For those in/went to grad school | FerrariChat

For those in/went to grad school

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by axemansean, Apr 24, 2005.

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  1. axemansean

    axemansean Formula Junior

    Jul 11, 2004
    801
    How do/did you keep yourself motivated? I am about to complete my first year in grad school and I am so sick of it. The politics and bureaucracy is driving me bonkers, plus I keep thinking I already have a degree so why care.
     
  2. Forzaholics Anonymous

    Forzaholics Anonymous Formula Junior

    Aug 23, 2004
    679
    So Cal
    Full Name:
    Mike B
    For starters, the job market was dead when I graduated with my BS. It was the mid 90s in Southern California-we had riots, earthquakes, aerospace downsizing and leftwing big city bureaucracy. That's a recipe for no job growth.

    I kept to myself WRT politics. It was my experience that distance was a good defensive measure against the flying mud of academic politics. I just concentrated on wrecking the curve in every class I took and doing good, no, make that excellent work on the research projects I was fortunate enough to be a part of. It was a challenge and I enjoyed all aspects of it from the Machiavellian to the mathematical.

    Those projects that I did work on, if it was possible, I saw to it that no one other than myself had a piece of the pie. This way I could eliminate any backstabbers and competiton. I organized my time and resources with an eye towards efficiency of time and money. In our graduate seminars I earned a reputation for being an academic throat slasher and the backstabbers and competitors went away of their own volition. It was better to be feared than to be a doormat.

    Accomplishing these two objectives was made possible by the fact that I really really really enjoyed what I was doing. I wish to go back to it someday-in a different negotiating position.
     
  3. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #3 judge4re, Apr 25, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The politics is the same in corporate America, so you might as well get used to it in a relatively safe environment.

    Besides, you're at a great stage in your life with relatively few responsibilities, enjoy it while you can.

    Oh, and this helped. The one in the back was purchased after my MS, during my 2nd year on my PhD...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. Sfumato

    Sfumato F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,194
    Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, Wales
    Full Name:
    Angus Podgorney
    #4 Sfumato, Apr 25, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. Forzaholics Anonymous

    Forzaholics Anonymous Formula Junior

    Aug 23, 2004
    679
    So Cal
    Full Name:
    Mike B
    Now that is sweet. That should be printed out, framed and sold!


    I'm going to have to go hunting for a copy of the Dupont Reg /w/ that ad in it and so some scanning and p-chopping.
     
  6. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    You dumb@ss...

    BTW, this higher education is allowing me to probably buy my first De Kooning this week...
     
  7. mchas

    mchas F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 5, 2004
    6,107
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Mark
    If you're almost done with your 1st year, you should be almost done, right? Stick it out! In my opinion, an MS is up there with the best returns on your money you'll ever get. Good luck!
     
  8. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,102
    E ' ' '/ F
    Full Name:
    Snike Fingersmith

    First rule, the profs can do more damage to you than you can to them, so keep your personal politics to yourself and do the 'smile and nod' bit until you're finished. This is one of the few cases where I'd advocate the go along to get along methodology, but it worked for me and those whiney libs are now long in my past :D
     
  9. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
    3,510
    Full Name:
    Brandon
    I have the same poster hanging on my wall over my computer!
     
  10. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    Save it till you're finished the degree.

    Then write skrew u on the alumni dues form. Spell it that way too. That let's them know that you really were paying attention and learned all you could...
     
  11. caseykimma

    caseykimma Formula 3

    Jun 5, 2004
    1,345
    Reading, PA
    Full Name:
    Casey
    i can relate-i'll be finishing up my MBA at the end of the year and i can't wait for it to be over. my opinion changes depending on the class and teacher, but after a year or so, i feel like im back in a rut and ready to move on. i'm getting out of the Navy at the end of the year, so i'm looking forward to changing careers, but i know i need to take advantage of this time to knock out my MBA so i'll have it for the future. the thoughts of a better job, more income and better life (and F-car) keep my head in the game.
    Casey
     

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