Graduate school is interesting. It is definitely different from undergrad, and offers a unique opportunity to re-enter into an academic environment with a greater understanding of what is necessary for success. After almost two years, I have picked up and learned from life-hacking tips that I hope will benefit you through grad school.

1. Always ask a question at a panel or presentation.

I learned this during my first full-time job after graduation from the Vice-President of Advocacy and Outreach, whom did much to mentor me professionally. She told me to always ask a (thoughtful) question, and when doing so, to state your name and organization. This way you have just given a brief introduction to who you are to the room, and a window into your thoughtfulness on the topic. Also, it gets the attention of important people in the room. In my time at graduate school, I have gotten one internship and one research opportunity by asking a question during an event, and following up afterwards.

2. Offer to volunteer.

Especially if, like me, you are entering a field that was different from your undergraduate or your professional experience, it is necessary to start becoming involved in the professional community you wish to pursue. Volunteering is underrated, as people seem to understate the incredible networking experience it brings, benefit to the community, and being first in line for any internships, consulting services, or employment opportunities. Volunteering isn’t just for non-profits either, it could also be to help with research and

3. Utilize your status as a student to gain internships and access.

In my undergraduate, I tried to distance my qualifications away from being a student or recent graduate, thinking that this is the right way to gain experience. It was not until being in grad school did I realize being a student offers a near-universal skeleton key to getting experience in the field. Organizations are much more likely to offer internships or invite you to meetings if you are a student, rather than an unemployed professional. You will only be a student for a short while, so maximize this.

4. Help your friends out with their professional needs.

Help your friends ferociously. There are many reasons. First, you will all become very intimate after seeing each other for two years. Second, these are your professional cohorts. Third, it’s just a good practice. It’s necessary to see you and your classmates as support systems rather than competition, and more likely than not, many of them will become good friends. You will never get as far competing against each other as you will working with each other.

5. Apply for scholarships and fellowships.

I’ve applied for and won various scholarships and a fellowship while I was in grad school; however, I am not the only qualified, or even the most qualified person I know. However, I do take the time to apply, and it just makes sense to do so. If it is a $1,000 scholarship, and you spend 10 hours on it, then you can potentially be making $100. While you may not always win the scholarship, it doesn’t hurt to try, and the hourly investment is usually worth the opportunity.

6. Technical skills do help, and some of your soft skills are actually valuable technical skills.

In my field, urban planning and design, knowing Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, SketchUp, Mircosoft Excel, and other “technical” skills will definitely get your foot in the door with opportunities, whether or not those skills are extensively used or not. However, technical skills are not always computer skills. Some people are adept at community outreach, meeting facilitation, or project management. Others are great writers, researchers, or public speakers. It is helpful and advisable to give yourself the appropriate level of “technical” computer skills for your field, but the other highly sought-after skills may be elevated to a greater level of importance through in-depth experience and creative highlighting.

7. Understand that graduate school is still only one aspect of your life.

The rest of your life continues to happen while you are in graduate school. Take it seriously, but also ground yourself in knowing that graduate school still needs to be balanced with other aspects competing for the same time: family, friends, work, hobbies, health, etc. Keeping this in mind will help you not over-dramaticize the work in grad school and keep you level headed and prepared in case other life factors require more of your energy and attention.

8. Keep your word.

Something to follow both in graduate school and life. Do keep your word, or at least do your best to. Deliver what you promise and build a reputation and standard of practicing what you preach.

I would like to preface that I am still in my own process of gaining experience and seeking opportunities to practice what I’ve learned. I also wrote this as a full-time student who has been sporadically employed part time throughout. However, the aim of this is the hope that others may take what was learned before and use it to better maximize their short time in graduate school. My graduate school journey is rounding out this month, and I believe this is an appropriate time to share what i’ve learned in these quick two years.

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