First of all, don’t panic if you and your adviser are having problems! Sometimes it turns out that you and your adviser just don’t have the common interests you once thought. Sometimes interaction styles just don’t work out. This is not uncommon.
Firstly, consider whether there’s anything different that you can do which would save the current relationship. Sometimes a frank conversation might turn things around. Check out our tips on how to talk to an adviser during hard times here.
Whatever you do you will want to remain on good terms with your current adviser, so remain respectful. This includes when you talk to your adviser and when you talk to others about your adviser.
A first step will be to ask another faculty member you trust about the feasibility of changing advisers, and why you feel the need to do so. Ask them for suggestions of who you could ask to take you on. At some point you will need to discuss this with your Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) also.
Once you have found another faculty member to take you on, you will need to inform your current adviser, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may be. Make sure to stay positive and explain the differences you and your advisor have. Discuss what work you owe your current advisor.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the Duke Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has many great resources and support services available for free to all Duke students. Some services include individual counseling and stress reduction workshops.
The information above is a summary from the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School mentoring guide. Chapter 7 has more specific advice on changing advisers.
Firstly, consider whether there’s anything different that you can do which would save the current relationship. Sometimes a frank conversation might turn things around. Check out our tips on how to talk to an adviser during hard times here.
Whatever you do you will want to remain on good terms with your current adviser, so remain respectful. This includes when you talk to your adviser and when you talk to others about your adviser.
A first step will be to ask another faculty member you trust about the feasibility of changing advisers, and why you feel the need to do so. Ask them for suggestions of who you could ask to take you on. At some point you will need to discuss this with your Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) also.
Once you have found another faculty member to take you on, you will need to inform your current adviser, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may be. Make sure to stay positive and explain the differences you and your advisor have. Discuss what work you owe your current advisor.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the Duke Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has many great resources and support services available for free to all Duke students. Some services include individual counseling and stress reduction workshops.
The information above is a summary from the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School mentoring guide. Chapter 7 has more specific advice on changing advisers.