Transitioning from Undergraduate to Graduate Studies

Graduate School can be extremely challenging. During my first semester in the MA in Mathematics, I was enrolled in three graduate courses, dedicating 20 hours per week to my Graduate Assistantship, and serving as a Housing Manager with the Department of Residential Life. I will not pretend that graduate school is easy because it is not, but being able to recognize the challenges and adjust throughout your graduate career may help the process. 

Step 1 – Acknowledge the challenges and seek help.

It took me a while to grasp that I had moved beyond my undergraduate career. It was not until around week 4 of the semester that I acknowledged my struggle to retain the material taught in class and realized I needed assistance. A piece of advice: you're not alone if you find yourself struggling to grasp the material in class, and it's perfectly fine to acknowledge when you don't understand and seek assistance accordingly.

Step 2 – Identify the issue and take action to course-correct.

As the semester unfolded, I came to the realization that I lacked interest in the courses I was enrolled in because I found the classes challenging. To address the dwindling motivation, I made the decision to enroll in a couple of courses within the Data Science program for the upcoming semester. I had to readjust my approach to graduate school. This involved attending classes regularly, taking personal time when necessary, attending my professor's office hours, and seeking additional help with assignments from the PhD students which allowed me to gain a mentor in the process.

Step 3 – Reflect on the positives.

This semester has provided me with the opportunity to meet and engage with more students within the department, explore various career paths, and develop a clearer understanding of the benefits awaiting me upon completion of my master's program. I'm enthusiastic about continuing my graduate degree. 

Overall, the transition from undergraduate to graduate school involves adapting to a more rigorous academic environment, embracing specialization, fostering independence, and actively engaging in professional development opportunities. It's a challenging but rewarding journey that can open doors to exciting opportunities and further your intellectual and career goals.