What you can do at Stanford
In graduate school, you will constantly be introduced to new possibilities. We encourage you to take the opportunities to explore, as these will aid your development as a scientist and person.
After Stanford, you will be able to do anything—and we are here to prepare you to follow your passion. The goal and value of a PhD is learning to find and ask new questions, to think creatively—an education that will deepen your understanding of the world and allow you to discover where you want to make a difference. Stanford is a great place to do this because of the resources and learning opportunities, as well as the inspiring people all around you.
- Academic Milestones: guidance on the major steps toward getting your PhD
- "The Extra 5%"—Student Development Guide: Courses, workshops, and other resources that will help you maximize the returns on your graduate research
- Events Calendar: Listing of seminars, journal clubs, thesis defenses, and other programs that help build foundational skills
Mentoring and your development
You have many resources available to help manage your career. Your advisor is your primary scientific and professional mentor throughout your training. In addition, you have many other people you should seek out for advice and perspective: your committee, second mentors, alumni, and staff at the Career Center and Office of Graduate Education.
One of the most valuable parts of your Stanford Biosciences experience comes from your interactions with faculty—other scientists with whom you are encouraged to share what you have done and to discuss what you are excited to do next. It is important to set regular, one-on-one meetings with your advisor and the faculty on your committee.
- Advising/Mentoring: Central resource for how to find mentors, get the mentoring you need, and be a mentor to others
- Annual Mentor Meeting Worksheet (PDF): The Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) guide to student-advisor meetings and how to discuss progress to degree and career plans
- Individual Development Plan: Timeline, goals, and documents to aid in scheduling mentoring meetings
