Questions to Ask Graduate Students
Thoughtful questions to ask graduate students that help you understand their research, goals, and experiences while building meaningful connections.
1What is your research focus, and what questions are you trying to answer?
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What is your research focus, and what questions are you trying to answer?
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Why this works
Shows genuine interest in their academic work and helps you understand their area of expertise and current research interests.
2What drew you to this field of study, and what keeps you motivated?
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What drew you to this field of study, and what keeps you motivated?
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Why this works
Reveals their passion and motivation for their chosen field, which can help you understand their academic journey and goals.
3What has been the most challenging aspect of your graduate studies so far?
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What has been the most challenging aspect of your graduate studies so far?
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Why this works
Shows empathy for their struggles while helping you understand the realities of graduate school and potential areas where they might need support.
4What opportunities have you had to present your research or collaborate with others?
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What opportunities have you had to present your research or collaborate with others?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their professional development and helps you understand their experience with academic networking and collaboration.
5How do you balance your research with other responsibilities and interests?
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How do you balance your research with other responsibilities and interests?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the demands of graduate school while helping you understand their time management and work-life balance strategies.
6What career paths are you considering after completing your degree?
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What career paths are you considering after completing your degree?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their future goals and helps you understand their career aspirations and how you might be able to support them.
7What has been the most rewarding experience in your graduate studies?
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What has been the most rewarding experience in your graduate studies?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive aspects of their academic journey and helps you understand what they find most fulfilling about their work.
8How do you approach problem-solving in your research, and what methods do you find most effective?
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How do you approach problem-solving in your research, and what methods do you find most effective?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their research methodology while helping you understand their analytical approach and problem-solving skills.
9What role does your advisor play in your research and academic development?
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What role does your advisor play in your research and academic development?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their academic support system and the nature of their relationship with their advisor.
10What skills have you developed during your graduate studies that you're most proud of?
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What skills have you developed during your graduate studies that you're most proud of?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their professional growth while helping you understand their strengths and areas of expertise.
11How do you stay current with developments in your field?
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How do you stay current with developments in your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their commitment to continuous learning and helps you understand how they stay informed about their field.
12What challenges do you face in communicating your research to different audiences?
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What challenges do you face in communicating your research to different audiences?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the importance of communication skills while helping you understand their experience with academic communication.
13How do you approach collaboration with other researchers, both within and outside your field?
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How do you approach collaboration with other researchers, both within and outside your field?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their collaborative skills while helping you understand their experience with interdisciplinary work.
14What resources or support have been most helpful to you in your graduate studies?
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What resources or support have been most helpful to you in your graduate studies?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their success while helping you understand what types of support are most valuable to graduate students.
15How do you handle setbacks or failures in your research?
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How do you handle setbacks or failures in your research?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the challenges of research while helping you understand their resilience and problem-solving approach.
16What advice would you give to someone considering graduate school in your field?
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What advice would you give to someone considering graduate school in your field?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their experience while helping you understand their perspective on the field and graduate school process.
17How do you see your research contributing to your field or society?
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How do you see your research contributing to your field or society?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in the broader impact of their work while helping you understand their perspective on the value of their research.
18What opportunities have you had to mentor or teach others?
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What opportunities have you had to mentor or teach others?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their teaching and mentoring experience while helping you understand their experience with academic leadership.
19How do you approach writing and publishing your research?
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How do you approach writing and publishing your research?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their academic writing while helping you understand their experience with the publication process.
20What questions do you have about your field or research that you're still exploring?
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What questions do you have about your field or research that you're still exploring?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their ongoing learning while helping you understand their current research questions and areas of exploration.
Connecting with Graduate Students
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest in Their Research
Ask thoughtful questions about their work and listen actively to their responses. This shows you value their academic contributions.
Understand the Graduate School Experience
Recognize the unique challenges and demands of graduate school, including the pressure to publish, teach, and complete research.
Offer Support and Encouragement
Graduate school can be isolating and stressful. Offer encouragement and support, and be understanding of their challenges.
Question Sequences
The Research Understanding Sequence
The Career and Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Assume They Have Free Time
Graduate students often have demanding schedules. Be respectful of their time and don't assume they're available for casual conversations.
Avoid Oversimplifying Their Work
Don't oversimplify or dismiss their research. Show respect for the complexity and importance of their academic work.
Don't Focus Only on Their Struggles
Balance questions about challenges with questions about their successes and achievements. Focus on their strengths and accomplishments.