Celebrating the Strengths of Being a Generalist in Grad School
As a grad student, have you ever felt like an imposter when someone asked you about your research topic?
It’s a common script in grad school: when introducing yourself and your program, the next question is always about your research.
For many students, this pressure to have a specific research focus can be overwhelming.
However, if you’re a generalist, feeling unsure about your research topic can actually be a strength.
What is a generalist?
A generalist is a person with broad knowledge and skills in a variety of fields, rather than having expertise in a specific niche or subject area. Generalists are versatile and have the ability to understand and apply knowledge from various disciplines, rather than just one. This type of individual has a broad range of interests and can adapt to different situations, making them well-rounded and capable of handling a variety of tasks.
When I started my PhD, I was an exploratory type who didn’t have a clear research direction. I went into the program with a lot of curiosity and trusted that I would locate my research topic eventually.
This mindset is not widely encouraged, but I’m here to tell you that it can actually be an advantage.
In grad school, there is a notion that being specialized and knowing what you want to research is more celebrated and accepted. It’s seen as a sign of being ready for the program.
On the other hand, being exploratory is often perceived as being unsure or lacking direction. I learned this the hard way, as I spent many office hours with professors asking me what my research topic was and feeling really unsure if I was supposed to be in a PhD program.
Committing to a research topic is ultimately a personal choice.
It requires taking a stand and declaring, “This is what I’m going to study.” and the choice is ultimately yours.
In grad school, being a generalist can have several advantages, including:
- Versatility: Generalists have a broad range of knowledge and skills, which allows them to be flexible and adapt to different situations and disciplines. This can be especially useful in grad school, where they can bring in knowledge from different areas in research.
- Problem-solving skills: Generalists have a diverse skill set and can approach problems from different angles, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions.
- Interdisciplinary perspective: Generalists have a broader perspective on subjects and can see connections between disciplines that specialists may miss. This can lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues and innovative approaches to research. Generalists just need to trust their instincts and make the connections.
- Broader career options: Having a wide range of skills and knowledge can make generalists more attractive to employers and open up a wider range of career options after grad school. Generalists also tend to be fast learners who can adapt to changing roles on the job.
- Ability to think outside the box: Generalists are not limited by the constraints of a single discipline or subject area, which can lead to more imaginative and unconventional approaches to research.
Overall, being a generalist in grad school can be a strength, as it allows for exploration and the development of a diverse skill set. It can also lead to a more well-rounded and creative approach to research.
Embrace your versatility and use it to your advantage in your graduate school journey.
In conclusion, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a clear research focus when you start your graduate program.
Being a generalist can be a strength, and you have the opportunity to explore and discover your true passion.
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