GT BGSA - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions...

How do I prepare myself for graduate school?

I am about to start my graduate career. What advice would you give me? What should I look out for?

What things do I need to consider in deciding if I want to obtain my Maters or PhD?

What are the benefits of attending graduate school?

How has your graduate education assisted you in accomplishing your goals?

How did BGSA play a role in helping you reach your goals?

Why is it important for minorities to obtain their graduate degrees?

How do I prepare myself for graduate school?

If you are doing a Thesis Masters or going on to a PhD program, you should definitely get some experience doing real research at an undergraduate level. Every good engineering school has summer research programs for undergraduates, and some like Georgia Tech :-) offer programs year-round that cater to undergrads and provide an avenue to conduct real research alongside outstanding faculty (UROP Program).

Study hard and perform well in your undergraduate classes, especially if you plan to pursue studies in the same field for your graduate studies, like I did. Speak to your advisor and people who are currently in programs, like the one you plan to enroll in, about your plans for graduate studies.

Educate yourself on graduate life. Also get some insight on the culture of the department, college, and school you plan to attend.

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I am about to start my graduate career. What advice would you give me? What should I look out for?

One of the most important things is the selection of your mentor/advisor. People told me that this is sometimes more important than your actual research topic. After a year in grad school, I would agree. Be sure to find someone that you can work with - personally and academically.

Take time to do research via the web on potential faculty advisors. Know what their research work is like and a bit about their personality. You will be spending at least 3 years with him/her, so you should be "compatible" with your advisor. Find out how many people have graduated with PhDs or Masters under his/her supervision and at what rate per year. Get advice from other graduate students in your field. Try to participate in technical workshops/conferences. Be open to new ideas!

Plan early and don't get stuck with the only school that you caught the deadline for. Think about geograpphy (access to family support system) - public transportation isn't always convenient and cost of living factors in just like it would in a job.

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What things do I need to consider in deciding if I want to obtain my Maters or PhD?

For Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), it is important to note that a Maters will guarantee you, on average, 20K above your BS salary, after only a year extra in school. Therefore, it is almost imperative that you get a higher degree to remain competitve. The bar has been raised.

The same is not true for a PhD. Don't get a PhD for earning potential; get it to innovate, create and be a leader in your field. On average ECE PhDs salaries are not that impressive compared to those with a terminal MS.

Are you gratified and/or exhausted with your undergraduate studies? Will you want to pass the idea of giving yourself better opportunity in the job market or simply technical awareness? Are you willing to be persistent even when the going SEEMS not to be as smooth as you'll like? If the answers are No, No, and Yes, then graduate school is definitely a good thing to consider.

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What are the benefits of attending graduate school?

Independent research, development of one's thought process and defining oif one's character.

Greater technical awareness
Better job opportunities
Insight and greater opportunity to get your name known for generations to come

Exposure to other great minds
Access to resources
Structured safe haven to play(i.e. do research)
Support to attend and present at conferences.

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How has your graduate education assisted you in accomplishing your goals?

Independent research, development of one's thought process and defining oif one's character.

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How did BGSA play a role in helping you reach your goals?

BGSA is very important for graduate students. It is a resource we, as African American students can positively impact our peers. I've been inspired by many BGSA members over the years.

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Why is it important for minorities to obtain their graduate degrees?

Because everyone else is. The bar has been raised. We live in a knowledge driven society.

The number of minorities in Faculty is still very low! There are still few minorities with PhD.

If you are called to teach. be qualified. If you are called to be in grad school do it. Minorities with degrees show others that it is possible.