no no....i already do all this...like say hello, ask about how family is...how was trip to that place, but in terms of projects...they say i need to seek them out myslef........i think my presumption that as GA it will be my job to work on their projects was wrong........i need to ask them to let me on projects......as far as extra curric are concerned i participate in all department activities, even help when they ask me to go on lunch with candidtes or conduct campus tours....i am just very worried that even getting projects require impression management to be very social and proactive.......

i am from asia..... well i am generally a very amiable person...but i dont go out of my way to chit chat with people.......i mean in the phd program i am in....i am kind of shocked to see that faculty dont give you honest feedback they are not willing to give you projects...bcz they hv presumptions abt how ppl shld first socilize and then prove thier worth...but i agree with all of you..if this is how it is i hv to chane myself after all "boss is always right"

yep i am in US.....

I mean if i do not have any specific question or need to meet with the faculty..... i dont interact....my rapport building is weak....

i have completed my first year phd. and the feedback i have gotten is that i am not good at proactively building relations with faculty and seeking research opportunities. I think the problem is that i just dont go and chit chat with faculty if i dont have anything specific to do. and apprently this seems to be v important in the US context. Any thoughts or advice????

trust me it is not a good idea to get into PhD if u are not 200% sure.