7 Tips to Help You Get It Done: Coaching Support for Graduate Students

 

Graduate school can be a rewarding—but overwhelming—journey, especially when you’re navigating your proposal or dissertation. That’s where coaching can make all the difference. At SCOC Consulting, we offer personalized and group coaching to help you stay focused, organized, and motivated.

Here are seven essential tips based on our “Getting It Done!” coaching program to help you move forward with confidence.

 

Tip 1: Break It Down into Manageable Milestones

A dissertation is a big project, but it becomes more manageable when divided into smaller, achievable tasks. In coaching sessions, we help you map out your timeline and set realistic weekly and monthly goals.

Start by outlining your next three steps. What can you realistically complete this week?

 

Tip 2: Build Accountability Into Your Routine

Coaching creates a structure that supports progress. Whether you're in individual or group sessions, having someone check in with you regularly keeps you on track.

Schedule regular meetings to reflect, adjust, and commit to next steps.

 

Tip 3: Strengthen Your Academic Voice

Coaching helps you take ownership of your work and find your unique scholarly voice. We focus on developing clarity, confidence, and purpose in your writing.

Practice explaining your research to a peer or mentor—this can clarify your thinking and expression.

 

Tip 4: Embrace Reflection to Refine Thinking

We encourage graduate students to pause and reflect regularly. Reflection enhances your ability to make informed decisions and stay aligned with your research goals.

✍️ Journal your progress or challenges for 10 minutes each day. Small insights add up!

 

Tip 5: Don’t Go It Alone—Find Your Support System

Whether through coaching, writing groups, or peers, surrounding yourself with support is essential. Group coaching at SCOC creates a space for shared learning and encouragement.

Identify two people you can check in with about your progress this month.

 

Tip 6: Prioritize Self-Care and Balance

Graduate school can consume a significant amount of your time and energy. Coaching helps you establish realistic boundaries and manage your workload effectively.

Block out time for breaks, exercise, and rest—your productivity depends on your well-being. 

 

Tip 7: Ask for Help When You Need It

Sometimes, we need someone to help us refocus, strategize, or get unstuck. Coaching offers that external perspective to keep things moving.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching might help you right now.

 

About SCOC Consulting's Graduate Student Coaching

At SCOC Consulting, we offer:

• Individual Coaching – $65 per session or $600 for 10 sessions

• Group Coaching – $200 per session (up to 5 participants) or $1,700 for 10 sessions

Whether you're stuck on your proposal, drafting chapters, or nearing the finish line, we’re here to help you get it done—with support, structure, and heart.

 

Ready to move forward? Visit scoc-consulting.com/getting-it-done to learn more and book your free consultation.