Getting Started in Grad School: 4.8 Moving Forward

Reflecting on what you learned in this module as well as your existing research knowledge and experience, take a few minutes to come up with a simple plan for moving forward.

As noted throughout this module, an important first step in your research process is getting to know about the research and the emerging trends in your field.  Knowing where to look and who to consult with are important considerations as you start your graduate program.  

• Who do you talk to now to better understand your field? Who else may be helpful to connect with (e.g. professional networks and organizations, fellow scholars, social media channels, colleagues, etc.)?
• What do you already know about the trends and developments in your field? What additional resources do you want to investigate?
• Are there any emerging topics or areas of research that you should be aware of? What strategies will you employ to ensure you stay current in the field?

The University Library can also help provide a strong start as you develop your research program.  Consider the following research supports that can assist you as you dig into your field of study:

• Liaison librarians
• Discipline-specific research guides
• Reference management software
• Seamless access to research resources
• Interlibrary loans service

Your turn: Of all the items in the lists above, what areas do you feel least confident in? Which areas are the most important to you?

Choose one to work on right away, and one more to work on in the near future. Identify a resource or strategy that you will use to gain more confidence in this area. 

Consider adding these reflections and ideas to your Personal Development Plan (discussed in Module 3.8).