Getting Started in Grad School: 2.7 Finding Support

The following scenarios feature three graduate students – Bea, Lee, and Aman – working on a paper for their Research Methods class. As you read, identify the student(s) who you think have adopted the best strategies.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

How would you describe the traits demonstrated by each student?

Did you identify with one student more than the others?  

Graduate students are often self-motivated and independent, so may be used to figuring out things for themselves. Such traits have often contributed to their prior academic success. However, as projects become more complex, being proactive and connecting with supports like Aman did when working on his Research Methods paper is advisable.

As noted throughout this module, it's normal to encounter challenges in graduate school. So is asking for help to overcome these challenges.

When to ask for academic support

Complete the quiz to review when it is useful to seek academic support

When to ask for personal support

Complete the quiz to review when it is useful to seek personal support

At Canadian universities, there are professionals and paraprofessionals whose job it is to help students progress through and complete their degrees.

Click the categories below to learn more.