Characteristics of Successful Graduate Students
by Lori Schroeder | May 3, 2011
Have you ever asked yourself, “What does it take to be a successful graduate student?” Have your ever asked yourself, “Do I have the ‘right stuff’”?
Earning a doctorate requires more than intelligence, a high grade point average, or a high score on the GRE.
I took some time to reflect on what are the characteristics of successful graduate students. I called up my own doctoral journey and reflected on what I needed to succeed and to survive. I also reviewed the personalities and skill sets of my graduate students.
Here’s what I’ve identified as just some of the essential characteristics of successful graduate students. If you see yourself in any of these, great! If not, with commitment and honest self-assessment, you can develop them:
1. Resilience
2. Initiative
3. Tenacity
4. Critical thinking skills
5. Writing skills
6. Knowledge of research methods
7. Sense of responsiblity
8. Commitment to scholarship
9. Flexibility
10. Humility
What other characteristics are important? What is the “right” combination of factors that will foster your academic success?
One Response to "Characteristics of Successful Graduate Students"
Desmond Osborne says:
I believe the qualities listed are very important to graduate/doctoral success. One quality I would like to add is patience, though patience could be incorporated into resilience to some degree. For me, it was sometimes frustrating waiting for comments from my mentor, the committee members, and the dreaded IRB feedback. I was fortunate to have a classmate who really encouraged our group to stay focused. Another quality I believe is helpful is an optimistic attitude. It’s important to not take comments/feedback too personally but remember that everyone in the process is there to help you achieve your goal.