Transition to Graduate School - College of Engineering - Purdue University

Purdue Engineering offers career and professional development resources to help graduate students explore paths in academia and industry and build the skills to get there.

Where to go next: Start with Career Success resources and explore workshops, events, and mentoring options.

Purdue Engineering hosts and shares graduate-related events and programming throughout the year.

Where to go next: Check the Events page and Career Success for current offerings.

Graduate students are recognized for research, teaching, leadership, and service through college, department, and university awards and fellowships. Opportunities and nomination processes vary by program.

Where to go next: Review Awards & Recognition resources and follow your department’s nomination guidance.

Award opportunities and deadlines can differ by award level (college vs university) and by eligibility. The best approach is to start with the centralized awards list and then confirm details for any award you’re pursuing.

Where to go next: Use Awards Deadlines & Information to browse opportunities, then follow the linked owner pages for specifics.

Purdue Engineering supports graduate student experience through community resources, mentoring opportunities, and support pathways when you need help navigating an issue.

Where to go next: Explore Student Experience resources and the “Looking for Help” page if you’re unsure where to start.

There are multiple ways to build community at Purdue—peer programs, affinity communities, cultural centers, and graduate-friendly student organizations.

Where to go next: Start with “Find your Community” and Student Experience resources.

Yes. Purdue Engineering provides a hub of international-student resources, and ISS is the official office for visa-related questions.

Where to go next: Use the International Students page and follow links to ISS for immigration/visa guidance.

If you’re unsure who owns your issue, start with engineering graduate support resources and follow the appropriate pathway (academic, personal support, reporting, or Graduate School assistance).

Where to go next: Use “Looking for Help” for the best routing options.

This page includes ready-to-use social media images you can download or save for Instagram and LinkedIn.

Where to go next: Use the ZIP download button on this page or save individual images directly from the template gallery.

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured way to set goals, track progress, and reduce uncertainty around career and skill development during graduate school.

Where to go next: Use the Engineering IDP resources to get started.