Protect my interests

Deans will often make two points when they welcome graduate students on orientation day. The first point has to do with the diversity of the class; students have a wide variety of backgrounds. The second point has to do with something all of the students, despite their differences, have in common: a core set of values and responsibilities. Let’s listen in on the dean’s speech.

Graduate students have diverse interests

“You are an intriguingly varied lot,” she begins. “I suspect that many of you have values similar to a student I know, Elliot, Mr. All-Business. Elliot is dedicated to networking aggressively with important figures in his field. Elliott’s primary goal is to rub elbows with luminaries who can help him obtain a high-powered job and excellent salary. Elliot once told me, ‘Who cares if my research topic does not thrill me? I just want to get my publications and move on up.’ Now, if you have goals similar to Elliot’s, look for a mentor who can help you build your reputation. We will help you to do this.”

“On the other hand,” the dean continues, “others are very different. Someare probably like another young friend, Jay, Mr. All-Scholarship. Jay wants to meet scholars who can help him perfect his knowledge of the nuances of cellular processes, thoughtful people who will help him push forward the frontiers of knowledge concerning malignant tumor growth. First and foremost, Jay told me, he wants a mentor who can help him develop excellent academic judgment and superb bench skills. ‘If my research is not inherently valuable,’ Jay said, ‘why would I invest my life in it?’ Now, if you are like Jay, look for a mentor to help you examine your work critically, tackle problems creatively, and engage the public in your results. We will help you to do this.”