While a student, it is easy to get used to having your advisor's attention. Usually, you will have a fixed meeting schedule, see them around the building, or find them responsive over email.
After you graduate, it becomes harder to get your advisor's attention. Usually, they try to help wrap up dissertation papers. They are always just a phone call away. However, their attention can be fragmented by the next wave of #PhDstudents.
This can be frustrating for students - because - the first few years after graduation are usually when a student needs the most teaching and research support.
This can also be frustrating for advisors - because - having signed off on the degree - they expect students to be more independent.
Really, students and advisors are not wrong - it is reasonable to expect a little help and to be asked to work a little more on your own.
So how to avoid frustration? And maintain a post-graduation relationship with your advisor?
First, watch. Usually, you will see students ahead of you graduate. Observe how they interact with your advisor.
This helps you set realistic expectations.
Second, talk. Take some time to ask your advisor about interacting after graduation & how you would like it to work.
This helps set shared expectations.
Third, be mindful. Advisors pay attention to students who use their time well (note, I've posted on this before: https://lnkd.in/gMzhKSyF / https://lnkd.in/gnP64iRr).
This makes you a desirable #collaborator.
Fourth, independence. Advisors want #students to learn to leave the nest.
If they must constantly help, advisors will slowly stop helping or taking calls. This isn't personal; it's practical, good advisors should have more students.
Fifth, respect.
While you may now hold a #PhD, your #advisor is still your advisor. Twenty years after graduation, when my #PhDadvisor tells me to "jump," I still ask, "how high?"
Finally, ghost.
I would be remiss if I didn't note that some people don't want to deal with their advisors. Don't stage a breakup if this is the case; simply ghost them. No need for drama.
Ph.D. students were #ghosting their advisors long before the term entered pop culture.
With a bit of planning, some effort, and a lot of patience, you can manage your relationship with your advisor and secure as much or as little support as you would like.
I hope this helps!
Don't expect your advisor to change much after #graduation; it's hard to teach an old panda new tricks!
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