A strong social network is essential for maintaining balance during the demanding years of graduate school. 4. The Mystery of the Perfect Location When evaluating schools, don’t overlook the location of the university. Whether it’s in a bustling city, a quiet town, or somewhere in between, the setting can greatly influence your graduate school experience. Especially for international students, adjusting to a new culture, lifestyle, and work ethic can be overwhelming. Research the city or town, including living costs and graduate stipends. Ask yourself, Can I see myself living here for the next few years? If the answer is no, don’t ignore your instincts. Feeling comfortable in your environment is just as important as the academic fit. 5. The Case of Graduate Finances Money might not be the first thing you want to think about, but it’s a critical consideration. In US-based universities, unless you have a prestigious scholarship like the Fulbright or some departmental fellowships/scholarships, you’ll likely start as a teaching assistant (TA) and transition to a research assistant (RA) as your research group secures funding. You could also sign up as a tutor with the university’s think tank and tutoring services for an extra paycheck. Outside the US, the programs are often 100% research focused and the TA duties may even be accompanied with extra pay. Not all programs offer summer or winter support, so look for details on departmental funding policies. Additionally, professors’ publication rates can offer clues about their research group’s financial health—consistent publications often correlate with steady funding. Understanding the financial landscape will help you avoid unpleasant surprises later. 6. The Case of Application Fee Waivers Application fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re applying to multiple programs. Many US-based schools offer fee waivers if you attend their information webinars or meet specific criteria. Reach out to departments early to inquire about these opportunities. Don’t be shy about asking—at worst, they’ll say no, but you might save significant money by taking advantage of these offers. Planning ahead can make the application process far more affordable. 7. A Study in Program Uniqueness Finally, take time for introspection. Ask yourself: Why this program? What makes it unique? While several programs may align with your research interests, understanding what sets one apart from the rest is crucial. Whether it’s a particular professor, research focus, or even the department’s culture, identifying a unique fit will help you refine your list of schools. This self-reflection is also a powerful tool for crafting compelling statements of purpose. By clearly articulating your reasons for choosing a program, you’ll demonstrate your dedication and make your application stand out. Pursuing a PhD is a bold and challenging endeavor, requiring careful planning and self-reflection. The journey will test your resilience but also offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and discovery. By keeping these seven factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the application process and choose a program that aligns with your goals and values. Remember, the mantra is simple: Research your research. Take the time to evaluate your options thoughtfully, and you’ll set yourself up for success in this exciting new chapter of your academic career.
0 Comments
by David Godos Valencia If you are reading this post then you might be working in a foreign laboratory, or perhaps you are in your own country but have problems finding your place among your new international colleagues, or maybe you just find this topic interesting. In any case, you are welcome to this space where I will try to shed some light on this topic by sharing my experiences on different occasions of working with people from around the world! Nowadays, science has benefited from new communication technologies, which allow faster and farther connections, and it is more common to be part of international collaborations of any size. Also, it is easier to travel around the world for research stays with your collaborators, thanks to initiatives like IReNA, that promote exchange of knowledge and skills. Without any distinction, theoreticians and experimental scientists/students could find themselves moving to new countries for their jobs. It could be for a short time, due to a workshop or conference, or for longer due to a postdoc or a permanent position at a laboratory/university. Unavoidably, during these trips, academics will interact with people from different backgrounds who are also at different stages of their careers. In that case, wouldn’t it be a great idea to take the initiative to understand the kind of issues that might arise during these interactions and how to mitigate them in order to create a healthy work environment for everyone? Thanks to my trajectory, I have been fortunate to team up with people from Latin America, Europe, and the US at different times while visiting other countries like Romania, Spain, France, Italy, and Colombia. Sometimes you will be lucky to be in a very similar culture to the one you are from, but more often than not you will end up in a completely different society. You could still feel quite lost with even slight differences from what you are used to. In my opinion, two of the main problems that arise when working with people from different backgrounds are miscommunication problems and cultural shocks. The latter, according to C. Ward (1998), is described as an occupational disease and it is related to fear, anxiety, anger, and feelings of helplessness by people who suddenly find themselves living abroad [1]. Both phenomena, I think, have the same origin: the other person's reaction or interpretation of what we have said/done does not match our expectations or intentions. On one hand, it is easy to misunderstand other people even in our native language; let alone when two people from different states or even countries try to communicate with each other. This miscommunication could be due to the different accents, different usages of some words, and different ways of expressing themselves. As an example, there have been many times when talking with a foreign teammate, where at the end of the conversation we realized we were talking about completely different topics. In my experience, the best way to resolve such misunderstandings is to go all the way back to the beginning of the conversation and repeat, using more simple words, what you want to express. In that way, you can track your way in the conversation to the point where both of you agree on the meaning and move forward to the part that created the disconnect. As a result, you will build, little by little, a common context that will help avoid future misunderstandings. Cultural shocks are commonly encountered when visiting or living in a different country, even if their cultural differences are minimal. During my first trip to Spain, despite Spanish being my native language, I was somehow confused by the usage of the language there. While in Spain they are used to direct speech, which at first seemed rude to me, in Mexico we are not so straightforward. It took me a while to distinguish between when a person was really angry from their usual mood while socializing. I guess that it is hard to realize that the things that we take for granted in our homes are not commonly found in other places. Cultural adaptation may have different stages, which vary according to the demographic of the one experiencing it. Let me give you an example: you may have heard about the U-curve of cultural adjustment that says the adaptation process is composed of 4 phases: the honeymoon, the culture shock, the recovery, and the adjustment [2]. But, according to a study by C. Dailey-Strand (2021) [3], the process is more like a J-curve for foreign students, who do not experience the honeymoon stage, but rather face the cultural challenges first (see Figure 1). However, early social activities seeking integration into the host culture at the beginning of the stay are quite helpful in overcoming this first stage. So, if your team has gained a new member, a little guidance and understanding could make a huge difference in their experience. In case you are the new member, you should avoid isolation and try to look for social events where you can meet other international students at first. Furthermore, do not be afraid to try new activities or get deeper into the host society which will help you to know more people. The good news for you is that, after each time, it becomes a little bit easier to integrate into a new culture. Figure 1.- Comparison of the top) U-curve and bottom) J-curve of cultural adjustment. Images adapted from [2,3]. To summarize, you will face multiple challenges within your multicultural team mainly related to miscommunication and lack of a sense of belonging. While facing communication misunderstandings, a good way to resolve this problem is to create a common context within the team. As your time working as a group increases, your context will grow, and miscommunication will decrease over time. While dealing with cultural shocks can be difficult, you will benefit from being open-minded and trying new things. And although it is difficult to preserve your cultural identity in a new place, it should not stop you from trying new things and adopting local traditions from people you meet in your new life. This will enrich your point of view and expand your horizons.
I hope reading about these brief experiences will help you when working abroad or when a new member joins your work team! If you have experiences of your own where you have faced similar problems, and you want to share them, I would like to hear from you. References [1] C. Ward, Y. Okura, A. Kennedy, and T. Kojima, Int. J. Intercultural Rel. 22 No 3, pages 277-291 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0147-1767(98)00008-X [2] B. Alamri, ELT 11 No 12 (2018). https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v11n12p77 [3] C. Dailey-Strand, H. Collins, and D. Callaghan, JCIHE 13 Issue 4, pages 73-84 (2021). http://www.doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v13i4.3267 |
Contact Us |
Administrative Support: Anna Swartz
Scientific Participation: Focus Area Coordinators Code of Conduct Violations and Concerns: Hendrik Schatz or Ana Becerril Questions for the Director: Hendrik Schatz Website: Ana Becerril Other IReNA Information: Ana Becerril |
IReNA
640 S Shaw Lane East Lansing, MI 48824 USA |
IReNA is a National Science Foundation AccelNet Network of Networks
|