Graduate Engineering Success Series
Graduate Engineering Success Series
Starting graduate school brings new opportunities, expectations, and responsibilities. The Graduate Engineering Success Series is designed to help you navigate this transition and build a strong foundation for success throughout your graduate experience.
Through 12 brief videos (2-3 minutes), the series explores topics that commonly affect graduate engineering students, including developing a sense of belonging, understanding graduate-level expectations, communicating effectively with your advisor, managing your time and workload, and navigating university systems and resources. Each video offers practical guidance to help you approach graduate school with greater knowledge, confidence, and connection.
Explore the Graduate Engineering Success Series
Success Tip 1: You Belong in Graduate Engineering
Develop your sense of belonging, work through uncertainty, and discover small ways to participate, form connections, and build confidence in the graduate engineering community.
Watch “You Belong in Graduate Engineering”
Success Tip 2: Using University Systems Without Getting Lost
Learn how consistent routines and familiarity with university systems can help you find information, communicate effectively, meet important deadlines, and reduce unnecessary stress.
Watch “Using University Systems Without Getting Lost”
Success Tip 3: Graduate School Is Different from Undergrad and Different from Work
Explore what makes graduate education distinct, including greater independence, less-defined expectations, and the importance of asking questions and communicating clearly.
Watch “Graduate School Is Different from Undergrad and Different from Work”
Success Tip 4: Who to Contact for What
Identify the best first point of contact for common academic, administrative, and personal questions so you can connect with the right support and resources.
Watch “Who to Contact for What”
Success Tip 5: How to Start Strong with Your Advisor or Instructor
Build productive relationships with advisors and instructors through clear, professional communication, specific questions, and shared expectations.
Watch “How to Start Strong with Your Advisor or Instructor”
Success Tip 6: Build Community Early, Even If You Are Online
Discover ways to form meaningful connections, strengthen your sense of belonging, and find academic and personal support—whether you study on campus or online.
Watch “Build Community Early, Even If You Are Online”
Success Tip 7: Calibrating Time, Workload, and Energy
Develop a realistic approach to graduate-level demands by planning your time, prioritizing coursework and responsibilities, and protecting your focus, energy, and well-being.
Watch “Calibrating Time, Workload, and Energy”
Success Tip 8: Ask for Help Early
Recognize when you need support, learn how to reach the appropriate resources, and address challenges early through proactive communication.
Success Tip 9: Funding, Deadlines, and Administrative Basics
Stay organized around funding requirements, university deadlines, and administrative responsibilities by tracking important dates and taking action early.
Watch “Funding, Deadlines, and Administrative Basics”
Success Tip 10: What Counts as Progress in Graduate Engineering
Look beyond grades to recognize the many forms of progress in graduate school, including new skills, stronger relationships, completed milestones, and steady personal growth.
Watch “What Counts as Progress in Graduate Engineering”
Success Tip 11: Career Direction Starts Now
Begin connecting your current learning and experiences to future possibilities while using curiosity and purposeful exploration to clarify your career direction.
Watch “Career Direction Starts Now”
Success Tip 12: Returning to School After Time Away
Navigate the transition back to school by drawing on your previous experience, recognizing the resilience and strengths you already possess, and adapting to new academic systems.