Graduate School can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge in a specific subject, expand your knowledge into a new field, or build upon your professional skills. There are several common paths for pursuing graduate education. Each program will help you to pursue different goals, so it’s important for you to reflect on how graduate school fits into your long term career goals.
Applying to Graduate School
Each program you apply to will have it’s own set of unique requirements. Below, you will find the most common requirements for applying to graduate school.
Application Timeline
Fall: PhD, MBA, MS, MA, MENG applications are due.
Spring: Some MBA and MENG applications are available.
Standardized Tests
One of the common tests for graduate school is the GRE, which typically should be completed at least 2 months before the application is due to ensure the school receives it in a timely manner.
Recommendation Letters
Make sure to give your recommendation writers at least one month to write your letter. Typically graduate programs will ask for 1-3 recommendation letters. Choose your recommendations carefully and think about who will be able to enthusiastically speak to your abilities.
Application Essays
Common graduate essays are the Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose. The length of these essays range from 1-2 pages and you should pay close attention to each program’s individual prompt.
Personal Statement
A personal statement enables you to elaborate on your background, to explore your personal motivations for attending graduate school, and often to highlight your unique life experiences or challenges you have overcome. Review the Newnan Advising Center’s Canvas tutorial on Personal Statements 101.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose describes how you are prepared, what you hope to accomplish, and how graduate school will help you to meet your short- and long-term career goals.
University of Michigan Graduate Programs
University of Michigan (U-M) offers a multitude of opportunities for you to specialize, advance, lead, and make an impact in your chosen field. Review the majors offered by each U-M engineering department. To learn more about graduate programs offered by U-M, click the departments below
Career Planning for Masters Students
Masters programs are typically 1-2 years and the recruiting timeline can be faster than undergrad programs. Please be aware that campus recruitment activities begin early in the fall, and many companies actively recruit during the fall semester to fill positions that begin the following summer.
We recognize that as a master’s level student, your time at the university is limited, so we have created the following suggested timeline to help maximize your career search.
Fall Recruiting Timeline
August:
- Create/update your resume to prepare for fall recruiting, and be sure to list your UM master degree program!
- Activate your Engineering Careers, by 12twenty, account. Complete your ‘Skills’ profile now under ‘My Account & Skills Profile’, and update this information throughout the year.
- Schedule an appointment with an ECRC Career Advisor to have your resume reviewed, discuss your general job search, or to learn more about ECRC services.
- Start researching careers of interest in Engineering Careers by checking out the job postings, and remember that’s not too early to begin applying to jobs of interest!
- Attend Graduate Orientation to learn more about campus resources available to you, including services provided by the ECRC.
September:
- Attend workshops on topics such as Career Fair and Interview Preparation (more details for fall workshops will be available in August!)
- Attend employer events such as Career Fairs, Career Engagement Opportunities hosted by student organizations, etc. Check out the CoE Calendar for event dates and more information.
- Attend the Fall Engineering Career Fair hosted by SWE/TBP. There are also several departmental career fairs each fall.
October – November:
- Conduct a mock interview by scheduling an appointment within Engineering Careers.
- Continue searching and applying to positions of interest, utilize Engineering Careers as well as additional job search sites.
- Network with employers during corporate events held throughout the year, see the CoE calendar for event dates and more information.
- Schedule a career advising appointment as needed to discuss your job search, negotiating offers, or any topic related to your job search.
Winter Recruiting Timeline
The winter recruiting season begins in mid-January and will continue through April. The Winter Engineering Career Fair is held at the end of January, along with other employer recruitment events taking place throughout the winter term.