Identify the issue

Common Concerns: Overview

As part of identifying a problem, it might help you to know that other women are experiencing similar issues. From our own studies we have found four categories of concerns that many women face as they progress through the PhD program. We call them the ABCD’s: Working through difficulties with Advisors (A), finding a feasible Balance for academic and personal commitments (B), navigating a program and disciplinary Climate that can be unfriendly for women (C), and managing Delays and Setbacks that are common in the course of pursuing research (D).

Advisor Issues

Many graduate students wish they had better and more productive relationships with their advisors, but this appears to be especially true for women in science and engineering graduate programs. Understanding what good advising is and your advisor’s role in establishing a positive alliance is an aspect of assessing…

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Balance

Have you faced challenges balancing your career and personal demands? If you feel like you have to choose between a career in science and a personal life, you are not alone. The good news is it is possible to maximize your personal control over these common graduate school challenges.

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Climate

Have you sometimes found the norms and culture of your academic environment discouraging? Many women in STEM fields where they are outnumbered by men report experiencing isolation, hostility, stereotyping, and discrimination. Managing your environment and finding satisfaction are related to your persistence in…

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Delays & Setbacks

Have you experienced setbacks in being productive and making timely progress toward your degree? Students who are more productive in science and mathematics programs are 3.9 times more likely to complete their doctorates than students who do not produce as much research. Keep in mind that completing a graduate…

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