The University of Chicago is known for its emphasis on cross-disciplinary research and learning. As a member of the UChicago community, you're encouraged to participate in the range of programs, workshops, and events that over 140 UChicago institutes and centers offer throughout the school year. 

Consider the following as you design your path:

Make Lunch Dates with Classmates

Like you, your classmates are among the best and the brightest. Start making the connections that will last throughout your professional career.

Connect with Grad Students across Campus

Graduate students and postdocs are an important part of the University of Chicago’s focus on scholarly eminence, educational excellence, and ideas with impact. Complementing the the University's excellent academic training, UChicagoGRAD is committed to ensuring that students and postdocs have the skills they need to become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.

Attend Harris Events

On any given day, multiple Harris events are offered, ranging from educational events such as professional development workshops with industry experts, lunch-and-learns, and guest lectures, to social opportunities like Harris After Hours and Follies.

Consider a Certificate, Policy Focus, and/or the Policy Labs Course

With options ranging from cultural policy to urban studies and child and family policy to the environment, certificate options, academic electives, and extracurriculars allow your area of interest to become your area of expertise.

• Review policy areas
• Review certificate options
• Consider the Policy Labs course

Join a Harris Student Organization

Most students join at least one of the more than 20 Harris student organizations. Whether you choose to work on the Chicago Policy Review or participate in a group with a specific focus and interest, student organizations are a great way to make connections, put policy into practice, and develop your leadership skills.

Participate in University Groups

When you join Harris Public Policy, you join a community of nearly 10,000 fellow graduate students and almost 6,000 undergraduate students. Extracurriculars opportunities, including myriad student organizations, abound and can strengthen your ties across the University. Here are just two examples of the hundreds of University opportunities open to Harris students:

• Institute of Politics: Led by David Axelrod, former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama, IOP hosts a number of exciting events each year, invites new fellows to campus each quarter, and has a range of student involvement opportunities, including the student advisory board.
• Intramurals & Sports Clubs: Intramural and club sports are a fun way to build community, socialize with others, and stay healthy. More than 30 intramural sports are offered each year, and there are more than 35 active sports clubs organized by students.

Lay the Groundwork for Professional Success

Real-world understanding and experience broaden your opportunities and help you develop as a policy scholar and practitioner. Tap the Harris network long before you graduate and learn more about the paths pursued by alumni who have interests similar to yours.

• Apply to the Mentor Program
• Participate in a Harris Strengthsquest workshop
• Start your career development action plan
  Career Development Action Plan
• Familiarize yourself with career resources at HarrisLink, UChicagoGrad, and Vault.com.