Last week I gave a more detailed look at what I’m doing now as a graduate student at UT and how it’s important to take initiative in your research. I’m fairly certain I mentioned this last week, but in case I didn’t or it got lost in my ramblings, this is only a reflection of my experience. Everyone is unique, and their programs and advisors are unique, so my schedule and responsibilities may not be exactly what you do. I think some things are universal—you’ll have to learn to balance classes with research, and you must take responsibility for your own work—but the implementation of these things may be very different.
Even though I’m in graduate school, I have had an internship and I think it’s important that students experience time in both industry and academia before making a decision. I actually did things in a weird order because I studied abroad one semester and that extended into the summer months, which eliminated a summer internship/research opportunity. Note, though, that was my particular program and choice; a lot of study abroad programs end with plenty of time for you to return the states and do whatever you want when you come back! One summer I took classes so I wouldn’t be behind when I studied abroad, one summer I was still abroad, the next I did research at KU, and after I graduated I worked as a Flight Test Engineer at Cessna. Clearly, I had an internship after I had already decided to attend graduate school, which goes against what I just recommended. I already knew that I wanted to learn more in an academic setting, and while I enjoyed my job at Cessna, after two months I was ready to go back to school. I was lucky, but I think it’s important to experience different types of work so you’re more comfortable with your decision.
No matter the environment you find yourself in after graduation, there will be a learning curve. KU does a great job preparing you for life after graduation, but you aren’t going to know everything. As an intern at Cessna, I had to learn a brand-new in-house flight analysis software. At UT, I’m in classes that cover completely new material. While the idea that you don’t know everything may be intimidating, it shouldn’t be. Don’t be daunted by the fact that you have more learning to do when you leave KU—hopefully that is invigorating to you. If you knew everything you would need to know by the time you were 22 or 23 years old, what would you do with the rest of your life?
That being said, KU did a great job preparing me for life after graduation. One of the biggest components was finding ways to continuously challenge myself while at KU. Whether it was taking honors classes or speaking at conferences in front of peers and industry members, KU provided opportunities for me to push myself. Another important aspect is learning balance. Being involved in a variety of organizations—SELF, AIAA (the aerospace student organization), Theta Tau, and my sorority—helped me interact with a variety of different people and made sure I knew how manage my time. Find something you love and pursue it. You need something outside of your major—probably even outside engineering!—that you enjoy. Outside my major, I loved engineering ambassadors because I got to meet engineers from other disciplines and talk to prospective students. Outside engineering, I love running. It’s a great stress reliever, plus it’s a fun way to explore Lawrence!
Speaking of exploring Lawrence, take time to explore nearby Clinton Lake. It’s a great retreat for an overnight camping trip, or even just an afternoon of peace and quiet.
That it’s for today—have a good weekend!
Sarah Elizabeth