S01E13 -- Managing Expectations and the Perception of Entitlement in Graduate School

Summary: In this podcast, the unlikely academics tackle the controversial topic of perceptions of entitlement. We use this phrase because there are overarching generational assumptions made regarding current undergraduates and graduate students from age 18 to 30 and ways to manage these perceptions even when there is no objective reality to the perception. The podcast begins by first addressing listener feedback. First, we received a question regarding other podcasts on the topic of graduate school and applying. We encourage listeners to follow or subscribe to these podcasts for multiple perspectives. To this end, we created a short list. While it is not exhaustive, we made a list of podcasts we like which listeners may find interesting or useful. Scholars and Shots https://www.scholarsandshots.com/ This is Graduate School https://www.thisisgradschool.com/ Research in Action https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/research/podcast/ Freakonomics http://freakonomics.com/ Stats + Stories https://statsandstories.net/ Another listener suggested that Dr. Silver tone back his assertiveness (or even perceived ego) on the podcast which he agreed. The unlikely academics shifted to the theme of the perception of entitlement in graduate school suggesting that while these perceptions can be unfair and are unwarranted, the hosts also suggested personal brand management in terms of these stereotypes. They suggest that many faculty may conflate entitlement with positive and negative behaviors. Those positive behaviors include self-confidence, a sense of justice, and pride in accomplishments. Negative behaviors include non-productive entitlement, an unclear or shifting sense of justice, or unfounded arrogance for previous accomplishments while ignoring areas of needed growth. The hosts suggest that while there can be injustice and such injustice should be acted upon, students should step back and carefully consider behavior showing appreciation for opportunities, being proud of accomplishments and fighting for others who may not have an equal voice to do so. Moreover, the hosts suggest that experiences of prejudice should be documented and where appropriate reported but that getting feedback from peers and “safe” faculty can help navigate this process. Yet, they also suggest that faculty have the power and students should be hyper-vigilant monitoring faculty perceptions of their performance in the program. The host also suggests that while these organizational and bureaucratic structures are unfair and biased in many respects, we still have to navigate them professionally and mindfully to succeed. The podcast concludes by citing the work of Drs. Joshua Grubbs and Julie Exline from Case Western University in explaining “entitlement” and the stages experienced in becoming entitled and ways to address such behaviors.