How GSPS Shapes Student Life at Duke Engineering

Starting a new graduate program is both exciting and a little daunting. For many engineers, graduate school poses its own set of challenges distinct from undergraduate life. Some incoming students are shifting gears after a career in industry or diving in from another university. Others are committing to coursework while raising families and continuing to work in their field. Many are adjusting to student life in the U.S. while learning a new country and culture. 

While Duke boasts a breadth of centralized resources through Duke Student Affairs and The Graduate School, Duke Engineering is proud to house its own Graduate Student Programs & Services (GSPS) team that offers comprehensive and holistic support in addition to resources offered by campus partners.

“We are unique from other institutions because we are actually embedded right within the engineering school,” shared Bridget Fletcher, executive director of GSPS. “We also have great relationships with all of the central offices, which creates that seamless support system that is tailored specifically to engineering graduate students.”

Across its three divisions, GSPS offers programs and opportunities in academic, professional and personal development to play a key role in enriching the Duke Engineering experience for both master’s and PhD students.

Opening the Door to Duke

The first support team that any prospective graduate student comes into contact with is the Admissions, Recruitment & Marketing unit. Through focused outreach, tailored communications and event planning, this team guides students through the admissions process and ensures a smooth transition into graduate study.

“We really want to empower students to thrive, so from the time they commit to us to their onboarding, we’re helping them connect with wellness services, career development tools and other resources,” shared Fletcher.

The Admissions, Recruitment & Marketing team’s work extends well beyond answering admissions questions or processing applications. Their mission is rooted in establishing meaningful connections between the Duke Engineering community and prospective students, and among prospective cohorts themselves. From virtual information sessions to on-campus events, this team ensures that each interaction is intentional and informative, giving students a clear picture of what to expect at Duke and how they can succeed in their program.

“Our admissions recruiting and marketing team does a really great job of making sure students get connected early and often—with current students, faculty, and staff—so they have the information they need to make an informed decision about Duke,” said Fletcher. “From the moment they commit, we’re interacting with them regularly to ensure a smooth transition.”

GSPS personalizes their communications to address the specific needs of applicants, whether they are international students navigating visa requirements, industry professionals considering a career shift or recent graduates looking to continue their academic journey. By doing so, they create a culture of care and responsiveness that helps students feel welcome before they even set foot on campus.

Building an Intercultural Community

Because nearly 85% of Duke Engineering graduate students come from outside of the U.S. to study, GSPS staff make it a priority to ensure that every touchpoint feels friendly and informed.

“One thing that a lot of institutions do is separate student services and career support from any sort of intercultural support, but we intentionally bring those together because they’re interwoven,” Fletcher said. “That connectedness across our expertise allows us to be flexible and student-centered, because the needs of our students are constantly evolving.”

The Graduate Student Affairs team accomplishes this through community building, fostering health and wellness and offering opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. From orientation to graduation, the team supports students in need, guides community culture and encourages students to build lasting relationships with alumni and industry partners.

“All of our student affairs folks are trained health and well-being coaches,” Fletcher shared. “They can provide one-to-one coaching support, helping students set small, achievable goals, while also offering resources like yoga and meditation classes. It’s about reminding students that life is bigger than just the academic pressures they’re facing.”

“We really try to create intentional spaces where our students from all different backgrounds feel comfortable and supported,” added Bridget Kerwin, director of graduate student affairs.

Sharpening Voices, Shaping Futures

The Career & Communication team functions as an oral and written communication and career development skills center for all graduate students. Whether it’s crafting a polished resume, mastering job search strategies or developing intercultural communication proficiency, students can access resources based on their desired career path. Learning opportunities include small-group sessions and one-on-one coaching tailored for engineers entering the workforce, plus the EGR 950 course in Career Design & Strategy to equip students to launch and accelerate their job or internship search.

“Having career and communication services designed specifically for engineers makes a huge difference,” Fletcher said. “Our programs are tailored to technical coursework and real-world application, and that’s not something most peer institutions can offer.”

Workshops often go beyond traditional career preparation, with cross-cultural communication sessions preparing students to work on globalized teams, and leadership development seminars challenging them to explore their own values and goals for their career path.

“We really try to hone in on skills as minute as small talk before a job interview. That may seem minor, but it’s often overlooked—and it can make the difference in how prepared and confident students feel,” Fletcher said.

By facilitating these intersections between academic excellence and personal growth, GSPS helps students leave Duke with a toolkit for resilience and adaptability.

“Our goal is not just to help students succeed at Duke,” Fletcher added, “but to leave here confident, resilient and ready to make an impact wherever they go next.”