1. Determination- Stay strong. This can apply to rejection letters but it can also be said for your experience in graduate school as well. I had several naysayers due to my introverted nature. It was certainly frustrating to have people question my abilities and it also made me rise to the challenge. I wanted to prove them wrong and here I am. I pushed through the doubts and found ways to shine. Find the thing that makes your inner light come out. It may be in creating your own materials, making crafts, using games, reading....etc. You are the only person who truly knows what drives you and will make you happy.
2. Seek out advice from others- There is something to be said for honest and helpful advice. This can go from asking a trusted friend, mentor, or professor to look over personal statements or feedback on a particularly challenging therapy session. You learn by doing and receiving feedback. Try not to be offended if something does come off a little bit harsh. You may end up interacting with someone who isn't so kind in their explanations. It doesn't mean that their opinion should be discounted. Among the bad news, you can usually find a gem of wisdom that will help you improve.
3. Study- This shouldn't have to go on any list. Unfortunately, some people don't realize that you do have to put some effort into a program to get results. (Others, have very valid reasons for academic woes and this doesn't apply to these people.) We had one person fail in the cohort ahead of mine because all that person did was play around. Neuroanatomy is tough....study even if it takes study groups to get you motivated.
4. Patience- The best things in life come to those who wait. It's not always fun to wait but things work out in the end. This is also something that will be invaluable when interacting with clients. (It also applies very well to people who want to work in a hospital as that is a very competitive area.)
5. Passion- If you love what you are doing, it will shine through in every action. It will ring through your applications and therapy sessions. This field is not about making money. Yes, it is a fairly stable career in a crazy world where most jobs aren't secure. It doesn't bring a huge monetary reward and that can be a huge drawback for people who don't really care for the field.
4. Patience- The best things in life come to those who wait. It's not always fun to wait but things work out in the end. This is also something that will be invaluable when interacting with clients. (It also applies very well to people who want to work in a hospital as that is a very competitive area.)
5. Passion- If you love what you are doing, it will shine through in every action. It will ring through your applications and therapy sessions. This field is not about making money. Yes, it is a fairly stable career in a crazy world where most jobs aren't secure. It doesn't bring a huge monetary reward and that can be a huge drawback for people who don't really care for the field.
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The first year of graduate school is like a weeding out process. You will have all nighters, you will be run down...but enduring the momentary difficulty is all worth it in the end. The second year of grad school was much more fun.
ReplyDeleteIn my program, our clinical supervisors evaluated us on everything we did - and how our personalities fit in the field. It was hard to hear about how introverted I was, but they really do tell you for your benefit.
Rebecca
Talking With Rebecca
My program was not very eloquent in their opinions. They were rather blunt in the clinic, but yes, in most cases they do give you beneficial advice.
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