Introduction:
how to be a (GOOD) graduate student

Yes, that’s the title

A few insights

Graduate life can be challenging in many ways, so it’s important that you leverage the skills you have and build additional skills as needed.
- You have a lot less structure and a lot more independence, so it’s important to manage your time. Hours of class? Hours of work? Hours of personal time? Hours of time for loved ones?
- You have a lot more to do and a lot less guidance, so it’s important to assess your circumstances, identify your priorities, and determine when you need help.
- Plenty of resources exist, but they won’t always be laid out for you, so it’s important to ask questions, seek out knowledgeable individuals, and find the resources you need.
You’ll always need help – and it’s OK. Embrace that reality and know that Carolina is here for you.

Who are you? What are your values? How do they connect to your degree?
Why are you in graduate school? What do you hope to achieve and accomplish?
What do you want to do and where do you want to be when you’re done?
Being able to answer these questions will help you:
- Clearly articulate what your personal and professional goals are.
- Seek out and pursue relevant academic and professional opportunities.
- Stay motivated when you run into challenges and obstacles.
- Celebrate key achievements and accomplishments when they occur.

What kind of people do you need around you to be successful?
What do you look for in your advisors, managers, and mentors?
Who are your best friends and colleagues?
Being able to answer these questions will help you:
- Recognize and appreciate those individuals who provide you with the affirmation, criticism, feedback, and support you need to grow personally and professionally.
- Seek out individuals who can add value to your overall graduate experience by filling the personal and professional gaps in your support circle.
- Acknowledge when you’re not getting the guidance that you need so that you can figure out who to reach out to for the necessary support.

Ask your program – particularly your advisor – what the expectations are for you as a graduate student. (NOTE: Read The Graduate School Handbook thoroughly.)
Get as specific as you can so there’s no miscommunication or misunderstanding about expectations, deadlines, and timelines.
Be realistic about what’s possible and what’s not – know that you’ll likely be challenged and pushed to do more.
Discuss the consequences of not meeting expectations – this is usually less openly addressed, but knowing can help you avoid unexpected issues.
Document as much as possible to ensure clarity.

If you’re confused or unsure, ask questions.
If you don’t know or can’t find the answer, consult someone more knowledgeable. Don’t necessarily guess – the wrong answer can lead to negative consequences.
Know your responsibilities – as a student, as an RA/TA, etc. Even if you don’t read all of the applicable handbooks or policies, you're still subject to all of them.
Be proactive and engage with resources in advance as much as possible.
Imposter syndrome is real, but it doesn't need to take away your agency.
If you don't know, you don’t know. Don’t beat yourself up about it. The most important thing is that you get the answer.

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