2: The Importance of Efficiency
We can pretty much agree that when we all signed up for grad school, we knew we were signing up to become well-versed on a very specific topic. But, how do we stay focused on the end goal (thesis/dissertation and graduation) when there are so many other requirements on your precious time? Translation: Aside from all of the reading and never-ending class discussions from people who probably talk a bit too much, how do I keep focus and motivation to reach my end goal?
This is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received: MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY. That is, each small part makes up what will become the final product.
Start here: Use every assignment as a chance to further along your research topic/s of interest. Here is an example you can tailor to your specific classes and research interests:
Research interest: black college students, their experiences as STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) students during year 1 and year 2 at a large state university
You’re taking 3 classes with 3 final projects:
History of Kindergarten - 12th Grade Urban Schools in America (Final: Create a Problem Statement)
Quantitative Research Methods (Final: Develop 2-3 research questions with statistical approaches)
Motivational Theory (Final: Develop a Literature Review)
Remember, each final or assignment should touch as closely to your topic as possible.
When you start to think about your thesis/dissertation: Go into your files from the past year or two or three and see what you’ve done. Then take note! Trust me, you will have forgotten all the work you’ve done. In other words, most of the research has taken place and you will only need to re-organize and fill in the gaps. The result? TIME SAVED. SLEEP ACHIEVED.
Think a few years into the future where your thesis or dissertation has been approved and you are set for graduation. You will be so glad you strategically and efficiently thought about your end goal. By the time you start to develop a sound thesis or dissertation, you will have explored your research area from many angles. You'll know what to keep, toss, further develop, etc. The end goal is much closer when you MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY!
-Jennifer