Managing Expectations & Stress
Lynsey has always wanted to help others. From the time she was a child, her friends confided in her, knowing she would listen well and help them sort through their thoughts. Now, at age 25 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and after working at Starbucks since graduation, Lynsey has decided it’s time to go back to school and put that Psych degree to work for her. She wants to become a mental health clinician. But she’s nervous. What will graduate school be like? Will it be more difficult than undergrad? How will she manage her job with the added expectations of school?
Undergraduate and graduate education are distinct phases of both academic and professional development. Each has its unique characteristics, and understanding these differences is key to managing your expectations and stress. Let’s dive in.
Undergraduate education typically focuses on helping you gain a broad foundation of knowledge in your area of study. The curriculum is usually fairly diverse with general education requirements across several disciplines, as well as the specific coursework required for your chosen major. Critical thinking skills and fundamental concepts are stressed. In Lynsey’s major, Psychology, she was encouraged to explore different areas of study, develop her interest and lay the groundwork for future specialization.
While undergraduate education is broad, graduate education is specialized and intensive. It focuses on in-depth study within a specific discipline. Both master’s and doctoral degrees require you to delve deeply into advanced coursework and research. Students in graduate programs are expected to operate autonomously and should be able to demonstrate critical analysis. Some graduate programs, like Lynsey’s choice of clinical mental health, will require practical experience and fieldwork. Others will require original research and scholarly contributions to your chosen field.
When you make the transition from undergraduate to graduate education, you must recognize that graduate-level study entails a greater level of academic rigor, time commitment and intellectual engagement. However, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. Most graduate students will be more mature than they were as undergrads, with broader professional and personal experiences. Students are also generally more committed to their graduate education. The opportunity to take a deep dive into your chosen field is exciting and will help you stay motivated when time is tight and deadlines are looming.
Just because you are energized by the thought of getting an advanced degree doesn’t mean it won’t be stressful from time to time. Maintaining your mental and emotional well-being is critical to your success. Be proactive and practice self-care routines like exercise, mindfulness and spiritual practices, and get the proper sleep. It’s okay to set boundaries to protect your personal time! Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and seek support from friends, family and other students.
Managing your time efficiently will help you balance coursework, employment and family commitments. Learn to break tasks into manageable steps, set realistic deadlines and prioritize your activities. Become familiar with resources available to you. There may be academic workshops, writing centers and seminars to help you. Encourage feedback from profs and peers so you can stay on track. Finally, if you are feeling overly stressed or anxious, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Graduate school can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Whether you are seeking a degree in mental health counseling like Lynsey, or have chosen another discipline like education, business or theology, you are making an investment in yourself and your future. It will be worth it!
