Advice to a Beginning Graduate Student (2001)

In 2001, Michael L. Blum, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, published an article offering advice to beginning graduate students in computer science. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals and not getting too caught up in the excitement of new technologies. Blum suggests that students should be prepared to work long hours, often for several years, to develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to their field. He also advises students to be open-minded, to take risks, and to be willing to learn from their failures. Blum also recommends that students find a research advisor who is a good fit for them, as this can make a significant difference in their graduate school experience. He also suggests that students should be prepared to communicate their research effectively, both in writing and in presentations. Finally, Blum notes that graduate school is a time for students to develop their skills and knowledge, and that they should be patient and persistent in their pursuit of their goals.