Engineering Workshop Schedule

Tips for Your First Semester in Graduate School: Survive and Thrive
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Watch recording of workshop
 

Quantum Computing from a Software Perspective
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Watch recording of workshop
View presentation slides
 

How to Train your Advisor, by Dr. Karen A. Panetta
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Watch a recording of the event

Negotiating Salary and Benefits with DevelopHer
This is open to graduate students of all gender identity.

Learn the Secrets to Make More $ in Your Tech Career. Register for exclusive access to the award-winning salary negotiation course that has helped students negotiate salary increases of $10K, $25K, and even $80K in just a single negotiation! This course is free this academic year for up to 200 current graduate students in Tufts School of Engineering. Register for the DevelopHer course.

IEEE English for Technical Professionals
Want to strengthen your English language proficiency? Tufts engineering graduate students are welcome to take the free, self-paced online course.

This course by IEEE enables professional engineers and technical professionals whose first language is not English to improve their language skills in a way that fits the needs and priorities of working adults in the engineering fields. As a professional in your field, you are well-aware of the importance of understanding and maintaining standards for process, product, and discovery. This course presents the English language standards and practice activities that are essential for your daily success—whether you want to describe a project to a peer, submit a technical proposal to a funding source, or justify your technical findings to a supervisor. The goal is to help learners gain confidence and understanding about the ways in which technical or engineering communication works. 

Instructions for the free online course: 
When you are ready to take the IEEE English for Technical Professionals online self-paced course, please use your Tufts UTLN credentials to access the site, and then you will need to create an IEEE id as the second step of the login process.

Please note, for SOE graduate students who are required to take the online course, progress will be monitored and graded. Please contact the office of Dr. Karen Panetta, Dean of Graduate Programs, enggradstudies@tufts.edu or phone 617-627-1332, with questions about the graded online course. 

Contact IEEE English for Technical Professionals for technical support.

Writers Block
Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (September 12 through December 5, no meeting November 28)

Writing a Dissertation, Thesis, Capstone, or QP? Just need more time to write? Join us for Writers Block! Writers Block is a weekly, 3-hour writing accountability group for graduate students, providing dedicated time to help you build a regular writing habit into your schedule. Designed for those writing long projects such as theses and dissertations, but open to any graduate student looking for a co-working group. Register for Writers Block.
 

Guided Writing Practice for International and Multilingual Graduate Students
Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM (September 11 through November 20)

Multilingual and international graduate students: join us for a low-stress weekly writing practice! Each week we will write together, try out new writing skills, explore your writing questions, and discuss our experiences as writers. Build your confidence in writing in English through regular, informal practice in a supportive and fun environment. Meets weekly through mid-semester. Register for Guided Writing Practice.
 

English Conversation Circles

• Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, September 9 through November 18
• Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, September 11 through November 20

Multilingual and international graduate students: join us for facilitated small-group conversation intended to increase fluency and confidence in spoken English. Meet other graduate students for conversation in a low-stress environment! Register for English Conversation Circles.

World Café for International and Multilingual Students: Welcome to Tufts! Academic Life and Adjustment
Wednesday, September 10, 5:00  – 6:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

This workshop is designed for international students to help you navigate the academic expectations of a U.S. university. Through collaborative discussions, you will learn about learning outcomes, how you may be assessed, and the types of engagement you may encounter with peers and professors. You will gain practical strategies and learn to leverage resources to enhance your life on campus. Register for World Café.

Creating a Semester Writing Plan
Friday, September 12, 12:00 – 12:45 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Have a writing project you want to make progress on this semester? Join us for this hands-on, writing-specific planning session to figure out your writing goals for the semester, a schedule for writing, and strategies for reducing distractions. (Hint: Attend Writers Block writing group in the same location from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM to get a head start!). Register for Creating a Writing Plan.

Where Do I Begin? Planning for and Starting Your Graduate Thesis
Wednesday, September 15, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:15 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

This workshop is intended as an overview for graduate students who have not yet begun their thesis or who are in the beginning stages of the process. We will discuss the purpose of a thesis, exploring and refining a topic, working with an advisor, balancing ambition with practicality, and integrating writing into your research process. Register for Starting Your Graduate Thesis.

A Survival Guide to Graduate Student Research 
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tisch Library | Related LibGuide: Grad Student Research Toolkit by Cece Lasley

In this workshop, we will discuss best practices for graduate research and some of our favorite resources for research, including citation management and how to access resources beyond Tufts' libraries. Please bring a laptop or tablet to the workshop. Register for Guide to Graduate Student Research.

Resumes & Cover Letters 
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Virtual
Presented by the Tufts Career Center

Current market forces and dynamics have disturbed traditional job and internship expectations and strategies. In this 1-hour workshop, we hope to share some optimism, practical insights, and best practices to best help you craft professional marketing documents that employers will discover, read, and appreciate. Topics will include: • Defining the four factors of your resume/CV: Format, Content, Messaging, and Flow • Crafting documents that pass the 6-second test • Developing cover letters and letters of interest that answer three main questions: Why you? Why this position? Why right now? • Learn how to leverage new tools and resources that will help you optimize your documents. Please have a current or rough draft of your resume and a cover letter with you for reference during the Zoom meeting. Register for Resumes and Cover Letters.

Reading with Purpose: Strategies for Effective Learning
Wednesday, September 17, 2025,  12:00 - 1:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Efficient reading is a learnable skill. This workshop guides students through an intentional process to manage reading volume and improve comprehension. Students will first assess their current reading approach and then expand their repertoire with new tools including reflection prompts and annotation strategies that deepen critical thinking skills and foster active engagement with texts. Participants should bring something they are currently reading to practice these strategies. Register for Reading with Purpose.

World Café for International and Multilingual Graduate Students: Reading and Notetaking
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:00 - 6:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Reading and making sense of material can be daunting tasks. This session guides students through efficient methods from the active reading cycle to manage your reading load and improve your comprehension. We will also highlight important considerations for note-taking when reading. Students are encouraged to bring a text to practice these methods in the workshop. Register for Reading and Notetaking.

World Café Series for International and Multilingual Graduate Students: Motivation, Stress, and Time Management
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:00 – 6:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Managing your energy and time is important to sustain your academic journey. You will learn meaningful techniques to prioritize your commitments and to stay engaged. This session emphasizes tending to you as a “whole person.” You will also gain strategies to manage stress and practice “academic mindfulness.” Register for Motivation, Stress, and Time Management.

Podcasting for Public Scholarship
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Presented by the Tisch Library

Podcasts can be a way of engaging public audiences with your research interests. During this workshop, we’ll help you to conceptualize podcasting as a form of public scholarship, and walk through the process of starting a podcast. Register for Podcasting for Public Scholarship. After this orientation, you will know:

• How to recognize different podcast styles used by scholars
• Steps of producing a podcast, including gear, software, and setting up your RSS Feed at Tufts
• What support Tisch Library’s Digital Design Studio can offer you.

Negotiating Salary and Benefits with DevelopHer
Monday, September 29, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Medford Campus location to be confirmed via email after you submit this registration form.

• This is open to graduate students of all gender identity
• Keynote with free dinner
• Exclusive access to the award-winning salary negotiation course

Learn the Secrets to Make More $ in Your Tech Career. Register for exclusive access to the award-winning salary negotiation course that has helped students negotiate salary increases of $10K, $25K, and even $80K in just a single negotiation! This course is free for current graduate students in Tufts School of Engineering. Complete this survey to receive information from DevelopHer, and become registered in the course.

Writing a Personal Statement
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 12:00  - 1:00 PM
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

This interactive session will help you understand the purpose of a personal statement and begin the writing process by generating possible topics, choosing a focus, and organizing your essay so that it reflects your goals. Depending on the time of year, we may focus on a specific application type, but activities will apply to a variety of opportunities. Register for Writing a Personal Statement.

World Café Series for International and Multilingual Graduate Students: Building Confidence and Communication Skills
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Effective communication is key to success in graduate school. This workshop will focus on helping you build confidence in participating in class discussions, communicating with professors and peers, and delivering presentations. You will learn practical techniques to overcome communication barriers, improve your public speaking skills, and confidently engage in academic conversations. Register for Building Confidence and Communication Skills.

Job & Internship Search Strategy
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Virtual
Presented by the Tufts Career Center

Current market forces and dynamics have disturbed and derailed many job and internship expectations and strategies. In this 1-hour workshop, we hope to share some optimism, practical insights, and best practices to best help you navigate your career planning in the short and long term. Register for Job and Internship Search Strategy.

Topics will include:

• Preparing for your job search by understanding your product: You!
• Defining and researching your target markets
• Uncover published and unpublished jobs—the "hidden job market"
• Effective and efficient use of multiple job search methods

Time Management and Productivity in Graduate School
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

This interactive workshop will explore how to manage time and stay productive during graduate school.  Participants will leave the workshop having the tools to develop a personal time management strategy, combat procrastination and stay motivated, and think critically about how their own learning styles influence their work and study habits. Students should bring their current time management system (calendars, planners, journals) for hands-on work during the session. Register for Productivity in Graduate School.

Using Grammarly and Generative AI Responsibly in Graduate Writing
Monday, October 6, 2025, 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

Grammarly, ChatGPT, and other generative AI software make big claims about writing assistance. But what is just hype, and what is useful? If you use them, how can you ensure your work is accurate and true to your voice? This workshop will address how to engage critically and responsibly when using generative AI, translation software, grammar checkers, paraphrasing tools, and similar software. Register for Using AI Responsibly in Graduate Writing.

Manage Your Research with Zotero 
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom)
Presented by the Tisch Library

Zotero is a tool to help you organize your research, especially your literature review materials. In this workshop you will learn how to use Zotero to collect and organize resources and to automatically format citations for your project. This is a hybrid workshop - join us in person in Tisch Library, or on Zoom. Please download Zotero and make an account with your Tufts email (or add your Tufts email to your account) prior to coming to the workshop. Register for Research with Zotero.

Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Academic Research
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tisch Library

AI is popping up in every part of life. Love it or hate it, graduate students can benefit from knowing what tools might have useful research applications. We'll cover some of these options and talk about how to approach AI with critical thinking. Register for Using AI for Academic Research.

Potential tools to be included:

• Consensus
• ResearchRabbit
• LitMaps
• Perplexity
• ExplainPaper
• Inciteful
• Semantic Scholar & Semantic Reader
   

Writing a Literature Review
Monday, October 20, 2025, 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

In this interactive workshop, we will begin with the purpose and typical structure of a literature review, then move into hands-on approaches for incorporating writing into your research process and writing the results of your research. This workshop will not cover searching for literature (please see your friendly librarian for help with that part of the process). Register for Writing a Literature Review.

Designing Your Online Scholarly Presence
Wednesday, October 21, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | In-Person
Presented by the Tisch Library

Your online presence tells a story about you to peers, collaborators, institutions and employers. In this workshop, we'll discuss how you can curate that online identity to tell the story that you want. We'll consider your goals for you online scholarly presence; look at what types of things your presence could include, such as shared publications & data, a website, social media, and researcher identifiers like ORCID; and steps to build the presence that you want. Register for Designing Your Scholarly Presence.

Exceptional Leaders in STEM with Dr. Kathleen Kramer
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Medford Campus location to be confirmed via email after you submit the registration form.

Kathleen A. Kramer, President of IEEE is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of San Diego in California, USA. She worked to develop new engineering programs as a founding member of the faculty and eventually became the chair of electrical engineering, then serving as Director of Engineering (2004–2013), providing academic leadership for all of the university’s engineering programs. Her teaching interests are in the areas of signal processing, mechatronics and robotics, and communication systems. She has also been a member of technical staff at several companies, including Viasat, Hewlett Packard, and Bell Communications Research. Register here for the event with Dr. Kramer and dinner.

Work/Life Balance for Remote Graduate Students
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00 PM (Virtual)
Presented by the Tufts StAAR Center

In this interactive virtual workshop, participants will explore the challenges and opportunities of being a remote graduate student. Students will leave with tools to develop a time management plan that is distinct to them, that takes into account balancing the unique needs of managing remote education with the other aspects of their lives. Students should bring with them their current time management system for hands-on work during the session. Register for Work/Life Balance for Remote Graduate Students.
 

So What’s Your Story? Learn How to Communicate Like a Professional, by Bobette Buster
Monday, October 27, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Medford Campus location to be shared via email after you submit the registration form.

This workshop is for those commencing their careers who seek to acquire all the professional communication skills required. From now on you will be expected to introduce yourself and your research clearly and succinctly – in all presentations, meetings, grant applications and  pitch competitions.  This workshop will provide 5 essential skills, as well as teach you how to “read the room.” Register for Communicate Like a Professional.

Bring Your 3-Minute Pitch to this Workshop, Take It to the Next Level, by Bobette Buster
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Medford Campus location to be shared via email after you submit the registration form.

Just as learning a sport or musical instrument requires practice and coaching, Bobette will curate, and guide each participant to share their own story, in multiple iterations. A short Keynote Lecture will open the workshop. Bobette will curate, and guide the group on five essential skills of professional pitching. Participants will gain greater clarity and confidence to pitch their own projects at the next level of professional engagement. Register for the 3-Minute Pitch Workshop.

Numbers That Matter: Finding Government Data for Graduate Research
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Register via LibCal | In-Person
Presented by the Tisch Library

This workshop will introduce you to major sources of government data and provide strategies for finding and evaluating discipline-specific government data and statistics. Please note that data visualization and data analysis will not be covered in this session. Register for Government Data for Graduate Research.

Job & Internship Search Strategies for International Students 
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Register via Handshake 
Presented by the Tufts Career Center in collaboration with the International Center | In-Person - Lunch will be provided. 

In addition to the Career Center staff, there will be a presentation from an International Student Advisor from the Tufts International Center who will provide a basic overview of employment options for international students to legally work in the U.S. (OPT/CPT/On campus). Then the Tufts Career Center will share effective strategies and tools to conduct job and internship searches. They hope to share some optimism, practical insights, and best practices to help you navigate your career planning in the short and long term. You will also gather tips from some current international students as they share what strategies worked for them. Register for Search Strategies for International Students.

As a result of attending this Workshop you will learn how to:

• Organize & prepare for your job search
• Define and research your target markets
• Efficiently target companies that sponsor H-1B visas and hire international students
• Uncover published and unpublished jobs—the "hidden job market"
• Use multiple job search methods effectively
   

Technical Fast Track: Getting the Data to the Right People
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM
In-person, Medford Campus (final details shared after registration)

Join Professor of the Practice Ron Lasser for a workshop about transforming complex technical data into clear, executive-level insights. You’ve done the research, now it’s time to make your findings resonate with senior leaders—technical and non-technical. In just a few impactful slides, you’ll master the art of translating technical jargon into business-driven outcomes that decision-makers care about. Gain the tools to communicate with confidence, earn visibility, and move! Register for Technical Fast Track.
 

Graduate Student Movie Night: Nature of the Crime
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In-person, Tufts Medford Campus (final details shared after registration)

Join us for a special movie night for Tufts graduate students across all schools. Come relax, enjoy a screening of The Nature of the Crime, and connect with your fellow students before Halloween. Light Dinner will be provided. Open to all Tufts graduate students. Register for Graduate Student Movie Night. 

Submitting your Thesis or Dissertation to ProQuest with Style
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 12:00 – 12:55 PM | Register via LibCal | In-Person
Presented by the Tisch Library

In this workshop you will learn the formatting fundamentals for submitting your thesis or dissertation to ProQuest. Additionally, you will learn about embargoes, open access options, and other relevant copyright considerations as they relate to theses/dissertations. Note that we'll offer this workshop again in the spring, so if you're submitting in the spring you're welcome to attend now or wait until next semester! Register for Submitting Your Thesis to ProQuest.
 

Introduction to Grant Seeking
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM | In-Person, Medford Campus (location shared upon registration)

This workshop, geared toward graduate students in engineering, will focus on the key aspects of finding likely funding targets and writing effective proposals. While the presentation will focus on skills applicable to any funding opportunity, we will specifically discuss aspects relevant to those in engineering, including use-inspired and applied research.  Register for Grant Seeking.
 

Engineers on the Fast Track: Harnessing Teams
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM | In-Person, Medford Campus (location shared upon registration)
Presented by Professor of the Practice Ron Lasser

Fast-Track Your Career in Industry—gain the critical skills to excel in your first industry role! If you’re an MS/PhD graduate with strong technical expertise but need help navigating team dynamics and building early career momentum, this is for you. Learn how to shift from an individual contributor mindset to becoming an indispensable team player who drives real impact. Master the behaviors that high-performing teams value, and avoid common pitfalls that slow down even the brightest engineers. Raising fast is about team fluency that will accelerate your career in industry! Register for Fast Track: Harnessing Teams.

Polishing Your 3-Minute Thesis
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 12:00  - 1:00 PM | In-person 
Presented by Bridget O’Leary, Lecturer, Tufts Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performing Studies

Prepping for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition? This workshop will help you strengthen your presentation skills ahead of the Graduate Student Council’s (GSC) 3MT Competition. You’ll gain tips on audience engagement, clear messaging, and confident performance. This video explains the 3MT. Students may participate in the workshop whether you are participating in the GSC's 3MT or not. Register for the 3-Minute Thesis Workshop! A light lunch will be served.

Three-Minute Thesis Competition
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 4:30  - 7:30 PM | In-person 
Presented hosted by the AS&E Graduate Student Council

The Tufts 3MT competition (Three Minute Thesis) is an academic event designed for graduate students to present their research concisely, typically lasting three minutes. Participants present their work using a single static slide, aiming to communicate the significance of their research to a non-specialist audience. The competition encourages students to develop their presentation and research communication skills, making their work more accessible to a broader audience. The GSC's 3MT Competition will take place at 574 Boston Avenue, Room 401. Abstracts due November 14th at 11:59 pm. For more information, email gsc@tufts.edu.