We learn so much in school that doesn’t relate to our career goals or ultimate career outcomes.
This is me in graduate school learning how to perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) on a study participant. I found this procedure to be so complicated and confusing, and had no confidence in my ability to complete it without assistance.
I simply could not have improved without the help of my mentors and fellow students.
Sitting here as a statistics tutor, I can confirm that I do not need to perform electroencephalograms. I will probably never need to perform another EEG in my life.
But, thanks to the requirements of my graduate program I could if I needed or wanted to. Better yet, I boosted my self-efficacy by keeping at it and learning, even if my first instinct was to call out of the lab sick.
So, I ask you: what is your “EEG”?
Is it writing?
Statistics?
APA-style?
Decoding what research papers are trying to say?
Take a few moments today to consider your academics and 1) where you find ease, 2) where you find challenges, and 3) where you find joy.
When we narrow in on our greatest challenges, we can prioritize our next steps.
Meanwhile, pay attention to where you find ease and joy. They can often be important indicators of your purpose.