Welcome to your weekly encouragement note!
Universities rarely talk about the hierarchy between faculty and students, and that’s why so many graduate students struggle.
My PhD dissertation was on power dynamics in advisor-advisee relationships, and now I help you understand how power dynamics impact your academic experience. Do you want your university to hire me and speak about navigating advisor-advisee relationships? Share my website below to them!
Grad students, you are not a research slut!!
Given the automatic hierarchy between you and your advisor, it’s easy for the advisor to bulldoze over you and demand co-authorship on your work. Just because they’re in power doesn’t mean they’re right.
And just because you’re a student, doesn’t mean your perspective and experiences are inferior. If anything, they’re all the more valuable because you’ve lived a life that inspires your research and will expand the field. There may not be a price tag for your voice, but you still deserve credit where credit is due.
Get compensated for your work. It doesn’t have to be financially. It can also be in the form of first or sole authorship. No matter what, your name should be seen.
Claim your work. Don’t let anyone take credit for your brilliant mind and voice.
Checking in with y’all, how are you doing? Let me know in the comments!
Are you struggling with your advisor?
Academic advisors are rarely able to provide the level of support students need, and that’s why so many graduate students struggle.
As your alt advisor, our work together is my top priority! We’ll develop personalized strategies and systems of support so you can make progress at your capacity even when your advisor is no help!