Leading holistic workforce development and integration through industry-academic collaborations.
Accelerate to IndustryTM is a professional program offered by the NC State Graduate School that represents the interests of 10,000 graduate students and postdoctoral associates.
A2i offers you opportunities to collaborate with NC State University to shape the future of holistic and integrated workforce readiness at your company. Through A2i, you can recruit and directly impact the training of graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Our industry members help us prepare trainees in the following areas
Leadership, teamwork, and communication
Intellectual property and regulatory affairs
Market and technology evaluation
Project management
Commercialization
Finance
The A2i program includes several modules that offer a broad range of distinctive partnership opportunities.
To stay up to date on all things A2i – program highlights, new partnerships, and important upcoming dates subscribe to our A2i Quarterly Newsletter.
Our talented graduate students and postdocs at NC State span over 200 graduate programs. See below for quick facts about who our graduate students and postdocs are.
To learn more about the graduate school visit our website. To learn more about the ranking and facts on NC State visit the university website.
Elevate your talent strategy with A2i
Industry Insights
Calling all industry leaders! Our talented graduate students and postdocs at NC State are eager to learn how to translate their advanced skills and knowledge into successful industry careers. This is your chance to inspire the next generation of professionals by sharing your insights and experiences. If you’re interested in speaking to our GradPack and helping them navigate their career paths, please reach out to Kelly Rownd, our Director of Career Readiness, to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Job Search Strategies
Ready to make a difference in the job search journey of our GradPack? Our ‘Job Search Strategies’ series offers you the opportunity to guide a cohort of graduate students and postdocs through critical aspects of their job search. Whether it’s crafting an application, acing interviews, or confidently engaging in salary negotiations, your expertise can empower the next generation to succeed in their careers. If you’re interested in leading a session or workshop, please contact Kelly Rownd, our Director of Career Readiness, to learn more about this impactful opportunity.
Company Site Visit
Showcase your company to top talent! Partner with A2i to host a site visit and give NC State’s graduate students and postdocs an inside look at your company’s culture, daily operations, and career opportunities. This is a unique chance to connect with highly skilled candidates who are eager to learn and contribute. A2i even offers tailored participant selection to match your specific talent needs. If you’re interested in setting up a company site visit, please contact Kelly Rownd, our Director of Career Readiness, to explore this exciting opportunity.
Immersion Week
Elevate your brand while shaping future industry leaders! Immerse yourself in a unique opportunity to connect with and support late-stage graduate students and postdocs during our four-day Immersion Week. This program brings together top talent with industry experts for networking, personalized feedback on job search materials, and exploration of diverse career paths available to those with advanced degrees. As a sponsor, your company will have the chance to engage directly with our GradPack through presentations, panel discussions, feedback sessions, and more. Stay tuned for upcoming Spring 2025 dates—this is your chance to make a lasting impact!
GradPACK Career Fair
Join us for the annual graduate student and postdoc career fair, hosted by the Graduate School and the Career Development Center. This premier event follows Immersion Week, giving you a unique opportunity to connect with highly skilled candidates eager to launch their industry careers. Mark your calendars—Spring 2025 dates will be announced soon. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your company and discover your next great hire!
We invite you to take the next step in partnering with us to develop our GradPACK and their career readiness. By joining forces with A2i, you’ll gain access to a robust network of skilled graduate students and postdocs. To set up a consultation to discuss partnering with A2i and how the A2i program can fit your company’s needs and talent acquisition please reach out to Kelly Rownd, Director of Career Readiness.
The program offers valuable guidance and advice for students considering industry careers. Among job applicants, we see a higher level of preparation in students who have been through the program.
Dawn Mason, Ph.D.
Global External Innovation Manager, Eastman Partner Company since 2017
