Choosing to pursue a postgraduate education is a big step and can be very overwhelming. I would say it took me about two months into my postgrad for my heart to stop racing and to be able to let it sink in. Along the way, over the past year I have learnt many things and devised different habits and skills to keep up with the never-ending reading and writing that the student-life entails. In this blog post, I hope to share with you the things I wish I knew when I first started my postgrad.
- Download Zotero
Reference, reference, reference. Your favourite word as a postgrad student. Although referencing may be a pain, there is software to make it easier, my favourite is Zotero (some prefer endnote) and downloading it will save you a lot of stress. By using the book ISBN or journal DOI you automatically create a reference which you can simply insert into your word document. If its an article you just write click in your browser and save it to a Zotero to reference. You also can choose the referencing format you need. This ensures your referencing is consistent and accurate. Although it is advisable to review your references even if you are using a software.There are always seminars/tutorials on campus to learn how to use these softwares.
- Study Spaces
Finding the right study space for you is an essential part of the postgrad life. I found it important to have “silent study spaces” and “social study spaces”. The silent ones are for when I really need to focus and social ones for when I need some noise around to keep me awake. They both come in handy. Also, looking around campus and visiting all the libraries and cafes early on let’s you get an idea of the available spaces. Once you find a few spaces you like find a seat where there is good lighting and is close to the sections in the library you are most likely to use. This way when you come in to study you don’t waste time looking for a place, you know where you are going and you get accustomed to your study space. Having multiple spaces like this ensures you won’t get bored.
- Your Tribe
Postgrad life can be VERY isolating, that’s why it is so so so important to have a tribe of positive hard-working people who are in your program that you are constantly connected with. This will help you stay motivated, connected and supported throughout your studies; in addition you will probably learn the most from your fellow colleagues ad they provide the best critique and review of your work. A good way to do this is to study together in the same library and use a collaborative library space often. This will also motivate you to use the library more often rather than studying alone at home.
These people are your biggest asset.
- Learning Experiences.
Your postgrad education only begins in the classroom, most of your learning will most likely take place outside it.
Remember: WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR POSTGRAD IS WHAT YOU GET.
Do not expect to just learn from the readings and what your professor tells you in a lecture. Check-out what events, seminars and open lectures on the topics that interest you are going on, not only on your campus, but around the city you are in (Eventbrite or Facebook Events super helpful for this). Look-up what institutes and organisations working in your area of interest are nearby, and sign-up to their events. Get involved in reading groups so that you have a chance to really discuss and debate ideas outside the lecture halls. Always take a look beyond the essential readings to get a better grasp of the ideas being discussed. Finally, choose your essay topics based on the regions and issues you are interested in to deepen your knowledge and expertise.
- Academic Writing
Writing is one thing, academic writing is another. Most likely there is an academic writing center at your university; find it, understand their services and sign up for their tutorials and seminars. This will help so much with writing essays and the most important thing: developing a strong argument.
- Dissertation/Thesis
It’s never too early to start thinking about your dissertation and there are a few things you can do to disperse the workload of your final postgrad assignment throughout the year.
Step 1: Buy a notebook and write dissertation on the cover and keep it on hand at all times.
Step 2: Write down any and all ideas that come to mind at any time.
Step 3: Take note of the topics and issues that intrigue you.
Step 4: As you do your readings take note of the readings that especially stand-out and you would like to look further into.
Step 5: Create a folder on Zotero called “Dissertation” and add any references that you think you might look back into later on.
Step 6: Sign-up to any sessions on dissertations early on, the earlier you understand what you should be doing the easier it will be.
Throughout the process your ideas will change and evolve, that is OK. Do not panic.
(If you would like a more detailed post on dissertation writing let me know.)
- Laptop or Notebook
The never ending debate, handnotes or laptop notes. I am a notebook gal and like to write out my notes because it helps me process things better and also because I am a visual learner, hence I rely a lot on diagrams I draw to understand concepts and ideas. Understanding your learning need will help you determine which works best for you.
- Saving Readings
Start saving your readings, powerpoints and notes in folders early on. This will not only save you a lot of time and energy during your postgrad but also once you have graduated and want to go back to review things for work or further studies.
- Moodle
Moodle should be your homepage and your best friend. Check it often.
- Organizing your time
If you have not bought a wall calendar, what are you waiting for? Visually seeing what deadlines you have, when classes are, what seminars are going on and everything else will really help you organize your time. Buy one, hang it over your desk and write everything in it IMMEDIATELY. Even the things you have on your phone or in your notes, having it all in one place is a life-saver.
- Ask, Ask, Ask
If you don’t know something or are not sure ask. There is a seminar and tutorial for everything. Most likely you have also been assigned a personal tutor which you can contact to discuss anything you need to talk about which is very helpful. Also, ask about online learning portals to fill-in any skills or knowledge gaps you may need to make the most out of your experience.
- Don’t try to do everything
There are probably a million things going on at once on campus and so many of them you want to go to. You will probably put pressure on yourself to live the full experience. Just don’t. I think it helps to ask yourself early on what you want to focus on: Academia? Travel? Internships? Enjoying the city you are in? Etc.. Based on that decide how you want to organize your time and lift the pressure of wanting to do it all off your shoulders.
That’s all I have for now, if you have any questions or anything you would like me to go into more detail of leave a comment and let me know.
Khadija Ali ••• خديجة علي 