Nora Said:

When do you plan on having kids?

We Answered:

I think that's very reasonable and largely the route I took (had kids at 29). But if for someone else it makes sense to do it differently, that's fine by me as well.

Angel Said:

knock knock!! please help me,.,.?

We Answered:

Get a Good Sense of Your Self-Worth

Remember, assessing and communicating your value to others is a continuing challenge because your circumstances are always changing, and your talents are always evolving.

Study your school's curriculum and develop a list of courses you'd like to take. Share this list with your adviser, explaining your interest and the benefits to your professional growth. You may not get your first choices, but presenting such a plan sends a clear message to your teachers of what you expect them to help you get out of your education.

Get a Grip on Your Resources

Identify and make use of all the sources of professional development around you as effectively and intensively as possible. Here's who you should get to know:

Potential mentors: In addition to an adviser who directs your academic work, you should also find a mentor -- someone who will have the time to discuss your ideas and interests with you, push you when you need a push, and help celebrate your successes.

Your department's academic placement officer: She or he may know little about nonacademic career options (if this type of career is what interests you) but may be interested in learning with you.

Your school's career center: Many schools have at least one career counselor specializing in academic and nonacademic employment. Also, it's worth checking out the Web sites of other schools for valuable online resources.

Your school's learning center: Specialists and workshops in these centers will help you improve your skills and understand the range of positions available.

Your school's office for community outreach: If you are interested in exploring an application for a scholarship, outreach coordinators can introduce you to local organizations that have a need for your expertise.

Get Involved With Your Network

Developing relationships with people of varied backgrounds is still one of the most effective and fun ways to find out about the world, not to mention the best jobs. And whether you choose later to pursue a career inside or outside of academe, learning about the world around you can bring new meaning to your studies. In addition to your family, friends, and neighbors, you have access to several established networks:

Faculty members in your school can introduce you to their spouses, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

Participate in local organizations as well as national ones.

You could start or join a peer "support" group to help you think through career choices as well as support you through the various school hurdles. Consider a cross-disciplinary approach -- students in other departments are probably dealing with very similar issues.

Get Organizationally Savvy

It is important to understand how organizations work. The most effective academics -- and the most effective employees -- know how the system works, and they participate in processes that improve the way the organization functions.

You need to understand how your academic training fits into a larger organizational scheme, and how you can become a valued member of a whole profession, not just a discipline. You need to learn about different types of organizations and organizational cultures; much as you wouldn't expect to find the perfect pair of jeans, it may take some time to find an organization that "fits" you. You need to learn to lead and how to be a member of a team. and you need to recognize how organizational systems function, and how they can malfunction. All organizations are politicized environments. How they function depends less on the industry or type of organization than on the talents and behaviors of its members. Observe your own reactions to certain organizational dynamics and learn to operate in a way that contributes to the health of the organization under the best of circumstances, and protects your integrity and sanity under the worst.

So, get your hands dirty:

Volunteering is an excellent way to try out an organization or a career path.

A part-time job is a productive introduction to organizations, and it can improve your financial health as well.

Service on academic search committees and participating in student government or other student organizations can also provide insights into how groups and systems function.