A2i Partners at University of Maryland and University of Virginia Launch Series for International PhDs

In a groundbreaking effort to support international Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars aiming to establish careers in the U.S., A2i™ academic partners the University of Maryland (UMD) and the University of Virginia (UVA) develop a series to meet a need within graduate career readiness. Dr. Priya Date from UVA and Dr. Yi Hao from UMD have developed the International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series to address the specific challenges faced by international scholars in navigating the U.S. job market.

Addressing the Unique Needs of International Scholars

Dr. Priya Date and Dr. Yi Hao, both international scholars turned career educators, identified critical gaps in support for their peers. They recognized that many international Ph.D. candidates and postdocs needed more tailored strategies to understand American workplace culture, leverage their transferable skills, and prepare for immigration-related challenges. This realization led to the creation of the International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series, designed to bridge these gaps effectively.

Introducing the International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series

Initially launched for students at UVA and UMD, the International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series was presented by Dr. Date and Dr. Hao at A2i’s March 2024 Training Institute. Following the presentation, the A2i community of academic partners expressed strong support and highlighted the need for similar programming at their own institutions. In response, Dr. Date and Dr. Hao expanded the series in June to include the wider A2i network. The series quickly gained traction, attracting 129 participants from 16 different universities. With 81 individuals attending at least three out of the four sessions, the program demonstrated significant engagement and interest.

Series Highlights and Key Sessions

The International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series was intentionally crafted to address essential aspects of career preparation for international scholars. The series included the following sessions:

• Workplace Culture in the U.S.: This session provided insights into the norms, communication styles, and expectations within American workplaces, helping international scholars acclimate to their new professional environments.
• Transferable Skills: Participants learned how to identify and articulate the skills gained through their Ph.D. research and academic experiences, and how to apply these skills effectively in industry roles.
• Immigration Portfolio: This session focused on preparing the necessary documentation and understanding the processes involved in managing an immigration portfolio, a crucial aspect for those seeking to stay and work in the U.S.
• Job Search Strategies: Attendees received guidance on how to navigate the job search process by shedding light on the hiring process from employers’ side, providing concrete advice to international scholars and helping them understand why networking is critical to their process.

Participant Feedback and Impact

The feedback from participants highlighted the practical value and impact of the series. Many expressed their appreciation for the actionable advice and the opportunity to view their backgrounds from a new perspective. One participant’s comment reflected the overall sentiment:

This helped me look at things from a different perspective and see my background as advantages instead of disadvantages.

The International Ph.D. Career Readiness Series marks a significant advancement in providing targeted support to international scholars. Dr. Date and Dr. Hao’s initiative not only addresses immediate career preparation needs but also contributes to a deeper understanding of how to support international Ph.D. candidates and postdocs within the U.S. job market.

The A2i community extends heartfelt thanks to Priya and Yi for their dedication and innovative approach. As the series continues to evolve, it promises to offer even more valuable resources and strategies, empowering international scholars to successfully transition into industry roles and make the most of their unique backgrounds.