Connected Science Community Summer Skills Session

A new kind of PhD training

The critical first component of the Connected Science Community PhD is the Summer Skills Session. This is an optional program for all incoming COS PhD students, which takes place during the August before the PhD program begins.

The Summer Skills Session includes:

Proposal-writing training that includes cross-disciplinary peer review and faculty support
Skill-building workshops led by Northeastern staff and faculty
Opportunities for community-building with students across PhD programs
Career panels and networking events
Orientation to Northeastern resources

After the summer, all incoming COS PhD students begin coursework and research within their PhD programs. As members of the Connected Science Community of PhDs, students continue to receive opportunities for additional skills development, group mentoring, work experience, and career exploration.

View a sample program

Hear from our students

“The Summer Skills Session helped me hit the ground running with a robust network of fellow incoming PhDs across many departments, which made the beginning of my program much smoother. Additionally, I was encouraged and helped to write a fellowship proposal which I may otherwise not have completed on my own. More than anything else, the program made me feel like a supported member of a community, with access to numerous resources alongside a newfound network to help me start strong.”

“The Summer Skills Session facilitated connections within my cohort and beyond my department that genuinely set me up for success during the first semester of grad school. Aside from establishing strong social bonds, I improved my research skills through the plethora of workshops, presentation and writing opportunities, and other resources that were shared. This program solidified a strong foundation for my graduate studies.”

“I was nervous to start my PhD program. Being able to find my way around campus and connect with my cohort without the stress of classes, teaching, and research was key to the very smooth start to my semester once September rolled around.”

“As an international student, the Summer Skills Session provided a cushion for my introduction to the Northeastern University environment and to the United States. I worked with a group whose members remain my friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to learn about everything I needed to know regarding writing proposals, teaching, researching, and even communicating effectively with people.”

“The Summer Skills Session is an excellent investment in your PhD career. You get the chance to meet your cohort of COS PhDs and build relationships that may accompany you through your PhD journey.”

“The Summer Skills Session made me feel a true sense of belonging within the College of Science. The experience made me feel stronger and more confident, reinforcing my readiness for the PhD journey.”