Preparing for Graduate Studies
Once you have determined that graduate studies 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:
Next, establish your graduate education goals and make yourself more marketable by obtaining experience relevant to your area of interest. This will give you the opportunity to:
- assess your level of interest
- identify the skills and education you need to launch your career
- relate and apply your studies to actual work and professional settings
- acquire new knowledge and skills
- gain hands-on experience relevant to your area of interest
- network with professors and employers
- meet other undergraduate and graduate students
- refine your graduate education and career goals
Unlike your undergraduate experience, the majority of your degree requirements in graduate studies may not be predetermined, especially if you pursue a PhD. Instead, you may help define what classes you take and what research or other scholarly activities you pursue. The most successful candidates enter their graduate studies with a clear outcome in mind.
Use internships, cooperative education programs (often referred to as co-ops), part-time employment, and summer research programs to refine your career objectives. These experiences will help you determine:
- if graduate studies are right for you
- what you need to accomplish during your graduate studies to be successful in your field
Examples of some types of programs you may wish to investigate are:
Internships
Gain valuable work experience, establish important contacts, and determine if a particular career is a good fit for you! By interacting with professionals in your field, you can determine the educational requirements for the position you want and decide if attending graduate studies is your next best step. Once you know what you're working towards, it's easier to determine the best path to get there. This will make designing your course of study in graduate studies easier and more effective.
Internship Search Sites
- Campus Access
- Indiana Internships
- InternJobs.com
- Internships Abroad
- Internship Program Search
- Washington Center's Internship Search
Summer Research Programs
Work closely with faculty, graduate students, and researchers on actual projects being conducted at the host institution! These programs give you an inside look at graduate studies and introduce you to the type of work you may encounter as a graduate student. Anyone considering a career in research or post-secondary academia will also gain valuable insight into the life- and work-styles of these professions.
Begin by exploring some of the following options:
- The Big Ten Academic Alliance Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers by helping to prepare undergraduates for graduate study though intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities. - Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program
Provides opportunities for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy laboratory during the summer. Participants must have completed at least their sophomore year. - The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Students work with faculty and other researchers at a host institution either within the United States or abroad. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. - Research programs administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and Oak Ridge Associated Universities
This website posts opportunities from around the country in a wide variety of fields. - Zintellect Search - Internships at National Labs
- NASA Internship Programs
- Smithsonian Internships
In addition to the above resources, you may also wish to consult with undergraduate advising, career services, undergraduate research, and financial aid offices at your current institution for further assistance.
