Getting Grad School Ready like a Pro(fessional)

Are you headed to grad school in the Fall? As you prepare to embark on your journey, now is the perfect time to leverage the summer months to enhance your readiness and hit the ground running when classes begin. Here's a guide to help you maximize your summer productivity and make the most of your transition to graduate school:?

1. Dive Into Preparatory Reading and Learn How to Read: Immerse yourself in the foundational literature and key concepts relevant to your field of study. Start by reviewing suggested readings from your future professors or syllabi from upcoming courses. Familiarizing yourself with core concepts and emerging trends will give you a head start and deepen your understanding before classes begin. Not to mention, a primary skill of graduate school is learning how to read. You will read more in graduate school than in the rest of your life collectively. Getting practice on how to read for graduate school will help to set you up for success.?

1. Attend Orientation Sessions and Enroll in Classes: Our dedicated graduate advising team does a phenomenal job of ensuring you understand your academic milestones and assisting you in identifying courses to register for. They will also assist with any course permissions or questions about the curriculum. The best way to contact them is via email at [email protected]??

1. Sharpen Your Technical Skills: Take advantage of the summer break to hone your technical skills and familiarize yourself with tools, programming languages, or software commonly used in your field. Consider enrolling in online courses, workshops, or self-paced tutorials to strengthen your proficiency in areas such as Python programming, data analysis, or machine learning algorithms. LinkedIn Learning is offered free to all actively enrolled students and is a great resource to brush up on or learn new skills.??

1. Network and Connect with Peers: Reach out to fellow incoming graduate students within the Luddy community and beyond. Join online forums, social media groups, or virtual networking events to connect with your future classmates, exchange insights, and build a support network. Establishing connections early on can foster collaboration, camaraderie, and valuable friendships throughout your graduate school journey. LinkedIn is a great place to do this. Get ahead and make sure your LinkedIn Profile is ready to go and ensure you are following Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering and IUB Luddy Career Services to stay up to date on all things Luddy. Additionally, you can start to think about and research student organizations you may want to join. Luddy offers over 20+ student organizations to help you grow and connect with your peers.??

1. Get Ready for the Fall Career Fair: Your graduate school experience is going to go by in a blink, and we want to make sure you’re taking advantage of all opportunities. Prepare a resume, grab your best business casual outfit, and get ready for Luddy’s Fall Career Fair on Thursday, September 19th. There is a wide mixture of employers there that will be recruiting for summer internships. Even if you aren’t interested in a summer internship or industry job, the career fair is a great place to make connections. If you would like assistance preparing your application materials or getting ready for the Career Fair, please schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake!?

1. Engage in Research Preparations: If you're planning to engage in research during your graduate studies, use the summer to explore potential research topics, methodologies, and research groups within Luddy. Reach out to faculty members whose research aligns with your interests to express your enthusiasm and inquire about potential research opportunities or projects. Initiating these conversations early can set the stage for fruitful collaborations once you arrive on campus. To learn more about Luddy faculty and their research, check out the Faculty Directory. Additionally, make sure your communication is effective by reviewing our Emailing like a Pro resource.??

1. Cultivate a Productive Routine: Establishing a structured and productive routine during the summer can lay the foundation for success in graduate school. Set aside dedicated time each day for studying, research, and self-care, as well as standard “adulting” activities. Experiment with productivity tools, time management techniques, or goal-setting strategies to optimize your workflow and maintain a healthy work-life balance.?

1. Prepare Your Living Arrangements: Ensure a smooth transition to campus life by making necessary arrangements for housing, transportation, and other logistics well in advance. Research housing options near the Luddy School campus, explore transportation routes, and familiarize yourself with local amenities and resources (including hospitals and doctor’s offices!). Taking care of these practicalities early on will allow you to focus on your academics once the semester begins. Visit Bloomington is a great resource to learn more about Bloomington’s events and restaurants.???

1. Stay Informed and Engaged: Stay updated on important updates, deadlines, and resources provided by the Luddy School and Indiana University. Monitor your university email regularly for communication from faculty, staff, and administrative offices. Attend virtual orientation sessions, webinars, or workshops designed for incoming graduate students to gain valuable insights and prepare for a successful start to the semester. To learn more about these offerings, reach out to Luddy’s Graduate Admissions Team.??

1. Prioritize Self-Care and Well-being: Amidst the excitement and preparations for graduate school, don't forget to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make time for self-care activities, relaxation, and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Establishing healthy habits early on will contribute to your overall resilience and success throughout your graduate studies. HealthyIU is a great resource available to students with academic appointments in learning more about wellness, work/life balance and preventative care.?

By maximizing the potential of the summer months and implementing these strategies, you can build a strong foundation for academic and personal success, and transition seamlessly into graduate school life at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Embrace this opportunity for growth, exploration, and discovery, and get ready to embark on an enriching and transformative journey!?

We look forward to welcoming you to the vibrant community at Luddy School. For any career-related questions, email us at [email protected] or visit us on the first floor of Luddy Hall! See you in the fall!?