ENE Grad Student Q&A: What advice do you have for incoming students?

ENE Grad Student Q&A: What advice do you have for incoming students?

Give yourself time to really explore the faculty and their research, personalities, goals, etc. before choosing your advisor. Request more time if necessary to make the best decision possible.
Mary Pilotte

Working hard, thinking deep
Junqiu Wang

It is very difficult to really understand the culture and community in the ENE department. I suggest meeting with not only administration and faculty, but also graduate students. I was disappointed during my first semester because some of the information I received during the open house was "sugar coated". I think that discussing concerns with current students would be the best way to avoid this.
Bethany Fralick

  • Be who/what you are and you will always do well. This program is a great place for people with new ideas who want a supportive environment.
  • Work on your Plan of Study (the P.O.S. as it's called) WAY ahead of time, as in "the summer before you get here," and revise it as necessary.
  • Remember, choosing the correct adviser is more important than anything else you can do here. Don't be afraid of asking potential advisers tough questions, as the people who cannot answer tough questions or give you nebulous answers are not people with whom you want to work.
    George Ricco