Beginning The PhD Quest

An introduction to the quest:  Daring to dream

 

 

As the turning of the seasons brings life to Winter each year, as days lengthen and flower buds bloom, the Spring brings a time of excitement and rebirth.  The thoughts of studious students turn from their desk piled high with homework indoors beyond the window to the fresh air, grassy fields and sunny sky beyond.  For with rebirth comes change and with change comes consideration of the future.  What adventure shall I plan for the summer?  Where can I find a summer job?  Am I on track with my courses to finish on time and what do I need to take next Fall?  All these considerations start floating through the minds of college kids in their first three years as summer approaches.  And then the day comes in its full glory, and with it all worries are swept away.  Summer vacation has arrived.

Once Senior year begins , however, reality sets in again, tempered by the excitement of another new beginning.  For Fall brings both the return of shorter days, late nights in the library, and the kick-off of campus career fairs.  Every employer knows a fresh batch of college graduates will be needing something to do after graduation, whether or not the graduates themselves realize this fact or not.  All the big firms and local companies needing new blood have their reps on the road recruiting for the best.  But amidst the commotion of the Fall job recruitment campaigns, the academic world is sure to take their seat at the info tables.  The idea of graduate school may at first seem absurd to some.  As pending graduation forces the question of future career, those top students who have not yet burnt out completely from the rigors of under-graduate courses open their minds to the other possibilities before them.  Are there options besides taking a rubber stamped job after graduation?  What is this thing called "grad school"?  What does the civil service sector offer?  How can I gain experiences abroad before settling down?  Such questions are often asked, investigated and answered by the soon-to-be graduated senior.  All career counselors, department advisors, faculty, family members and of course friends are always standing by to offer their two cents worth of wisdom or advice.

 

What do I do after graduation?

 

"Surely the question of the future after attaining a bachelor's degree in college should be simple enough." Such was my attitude as Fall quarter began on the hot, sticky shores of campus point.  Like a puff of dust, any action on my career planning was pushed to the back of my mind as move-in day came that third week of September.  With memories of China still glowing bright, the spirits of both Mom and I were high.  After three years of moving into the dorms, we had the system down pat. All boxes were labeled; all my belongings had their prescribed place in my shared room. Even though the shear work of moving is a drain on one's energy, and cause enough for occasional short tempers, move-in day was still the easiest yet.  Finding Jack, the ever-watching, ever-helping facilities manager from my previous dorm there managing the move-in was a welcome surprise. The experience of an upstairs suite for eight was a new yet welcome one.  I quickly made friends with the little living room, containing the furnished card table and two adjacent sofas.  With a hug and good-bye, Mom hit the road again  , leaving me with a smile to embark on a final year of under-graduate, mechanical engineering studies.

With a blink of an eye, the first day arrived. Classes began the last Thursday of September.  Fortunately, most of my classes were on Friday. but by no means did this mean I could slack off the extra day like so many kids do.  No, as soon as I was settled, my coordinating and logistical arranging began all over campus.  The mailbox key had to be picked up; I needed my books from the UCSB Bookstore. Readers, note takers and home work assistants had to be recruited and hired at DSP.  I needed to meet with my Fall quarter professors to introduce myself and discuss the accommodations I would ask of them to make their courses a success. For once I was determined to have the materials, namely books, handouts and exams, ready in an accessible form before hand instead of the usual after-the-fact.  Fortunately, three years of trial and error had brought me far.  I now had a network of close friends and study partners. Still, planning and preparations only go so far.  When the real day comes, we're so often in for a surprise.  My career planning and the demands of four upper-level mechanical engineering classes were just that...a surprise, and shock.