August 28, 2026
Duke Energy Hall

Kick off your Smooth Sailing journey by meeting fellow Ph.D. students, faculty, and program leaders in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Build connections that will support you throughout your graduate experience.

September 3, 2026
4230 FWH

Explore the professional skills that complement your technical expertise. Learn how communication, leadership, adaptability, and collaboration can help you thrive in academia and industry.

September 10, 2026

Gain practical advice on preparing for internships and full-time opportunities. Learn how to strengthen your resume, network effectively, and approach the job search with confidence.

September 16, 2026

Discover how to maximize your influence through intentional leadership, collaboration, and service. Learn strategies to make meaningful contributions within your research group and beyond.

September 18, 2026
Textiles 2225

Demystify the doctoral journey by exploring common challenges, expectations, and available resources. Hear practical advice for building a successful and sustainable graduate school experience.

October 1, 2026
Graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint. This session explores strategies for maintaining motivation, overcoming setbacks, and staying focused on your long-term goals.

October 2, 2026
4230 FWH
Learn how authenticity can become one of your greatest strengths. This workshop encourages students to embrace their unique experiences, values, and perspectives while building confidence and resilience.

October 22, 2026

Reflect on your personal values and professional aspirations to create a meaningful statement that guides your research and career decisions. Discover how purpose can shape a fulfilling graduate experience.

October 30, 2026

Explore the causes and impacts of impostor feelings in graduate school. Through discussion and practical strategies, learn how to challenge self-doubt and build confidence in your abilities.

November 5, 2026

Build the confidence to communicate your skills, experiences, and aspirations effectively. Learn practical approaches for navigating career conversations, interviews, and professional opportunities.

November 11, 2026

Look beyond graduate school and explore the many paths available after earning a Ph.D. Hear insights and advice that will help you prepare for your future with confidence.

November 20, 2026
4230 FWH – Dress Festive

Take time to recognize your growth, accomplishments, and the community you’ve built throughout the program. Celebrate the milestones—big and small—that make the doctoral journey meaningful.

January 15, 2027
Textiles 2225

Strong relationships are the foundation of a successful Ph.D. Learn strategies for developing healthy, productive connections with advisors, peers, mentors, and collaborators.

February 19, 2027
Textiles 2225

Discover practical tools for balancing competing priorities while protecting your well-being. This session focuses on time management, sustaining motivation, and building healthy habits for long-term success.

April 16, 2027
4230 FWH – Dress Festive

Celebrate the end of the academic year by reflecting on your growth, recognizing your accomplishments, and honoring the connections you’ve built through Smooth Sailing. Take time to celebrate the milestones—big and small—that have shaped your doctoral journey.

Taking place in January 2025, our first professional development workshop sold out and was a huge success. This engaging three-hour session is designed to help engineering PhD students thrive by aligning their academic journey with their personal values and purpose. Participants developed a clear understanding of your “why” to stay motivated and focused. They learned to navigate timelines, milestones, and critical processes with confidence. Stay tuned for future semester session offerings which will be posted here once dates are secured.

Set your course for success with Connecting with your Advisor and Committee: Intentional Relationship Building, part of our Smooth Sailing series!

This engaging two-hour session will help you navigate the critical relationships that define your doctoral journey. Explore the importance of intentional relationship building and discover the benefits it can bring to your academic and professional life. Learn how to assemble your personal “board of directors,” establish clear expectations, and gracefully receive and act on feedback.

We’ll also tackle setting healthy boundaries and fostering collaborative partnerships with your advisor and committee. Featuring a panel of seasoned doctoral students, this session is packed with real-world insights to keep your journey on course.

This virtual workshop empowers PhD engineering students to assess and enhance their career skill sets. Participants will self-evaluate and seek feedback on their top three strengths, aligning them with industry demands. Through guided research, they will identify skill gaps and create a lifelong learning plan to stay competitive.

The session emphasizes adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and other key competencies essential for success in academia, industry, and beyond.

This virtual lunch and learn workshop is designed for engineering PhD students to strategically assemble and leverage their own “Personal Board of Directors” to navigate their academic and professional journey with clarity and confidence.