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Looking to get an MS or PhD in an Engineering/CS Discipline? Having spent 12 years in academics here’s what I would do! Time for a thread 
The #1 thing you need to do is decide why you want to go to grad school!! Too many people want a title but don’t have any desire to do research and don't realize they will be taking a pay cut (for now)?!?
What is YOUR WHY? Do you have a specific research topic in mind? Do you have a specific research group you want to work in? Are you trying to change fields? For example, you have a BS/BA in Biology but want to move into computer modeling... (happens all the time BTW)!!
Your why doesn’t have to define your entire career but it helps you find a starting point. When you find that starting point, be AS SPECIFIC AS possible. Find 1, 2 or 3 PI’s (Primary Investigators = Faculty Members) that have exactly what you want
Some important components to look at when making your WHY decision are:
Research topic
School/University
Funding (do they have the funding to support your work?!)
Publication frequency
Interdisciplinary projects
Notoriety in your desired field
Research topic
School/University
Funding (do they have the funding to support your work?!)
Publication frequency
Interdisciplinary projects
Notoriety in your desired field
OK so you've picked your top PI's!!
No one will tell you this...but you can contact these faculty directly! Their contact info is almost always on their website (usually a research group website “Leonard Research Group”). Find an email and reach out!
No one will tell you this...but you can contact these faculty directly! Their contact info is almost always on their website (usually a research group website “Leonard Research Group”). Find an email and reach out!
Be quick, concise, and SPECIFIC with the email text and subject line. What about their research and group makes you so passionate that your willing to reach out them directly? Attach some info they would need from you; CV, resume, any research/publications/github repo
Faculty, specifically newer faculty (without FULL tenure), take their grad students very seriously. Your success reflects upon them. These are called academic trees. If you can identify yourself as someone who will work hard for them, you’ve just set yourself apart from everyone!
Here are some great resources for additional information:
@cheekyscience
@scientistswrite
@PhD_STEM
@mentorafrika
Or DM me directly!
@cheekyscience
@scientistswrite
@PhD_STEM
@mentorafrika
Or DM me directly!
