GSO Guide to Student Life
So You're Not Getting Along with Your Advisor
You have a lot invested in your relationship with your
advisor. This is the person who has the most power over your
work and your time; they are also the most responsible for your
training as a scientist. There may well be times when some
friction develops. When this happens, there are a number of
resources here to help you resolve your conflict.
First, TALK to your advisor if you're not happy!! Your
advisor is typically NOT out to get you! He or she wants you to
be happy and productive as a graduate student, just as much as
you want to be a happy and productive graduate student. Tell
them just how you feel. Work TOGETHER with him or her, if at all
possible.
If that doesn't work out, you can go to your committee.
Committee members are there not just to bust on you during
meetings, but to help you along in your training. So ask them
for help!
If you have EXHAUSTED these options, and remain at odds with
your advisor, additional people you can discuss the problem with
include:
It may also help to take some time off. Getting away from the
lab, clearing your head, distancing yourself from everybody, can
make you feel a LOT better.
Finally, you can change labs. This is a drastic move and last
resort measure, but there ARE procedures for this. Sometimes
it's the best thing for you to do.
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