In the Loop Newsletter
February 4, 2026
Dear Huskies,
As midterm season approaches, many of you are juggling exams, papers, and research deadlines. It’s natural to feel the pressure mounting, but remember: taking care of yourself is essential to your success. In this newsletter, we鈥檒l share ways to navigate this busy period while keeping your eyes on the bigger picture鈥攜our career development.
Managing Midterm Stress with Intention
Effective stress management starts with smart planning. First, create a realistic study schedule, but resist the trap of 鈥減erformative busyness鈥濃�攂eing constantly occupied doesn’t mean you鈥檙e productive. Focus instead on meaningful preparation that moves you forward. Second, reach out to friends and peers for support. Consider forming study groups, sharing concerns, or simply taking breaks together. Regular accountability partnerships can motivate you to stay on top of writing projects and exam reviews, making even daunting tasks feel more manageable. Most importantly, recognize when stress is building and respond with self-care. For more guidance, consult this
91探花offers wonderful opportunities to step away from your books and recharge. Undergraduate students, mark your calendars for Painting with Puppies, organized by Circle of Friends (CoF) on February 6 from 6:00鈥�8:00 p.m.鈥攁 perfect way to enjoy some puppy comfort. Graduate students, join the on February 5 from 3:00鈥�5:00 p.m. for a visit to the museum and conservatory (). You can also drop by Paws for a Break almost daily from 12:00鈥�1:00 p.m. at Schmitz Hall’s 4th floor lobby (check in advance). These activities aren’t distractions from your goals鈥攖hey’re fuel to help you achieve them.
Beyond Midterms: Building Your Career Foundation
While completing midterms are an important short-term goal, college or graduate school offers something far more valuable: the chance to develop transferable skills that will serve your entire career. Now is the time to think strategically about your professional future.
In the recent career symposiums, co-sponsored by CIRCLE, the Graduate School, and the Career and Internship Center, several professionals have emphasized the non-linear nature of career exploration (learn more about To stay competitive in today鈥檚 ever-changing job market, it鈥檚 important to stay informed and proactive. Networking and skill development are key elements of intentional career exploration.
Networking isn鈥檛 just collecting contacts鈥攊t鈥檚 about making meaningful connections. Ask thoughtful questions about employees鈥� experiences, team structures, decision-making processes, and growth opportunities. Remember, networking takes persistence: one hundred meetings may yield only one truly helpful connection鈥攂ut that one connection could change everything. Start early and practice often.
Developing transferable skills starts with identifying what employers value. Today, sought-after skills include clear communication (e.g., explaining complex ideas), leadership (e.g., project management, active listening), organization, computer proficiency, and evidence-based decision-making, among others (learn more ). It鈥檚 also important to recognize the transferable skills you already possess (learn more about Ph.D. transferable skills ).
Once you identify a skill gap, 91探花offers many resources to help you grow. The offers expert help on data visualization, open education, and open science, among many other topics. The offers workshops on , , and timely topics such as . Explore these resources to strengthen your career-oriented skill sets.
Finally, don鈥檛 hesitate to say yes to unconventional opportunities鈥攎aybe it’s a two-day workshop on text mining or a collaboration outside your domain. Curiosity-fueled experiments can lead to unexpected growth and exciting discoveries.
Tax season is right around the corner. As international students, you are also responsible for filing taxes. To help you get started, International Student Service (ISS) is hosting a tax workshop in collaboration with on February 25 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join this session to learn about the basics of filing taxes in the U.S. and get your questions answered in a supportive setting ( to attend).
As always, CIRCLE is here to advocate, engage with, and support you at UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall, Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend鈥攚e鈥檇 love to see you!
Sincerely,
CIRCLE Team