The TA is a mysterious creature. Multiple types of TA exist, TA in the lab, TA in the class, TA in the conferences. Here, I will talk about the TA in the conferences*. The TA in the conferences is actually a grad student who transforms as a TA for normally 80-150 hours / term. He… Read More The mysterious life of a TA
I never thought that I would write those words, but I really wish I have more time to write my thesis. Aka, do what I am supposed to do as a grad student. At the end of the summer, as I explained here, I was ready to start. Every morning in September, I was behind… Read More I wish I have time to write my thesis
Last month, I had to give three lectures. I was stressed because my English is not perfect at all, and because well… lectures obviously means speaking in front of a lot of people and like Lotte, I fear public speaking. It went well, but not exactly as I planned. To put you into context, I… Read More When your lecture becomes old-school
Being a graduate student is sometimes hard, with the conference, paper to write, TAship and grading. But sometimes, it is also a lot of fun. Free food Food is everywhere. In meeting with the department, after a friend’s oral defence or conference or during a lunch with a supervisor. I really like when I can… Read More The perks of being a grad student
Happy Halloween! October 31st is not the only scary day in the life of a grad student. Here some of the GradLife team’s stories. Creepy moments at McGill Working late at night in the lab and hearing strange sounds! Such as machines beeping (or the refrigerator’s motor) or security walking by or things falling. Plastic… Read More Gradlife scary moments
Many of you may be using social media to either write or post pictures. But writing for a blog or trying to have the best Instagram feed can sometimes be hard, or maybe we just need a little help to get to the next level. This is why Skillsets will present two workshops next month (November): Jumpstart… Read More Do you want to increase your writing and photography skills?
Last year, I was a TA for the second time, and in a new course. I had to read a whole bunch of new articles for the conferences (discussions in little groups) and I attended almost all the lectures since I didn’t know the material. I learned a lot, I worked a lot. This year, YES!,… Read More New year, same TAship
I remember two years ago, I was on the verge of finishing reading my list of 200 books for my comprehensive exams. I then had to prepare for three written exams and one oral exam. At the beginning of the process, I thought that taking the exams would frighten me. But no. The evening before… Read More I found comprehensive exams… easy
As Laura and Sophie wrote about (and as you are certainly aware), it’s the beginning of a new academic year! I like to try, at least, to prepare myslef for the term. I want to be able to manage research, my TAship, extracurricular activities and have family time. Here are my few tips for that: I always… Read More Some tips to start a new academic year
I learned when I was in Classical Studies that Aristotle used to teach while walking in Lycée. I remember that story because in French «peripateticism» refers both to a philosophical school and a prostitute. I found that link interesting. This story came back to me when I was writing my M.A. thesis. Once I had intense… Read More Walking for thinking
The graduate student experience at McGill
The graduate student experience at McGill
The graduate student experience at McGill
a blog about the PhD student experience, University of Warwick
Uncovering the secrets, magic and taboos around succeeding in a Research Higher Degree
