An enjoyable experience but not one I am looking to repeat. - Teaching Assistant Duke University Employee Review

Independence, Creativity, Growth, Co-Workers, Exit Opportunities

Limited amount of work life balance

The campus is beautiful and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming. While I found some classes less useful for my specific goals, the quality of your experience can depend greatly on your advisor—if you find a supportive PI who is a good fit, it's worth maintaining that relationship throughout your program.

While there are many positive aspects to the program, some PIs can have very demanding or controlling management styles, making it difficult to establish healthy boundaries. Expectations are not always clearly communicated, which can create challenges when trying to set realistic goals and measure progress. The institution is also heavily focused on undergraduate education, and graduate teaching responsibilities can sometimes feel undervalued. As a woman, and particularly as a woman of color, there were occasions when I felt the environment was not as inclusive or supportive as it could have been.