Transitioning to Grad SchoolWhat does it take to be a graduate student?
Graduate studies can be a major shift from undergraduate studies. In graduate studies, students continually become more independent as they move to higher levels of studies.
Self-motivated
Being a graduate student requires students to take the reins of their learning. Students need to ensure that they meet their program requirements, connect with university supports, and manage their own development and progress.
Love for learning
Graduate experiences require a lot of learning both in and outside of the classroom. Successful students have a love for their disciplinary areas and take initiative to further their knowledge.
Time management skills
Throughout your program, successful students must have the ability to juggle program requirements, research projects, and other initiatives. Being able to manage your time to ensure you make progress is a necessity.
Key differences across levels of studies
Undergrad |
Masters |
Doctorate |
PostDoc |
|
Purpose |
Train students in foundational disciplinary concepts and theories. | Train students in the research process and how to utilize theory in practice. | Train students in how to create and disseminate knowledge through research. | Provides opportunities to hone and advance their research experience. |
Focus |
Students receive a general overview of a disciplinary area. | Focus on a specific area within a discipline. | Narrow but deep focus on an area of specialization within a discipline. | Developing a research portfolio and area of focus. |
Courses |
Students complete up to 10 classes a year. | Students take fewer, more advanced courses that require more preparation. | Students take a few advanced courses in a specialized area. | No longer a student. Supports independent research and teaching. |
Research |
Begins to engage in research at superficial levels as a research assistant. | Supports research as a research assistant and conducts a research project under supervision. | Leads independent research under supervision. | Conducts independent research at various levels. |
Knowledge Distribution |
Focus mostly on building their knowledge creation skills. | Supports the creation of publications and presents at conferences. | Creates knowledge in a specialty area through publications and conference presentations. | Creator and facilitator of knowledge in self and others. |
Shifting program support
The support you receive in your graduate program is different from your undergraduate studies. As a graduate student, it's your responsibility to engage with the various supports that are available to meet your needs and ensure your success. It's important to note that your specific needs will shift depending on your program, department, and type of study (e.g., project, course-based, thesis).
Key personnel that will be available as support:
Supervisor (thesis/project)
Supports you in all areas of your graduate student journey, including: recruitment, class selection, professional development, funding, and research oversight.
Faculty Advisor (course-based)
In some course-based programs, students are assigned a Faculty Supervisor to be a primary contact. Your Faculty Supervisor helps you select courses and other needs that arise during your program.
Grad Chair/Program Head
Coordinates and leads the functions of their respective program. Their role includes overseeing admissions, working with faculty to monitor student programs, advising students on program or supervisor conflicts, and overseeing thesis examinations.
Grad Administrator
Facilitates many administrative functions that move the pieces forwards for your graduate student behind the scenes. Your graduate administrators work closely with your graduate chair, programs and department heads. Examples of responsibilities related to graduate students are assigning TA roles and other special projects.
Department Head
Oversees the operations of all undergraduate and graduate programs under that department. For example, Psychology has several undergraduate (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) and graduate programs (e.g., clinical, applied social, cognitive, neurological) that are led by the department head.
Build your skills early on
In your graduate education, much of your learning and development takes place outside of the classroom. At the University of Saskatchewan we have an array of supports available to support you in your career:
HUB Lab
Engage in self-paced learning modules to facilitate your success as a graduate student.
Enter the Lab!
Library Learning Services
Start building your research and writing skills from the start of your program. The library has various learning resources, research guides, and workshops to support your development.
Library resources for grad students
Gwenna Moss Centre
Build out your teaching assistant and instructional skills.
GMCTL resources for grad students
Career Services
Whether you are looking for a job during your graduate studies or preparing to enter your career after convocation, Careers Services can support you in all areas of career development.
Career Services
Finding your pack
Critical to the success of graduate studies is building your community and network. This can be difficult to enter new spaces, but the relationships you build during your program can last a lifetime! There are various places and events on campus you can visit to meet other students.
At the start of each term, CGPS plans a series of welcome events to help you start your graduate journey. Even though these events are designed for new students, anyone can join!
Check out the Hub Community
Want to find out more about where to socialize on campus, when events are happening, and how to join student groups? Find it all on our Community page!
Your IDP (Independent Development Plan)
What is an IDP?
Your IDP is a plan that helps map out your graduate student experience and development from the start of your program through to entering into your career. An IDP can help guide which opportunities to engage with during your graduate experience and builds the foundation for your success.
How to use the IDP
Your Grad HUB IDP is an editable PDF that you can download and complete to map your graduate experience. The IDP template guides you through a series of activities to design your unique roadmap. You can complete your IDP individually or in collaboration with your supervisor. Starting your IDP at the earliest opportunity in your graduate studies will help ensure your success. Make sure to revisit your IDP every term to continue your development.
Learn more and download your IDP
