What is the difference between graduate and undergraduate education? There are a bunch of possible answers to this question: classes very specific to your field, more independence, a focus on research. But in my opinion, these differences can be explained more generally: the type of information we are trying to learn is different. During undergrad, we learn all of the knowledge established in our field that can be fit into a four year degree. In grad school, the goal is instead to gain new knowledge for our field. Obviously research plays an important role in this goal, but seminars are also an indispensable tool in graduate education.
All too often when we hear about seminar, it is being grumbled about by students. Friday afternoons are rarely a time when we are eager to sit and listen intently to a 50 minute presentation. But as graduate students we should try and embrace seminar for all its worth, despite the unfortunate timing. When we bring in speakers to talk about the projects they are working on, we are provided the opportunity to enhance our learning by keeping up with research in the field. Seminar provides the opportunity to ask questions and start discussions with other researchers in our field and it is an opportunity we should all try and embrace.
Another source of seminar-themed grumbling stems from the variety within our department: nuclear students complain that there are too many biology-themed seminars, students studying bioremediation complain there is too much geology, and geology students complain about nuclear seminars. The diversity of the degree programs within the department leads to a wide array of topics for seminars and that causes some contention. But instead, students should embrace our diversity and look at it as an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and engage with their peers in other research areas. In research, you never know where the answer to your question might come from and you shouldn’t rule out seminar leading you down a new and exciting path!