Journey to the PhD with Trace Camacho

Written By: Trace Camacho
Michigan State University

This will be the first of a series of blog posts documenting my experience as I apply to PhD programs. Hopefully this will be helpful to those of you thinking about pursing your PhD and also allow those of you with or (currently pursuing your PhD) to share your insight and wisdom. A little bit of information about myself, I am just completing my second year as the fraternity and sorority advisor at Michigan State University and I received my master’s degree from Iowa State in 2009.

I have already made the first big decision which is applying to PhD programs this fall. This sets in motion a laundry list of tasks I must accomplish before I can even complete one application. Signing up to take the GRE was my first task. Since I have taken the test previously, and it is about to expire, I am hoping for a better score. I will be taking the new GRE in August the two main factors that influenced my decision was: 1. there are no analogies on the new GRE and 2. If you take the new GRE in August or September you receive a 50% discount.

At this point I would be remised if I didn’t say I have had the wonderful guidance and mentorship of many Latino PhD’s who have been helpful but also caused me to reflect critically as start down this journey. Dr. Susana Munoz has been my sounding board providing me with amazing support but also asking me the tough questions. During a recent chat with Dr. Munoz she asked me “why now?” and “what will do after you get your PhD?”, I have reflected on these questions almost daily during my evening jog. As to the “why now”, I miss the classroom and I have a number of topics I am interested in researching, I actually keep sticky notes next to my computer of topics I am in interested in researching. To get my feet wet I have enrolled in a graduate level research class at my home institution for the fall.

So after I receive my PhD what will I do? This is the more difficult question to answer as my interests shifts from day to day. To balance my varying interests I would like to secure a position at the director level and also be an adjunct professor in a higher education program. I am trying to keep my options open as the job market may look different in five years.

My first piece of advice is to seek out a mentor. I am lucky in that I have an amazing professional mentor, Monica Miranda-Smalls; but also some amazing Latina Scholars who are always willing to share their advice such as Dr. Susana Munoz, Dr. Michelle Espino, and Dr. Judy Marquez-Kiyama. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice there are many great mentors in and outside of the LKC.