Top 10 Tips On Succeeding at GU-Q From The Graduating Class of 2025

Just before the close of the 2024-2025 year, four representatives of the Senior Class Committee, each representing a different major, came together to share their reflections on four years at GU-Q, and read advice they collected from the graduating class. Here are ten top tips distilled from that conversation, which featured Culture and Politics major John Carlos Burog, International Economics Major Zahra Saboorzadeh, International History major Natali Fanik and International Politics major Maytha Al-Shrame.

Embrace the Challenge and Invest in Your Learning

 GU-Q classes are designed to challenge you intellectually. If you take your studies seriously, expect to be pushed—and that’s a good thing. Dig into your coursework; it will teach you valuable skills, especially research, reading, or data-intensive classes that are especially tough.

 “Classes are designed to challenge you and invest in your success. If you take your studies seriously, they will push you—but that’s where growth happens.” – John

 “The research projects I did in quantitative methods and scopes were tough—but they taught me valuable data analysis skills that I now highlight on my CV.” – Maytha

“One of the most discussion-intensive classes we had was the Doha Seminar…We would sit there and we would just talk to each other, of course about the course content, but also about ways we could imagine things.” – John 

Choosing a Concentration? Follow Your Curiosity and Don’t Give in to Fear.

Pick a concentration that excites you. It might evolve, and that’s okay—align your journey with what inspires you.
 “I chose religion, identity, and migration because I enjoyed theology and wanted to explore identity deeply.” – John
 “My focus on decolonization and liberation struggles came from loving my Middle East history classes.” – Natalie

Be Strategic, Not Just Ambitious

Make intentional choices early. The more specific and focused you are, the more you’ll benefit. Don’t wait until junior year to get serious about your academic path.

“The thing I wish I did differently about my major is being more specific in my concentration… after a few years, I did decide on the Middle East, but when I first started, I was all over the place. So I think one thing I would recommend is to pick an interest and go deeper with it.”– Natalie

Build Relationships with Professors and Mentors

GU-Q’s small classes offer a unique chance to build relationships with professors. Attend office hours, join events, and use faculty mentorship, especially in smaller majors like IHIST or CULP.  Professors are approachable and offer valuable mentorship.

“Just go step into the office and start a conversation because at the end of your four years, what you’ll remember the most is the connections you made, the people that you met, and all of those networking opportunities.” –Natalie

Understand Your Rights

Know academic policies and the Honor Council. They offer support, especially during stressful times.

 “Just know they’re not there to get you, they’re actually there to help you…they acknowledge students, they work with students.”–Maytha

Prioritize Time Management Early

Learn to manage your time early. Balancing academics, friends, and activities requires planning and discipline. 

“When I finally learned how to manage my time and prioritize my studies over, for example, going out with friends or events, it definitely becomes easier.”–Zahra

Your CV Is Bigger Than Your Major, So Participate in Extracurriculars

Fill your resume with more than just your major. Include internships, clubs, student jobs, and unique courses like Bridging Capitals or Women as Changemakers.  Join clubs, attend events, and sign up for opportunities—even if they feel intimidating. 

“I loved participating in events like MUN and the NATO simulation. Even if you are scared, take that step.”–Natalie

“Sign up to literally everything, because you may never know what gets given to you.”–Zahra

Top recommended clubs include:

Honor Council: Learn and teach academic integrity. 

Brain Food: Meet faculty and staff over informal meals.

Athletics: Join sports clubs like basketball, football, or volleyball for a vibrant, inclusive experience.

Use Campus Resources

Make the most of GU-Q’s support systems: Office of Academic Services, TA sessions, Career Center, and weekly bulletins. These resources are valuable—don’t ignore them. 

 “Get to know everyone, get to know the staff, you may never know when someone would become helpful to you.”–Maytha

Talk to Upperclassmen and Alumni

Some of the best advice comes from those a few years ahead of you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, hear their stories, and learn from their experiences.

Everyone Finds a Home at Georgetown

In one piece of advice read during the podcast a senior shared: “In Georgetown, I found my people, my chosen family, and I’m grateful,” and all four participants agreed. 

“The first year we’re getting to know each other, just getting the vibe of the place, but then by second year, we slowly solidify our friendships, and then later you get to know people more, you get to know the professors more, you really become comfortable and this becomes your home.”–Maytha

These reflections were shared on “GU-Q Speaks,” a student podcast founded by Remas Al-Hawari (SFS’26) and Ibrahim Absar (SFS’26). This podcast, along with the other 32 episodes they’ve produced, is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and through the Georgetown Voice.