Reading 4

Tonight's reading was an excerpt from a book. The chapter read was focused on the "Professional Identity."

Before reading, I thought it would be just how to organize your thoughts and present them to others - as a reflection of your intellectual processing and identity.  However, I see that it was much different.  It was more about how you interact with others in the scope of your profession.

I also was reminded that as a graduate student - and future doctoral graduate - attending conferences won't always be about gathering information, but also about possibly disseminating information. Of interest was the descriptive difference between papers and posters.

The chapter was great reading. It was a practical guide of suggestions to maximize your exposure to others and to make the contacts both easy to begin and to maintain.  For example, it gave several topics that I should think about in advance so I can respond without adding undue stress on myself.  Think of the ever obvious "what are you working on" question as a prime example.  It is a question that may have different answers depending on the circumstances.  Think of what they may be and have prepared answers.

Publishing recommendations are also provided in the book.  I may review this section as the doctoral course progresses and I am in the position of writing something worthwhile to publish.  For now, my only experience in this area has been as a researcher - not the main writer.

The notion of using "consulting" as a tactic to gain assistance in research is excellent.  I really liked how this plays to the need most people have for validation and self-worth. Would this be interpreted as a passive-aggressive way to get yourself ahead in the profession or to announce an "emerging theme" you've discovered?

Lastly, I appreciate the author making specific mentions of including those views or areas of expertise that are different from your own.  As we are reminded again and again, that a doctor lives at the boundary of knowledge and is obligated to push that boundary further.  Having more viewpoints to work with will provide more opportunities to do just that.

Agre, P. (2005). Networking on the Network: A Guide to Professional Skills for PhD Students.