This article is published in the September 2024 issue.

CRA Offers Undergraduates Support For Applying to Graduate School and Learning More About Research Careers and Pathways via UR2PhD

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By Julia Sepulveda, Senior Program Associate, CRA-E

This fall, the UR2PhD team is launching the “Graduate School Application Workshops for Computing Programs,” with the intention of bridging the gap between a student’s first research experience and a successful application to graduate school. 

Over the course of seven workshops, held every other Wednesday at 4pm ET from September 11, 2024 through December 4, 2024, students will acquire a better understanding of computing PhD programs and what is required to build a successful application. The Graduate School Application Workshops series will focus on educating students about the various components of a PhD application, while guiding them to reflect on their own experiences and goals. 

The second workshop, “Highlighting Your Personal Experiences & Interests” will be held on September 25, 2024 at 4pm ET. All undergraduate students attending North American institutions are eligible and encouraged to participate; students need not be affiliated with UR2PhD. Students interested in participating MUST complete the registration form. By registering, students will be able to access all seven workshops. The UR2PhD invites any student considering graduate school to sign up. 

In addition to offering workshops that demystify the PhD application process, the UR2PhD team continues to offer Computing Research Engagement and Awareness Workshops that encourage students to learn more about research careers and pathways, with opportunities to connect with current researchers. The Engagement and Awareness Workshops series is held every third Monday of the month at 6pm from August to November. The next workshop, titled “Ask Me Anything (About Research)”, will take place on Monday, October 21 at 6 pm ET.

In offering both the “Computing Research Engagement and Awareness” and the “Graduate School Application” workshops, UR2PhD is hoping to encourage students to explore their interests in research. These workshops aim to offer a safe and structured space for undergraduates to ask questions, meet peers, and educate themselves on what research is and how research might fit into their professional goals. To learn more about the UR2PhD program and these workshops, folks are encouraged to visit the UR2PhD website at cra.org/ur2phd