Transition from Undergrad to Graduate Programs Workshop

Are you interested in applying to graduate school in the future?  Have you already applied or are you already in graduate school?  EGSAC is offering a workshop for all levels of engineering undergraduates that cover a wide array of topics, from getting started in research as an undergrad, to grad school application process, choosing the right grad school and adviser, time management to discussions on career opportunities after grad school.  This workshop will provide students with the unique opportunity to directly interact with current Illinois engineering graduate students in an informal and friendly atmosphere.  This event is planned entirely by the EGSAC subcommittee (all graduate students) for other students!

Date:  Sunday, November 6

 11:30 to 4:30 | Location:  Newmark/Yeah Center 2nd Floor|  Register by November 2

Keynote Speaker:

Harry Dankowicz, Associate Dean of Graduate, Online & Professional Program / Professor of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Cannon Faculty Scholar

Panelists

Current Illinois graduate students across different Engineering Departments will serve as panel members.

Schedule

All events take place in the Newmark/Yeh Center.  For the workshops, please enter Newmark through the Yeh Center entrance located directly off of Matthews Ave.  Someone from EGSAC will be there to let you in.

TimeEvent
11:30 to 12:00 PMCheck-in in Lobby
12:00 to 1:00 PMWelcome and Keynote Speaker, Harry Dankowicz, in room 1310
1:00 to 1:45 PMLunch in room 2312 and 2nd Floor Lobby
1:45 to 2:30 PMBreakout Session
  • Application Process for Grad School in room 1311
  • Undergraduate Research in room 2312
  • Transferring your Classroom Knowledge to Real-Life Problems in room 2310
2:30 to 3:15 PMBreakout Session
  • Choosing the Right Graduate School in room 1311
  • A Day in the Grad Student's Life in room 2312
  • Professionalism in room 2310
3:15 to 3:30 PMBREAK
3:30 to 4:15 PMBreakout Session
  • Careers after Grad School in room 1311
  • Choosing a Suitable Advisor in room 2312
4:15 to 4:30 PMClosing Remarks, Feedback Forms, Raffle Prizes in room 1310

Breakout Session Descriptions

  • Choosing the Right Graduate School: How to choose the right fit for you based on reputation of the school and your sub-field (area of research focus), what general resources are available (rate of hiring from certain industries/companies that may prefer some schools over others), etc. Additional factors outside of campus are considered, such as cost of living, and social opportunities.
  • Application Process: Topics covered include starting early to have standardized test scores ready ( e.g. GRE), talking to professors for recommendations, looking up fellowship deadlines (both campus-based and externally funded scholarships) if applicable, cost of application, preparation for grad school open-house (campus visit), personal statement, and more.
  • Undergraduate Research: How to get involved in research as an undergraduate (REUs, opportunities on campus), approaching your mentor, getting started with interdisciplinary research, and why it can make a difference.
  • Choosing a Suitable AdvisorHow to choose your undergrad/grad advisor/mentor, what to look for in your advisor-student mentorship, collaboration inside and outside the department/campus, and more.
  • A Day in the Graduate Student’s Life: Learn more about the work-life balance of a graduate student, and how you can balance your professional and personal needs.
  • Transferring your Classroom Knowledge to Real-life ProblemsHear from students that have work experience during grad school, and from students that have worked and come back to grad school. Covers topics related to your impact on research including collaborating with industries, patenting applicable results from grad research, and how to apply real-world skills to the classroom, and classroom skills to the real world.
  • ProfessionalismNetworking and presenting your research are important aspects of the graduate school process. Learn tips on how to be professional as a student and researcher, why networking matters, and what it means to present at a conference. Also hear how “real-world” etiquette can translate to your academic career.
  • Careers after Graduate School: Learn about the types of careers for different graduate programs, and what options you can consider as an MS or PhD graduate. Consider what degree you should earn for your intended career path.

Workshop Committee

  • Committee Chair:  Progna Banerjee
  • Funding Coordinator:  Kumar Neelotpal Shukla, Susanna Roque
  • Speaker Coordinator:  Progna Banerjee, Lauren Logan
  • Publicity Coordinator:  Lauren Logan, Kumar Neelotpal Shukla
  • Logistics Coordinator:  Yuguang Fu, Lana Stekovic, Kumar Neelotpal Shukla