Habits, Not Hacks: Stories and Strategies for Grad School That Stick
Our goal is to infuse the grad school conversation with emotional intelligence, resilience, and sustainable success - exactly what many students crave but often struggle to articulate. This story-driven, reflective series tailored for the unique challenges of academic life. Through short essays, mini-memoirs, and hard-earned lessons, we spotlight small but meaningful habits that make academic life more livable and less overwhelming.
Each habit also comes with a companion PI/Supervisor Edition, because sustainable success in grad school isn’t a solo effort.
All names and scenarios are fictional or composite. Any resemblance to real people is coincidental. Stories are crafted to illustrate common experiences in research training.
Habit, Not Hack: Make Meetings Matter (Trainee)
Don’t just attend your meetings, make them matter. This post breaks down a simple pre-, during-, and post-meeting routine that transforms advisor check-ins into strategic moments for clarity, feedback, and progress.
Habit, Not Hack: Make Meetings Matter (Mentor)
Meetings aren’t just check-ins; they’re where real mentorship happens. In this post, learn a simple habit to make your meetings more intentional, clear, and effective. Discover how asking the right questions and following up can turn routine conversations into high-impact moments of connection and growth.
Habit, Not Hack: Make Group Meetings Matter (Trainee)
Turn passive lab meetings into growth sessions: actionable tips for grad students to prepare, engage, and thrive in every lab meeting.
Habit, Not Hack: Make Group Meetings Matter (Mentor and Audience)
Make lab meetings matter: actionable habits for grad students and PIs to prepare, engage, and build a culture of scientific growth.