The Graduate and Professional School is excited to announce the Fall 2026 Grad School 101: Exploration Series (Virtual). Covering key stages of the career journey, this series is designed to help prospective graduate students approach career planning from the end goal backward—building awareness of career resilience, navigating transitions, and engaging in self-discovery to make informed decisions about their future paths. Individuals who participate in at least two Grad School 101 sessions will be eligible to be paired with a Graduate School Application (GSA) Mentor. These mentors provide one-on-one guidance and support before and during the grad school application process.

Graduate School 101 (Session #1): Resilience in Action - Overcoming Failure and Finding Success
Dr. Fuhui Tong, Associate Provost and Dean, Graduate and Professional School
Tuesday, September 15, 3-4pm CT
Join Dr. Tong for a candid talk on turning setbacks into success. She will share her own stories of rejection and failure, the mindset that helped her push through, and what first drew her to graduate school. Come for real talk on resilience, growth, and building a rewarding career. Aggie Core Value: Leadership.

Graduate School 101 (Session #2): From Aggieland to What’s Next - Navigating Career Transitions
Kayla L. Duncan, Manager of Recruitment and Events, Graduate and Professional School
Wednesday, October 21, 3-4 pm CT
Career paths are rarely a straight line. This interactive workshop explores how graduate education, transferable skills, and professional experiences can open doors to unexpected career opportunities. Learn how to recognize your strengths, communicate your value, and confidently navigate career transitions while preparing for what’s next.

Graduate School 101 (Session #3): Career Self-Discovery - Building Your 30-60-90 Day Career Plan
Jasmine Zenn Vei | Assistant Managing Director, Graduate and Law, Career Center
Thursday, November 12, 3-4 pm CT
This Career Center session will help prospective graduate students explore how their interests, skills, values, and career goals can inform their graduate school journey. Through self-assessment and reflection, participants will identify where they are in their career development and create a 30-60-90 day action plan to help them take intentional next steps toward their academic and career goals.