Once you have determined that graduate school is right for you, think about how to begin preparing and positioning yourself to be a competitive applicant and eventually a successful graduate student. Consider these resources as you begin your preparation:
Establish your goals for graduate education and enhance your marketability by gaining experience relevant to your field of interest. This will allow you to:
- Evaluate your level of interest
- Identify the skills and education necessary for launching your career
- Connect and apply your academic studies to real-world settings
- Acquire new knowledge and skills
- Gain hands-on experience pertinent to your interests
- Network with professors and potential employers
- Meet other undergraduate and graduate students
- Refine your educational and career aspirations
Unlike your undergraduate experience, many of your degree requirements in graduate school may not be set in stone, especially if you pursue a PhD. You may have a say in choosing your classes and the research or scholarly activities you engage in. The most successful candidates enter graduate school with a clear outcome in mind.
Utilize internships, cooperative education programs (often called co-ops), part-time jobs, and summer research programs to clarify your career objectives. These experiences will help you determine:
- if graduate school is right for you
- what you need to accomplish in graduate school to be successful in your field
Gain invaluable work experience, establish important connections, and discover if a specific career is suitable for you! By engaging with professionals in your field, you can understand the educational requirements for your desired position and decide if attending graduate school is your next logical step. Knowing your goals will make it easier to chart your course of study in graduate school effectively.
Internship Search Sites
- Campus Access: Campus Access Internships
- InternJobs.com: InternJobs.com
- Internships Abroad: GoAbroad
- Internship Program Search: Internship Programs
Summer Research Programs
Collaborate closely with faculty, graduate students, and researchers on real projects at the host institution! These programs provide insight into graduate school and the type of work you may encounter as a graduate student. Anyone considering a career in research or higher education will gain valuable perspectives on the lifestyles and professional demands of these fields.
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