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Master’s Students: This One is for You

Mariana Smit Vega Garcia

In Brazil, you do not so much apply to a university as to a specific major: even the entrance exams are different depending on the major chosen. Because of this, I started my undergraduate degree as a math major. Like many of us, I had no actual idea what a mathematician does when I started my studies. While the first semester, proof-based from the very beginning, was challenging, I fell in love with mathematics. REUs did not exist in Brazil, but there was an opportunity to learn more math by doing independent study projects. I did two, one of which was advised by a professor who would become my master’s thesis advisor. Professor Paulo Cordaro was infinitely patient, profoundly inspiring, and incredibly talented, both as a mathematician and as a teacher. He was instrumental not only in directing me towards mathematics that would be useful later in my career but also in opening my eyes to opportunities I would have never known existed.

— Tip 1: Ask your professors for advice. Many will be very happy to share their experiences and tell you things they wish they had known when they were students. When you ask for advice, share what your end goals are, so people can help you more effectively. For that, it’s important to figure out what your own goals are, which is not always easy.

In Brazil, almost without exception, students interested in doing a PhD first have to do a master’s degree, and that was also my path. I was fortunate to have funding for my master’s studies. Once again, Professor Cordaro played a crucial role, encouraging me and helping me apply for grants from the Brazilian government supporting predoctoral studies.

—Tip 2: Ask your professors if they know about grants or awards you can apply for. Even if you don’t get the award, the process of putting together an application is a skill that gets better with practice. It is also helpful for one’s research to reflect on a project or research program in a methodical way.

As I was nearing the end of my master’s studies, I asked Professor Cordaro for advice on my next steps. This was a defining moment both in my career and life in general: Professor Cordaro had done his PhD in the US and strongly encouraged me to apply. I would have never considered coming to the US, as I had no idea this was possible. I also had no idea how such an application should be done, which was another thing Professor Cordaro helped me with.

— Tip 3: If you are applying to PhD programs, ask your professors for help in tailoring a list of schools for you to apply to. Graduate school applications have become very competitive nowadays, so it might make sense to apply to many schools if that is financially feasible.

— Tip 4: Ask for feedback on your application materials. The statement of purpose is not meant to be an essay describing how you first discovered your undying love for math but rather to introduce yourself, your math background, and your interests to the schools you are applying to. Mention more advanced classes you have taken that are connected to your interests and describe any projects or research you might have done.

— Tip 5: If you have an advisor or a professor you are close to, discuss with them who else you should ask for letters of recommendation.

— Tip 6: All in all, applying for PhD programs is a long, expensive, and time-consuming process, but one that can be made more efficient with the guidance of those supporting you. If one is admitted to multiple programs, one is then left with the problem of choosing one. To help you decide, ask whether the schools have an organized visiting day. Analyze the cost of living in each city taking into consideration any assistantship offered to you. Some schools might offer a smaller stipend while also being located in a cheaper location. Ask how much teaching you would be required to do, if there is training for TAs (teaching assistants), what the average time to complete a PhD is, and what jobs their students get after graduating. If you have the chance to visit, talk to current students and ask them about their perception of the department: are they happy? What are the biggest problems that they face?

— Tip 7: If you are an international student, it might be relevant to know if the schools you are considering have a large international population and if they have programs to help you get settled, both academically, and life-wise. I did my PhD at Purdue University, and the large international population made it easier for me to settle and get started.

— Tip 8: As you settle into a program, ask if your professors know of conferences that might be of interest. Be on the lookout for opportunities: conferences, scholarships, fellowships. Apply for a lot of these opportunities. For those that do not have funding available, ask if your department might have funds. I was blessed with mentors who took the lead in telling me about conference opportunities, but one can (and should) always ask.

My final tips refer to life in academia in general.

— Tip 9: You will probably eventually have some negative experiences with people in academia. As much as you can, spend your time and surround yourself with people who you like and admire, who “see” the full person you are, and who lift you up. Find “your people.” In my case, I was very fortunate to have mentors who played a crucial role in helping me find my people (Tatiana, thank you!), and this can make all the difference in one’s career. Work with collaborators you like. Not everyone will become your friend, but many will. I am so grateful for the friendships I have developed with my collaborators. Math has also given me friends I have not yet worked with, but who have enriched my life more than they know.

— Tip 10: There are many different mathematics organizations that you could consider such as the AMS (American Mathematical Society), SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), the AWM (Association for Women in Mathematics), SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science), and NAM (National Association of Mathematicians). There are also conferences that specifically bring together Latinx mathematicians. They have given me the opportunity to share experiences and meet people I admire deeply.

Read 10, get 1 free tip. A word of warning: people will only give the sort of advice that worked for them (including the author of this text).

Credits

Photo of Mariana Smit Vega Garcia is courtesy of The Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach. CC-BY-SA 2.0 DE of the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach.