Your success as a graduate student is built upon the foundation you establish as an undergraduate. Make sure it’s a strong one.

Develop Relationships

Your professors were once prospective graduate students themselves, and they are a tremendous resource for navigating the academic landscape. Go to office hours, get to know them and find out about their research. These are your potential future mentors, project advisers, letters of recommendation writers and colleagues.

Get Involved

Join co-curricular clubs, student teams and professional organizations. In addition to giving you opportunities to build and use leadership skills, these are great ways to create connections and get exposure in your field.

Maximize Your Experiences

Graduate programs and employers now expect competitive candidates to have a minimum of two significant experiences (internships, research, volunteer work) before applying to a graduate program. 

Summer research is a great way to meet that expectation; it’s also a smart investment in your professional development. You’ll network, get hands-on experience, develop professional skills and contacts, and get a taste of what graduate school might be like. 

Make the most of the opportunity.

Be strategic

Before you start:

  • Introduce yourself to the faculty mentor you’ll be working with (set up a meeting if necessary).
  • Convey excitement and motivation.
  • Ask for relevant literature to help you prepare.
  • Take online training in lab safety (if applicable).
  • Research the university and program/department where you will be working.

Engage

During the program:

  • Immerse yourself in the project. Read. Ask questions. Be an active member of the research group.
  • Meet with your mentor and/or supervisor regularly.
  • Attend all events coordinated by the program and research group.
  • Network! Meet with other faculty and staff in your graduate program of interest.
  • Learn about the program, requirements and benefits offered to students.
  • Explore the city and learn about the community outside of the school.
  • Ask your mentor for feedback on your work.
  • Work on your academic and personal statements.
  • Ask about the possibility of presenting your work at conferences and/or meetings.
  • Discuss the possibility of authorship on a manuscript with the faculty mentor.
  • Express your interest in the program and ask for any advice for applying.

Follow up

After the program:

  • Send thank-you notes.
  • Stay in touch with your faculty mentor.
  • Express your interest in graduate studies.
  • Ask for a strong letter of recommendation.
  • Ask your mentor(s)/supervisor for feedback on your application.
  • Ask for recommendations for other academic and professional development opportunities.
  • Get involved in research at your home institution.
  • Look for opportunities to present your work at conferences or forums.

Mentoring

In many cases the professional relationship you form with your mentor will influence your entire career. A mentor not only shares knowledge and skills, but also becomes a bridge between your academic career and your future professional community.

Mentors:

  • Help identify potential obstacles before they become roadblocks.
  • Take an interest in your career and your personal well-being.
  • Understand your academic and professional goals and help you move toward them.

Finding a mentor

A relationship comes before mentorship. Before you ask someone to be a mentor, get to know them. Someone who shares your research, scholarly or creative interests is a good candidate to become a mentor.

  • Look for mentors who share some of your background and experiences, but don’t shy away from a mentor of a different race, ethnicity or gender.
  • Consider your own strengths and know where you need help.
  • Aim for a team of three to four mentors who can complement each other and help promote your success.

Working with a mentor

Be professional. Faculty members are very busy, so show up on time for meetings, come prepared and don’t overstay your appointment.

  • Communicate your goals.
  • Agree on expectations and commitments.
  • Ask for professional development advice and act on it.

Managing challenges

  • Be open to hearing other people’s experiences.
  • Address problems immediately and in person.
  • Your perspective may not fit the academic canon in your field. Be prepared to show the value and relevance of new lines of inquiry.

Resources