Work with us on career readiness tasks appropriate for any stage of your career preparation, including:

• discovering and shaping your career trajectory
• creating a strategic approach to your career planning
• navigating job searches
• networking and establishing new professional connections
• conducting informational interviews
• navigating applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• tailoring application materials to job postings and employer expectations
• interviewing strategies and mock-up interviews
• and more.

Contact Graduate Career Services at gradcareers@iastate.edu.

Schedule for Summer 2026 Career Conversations

Join us for a series of engaging, interactive virtual workshops designed to help you explore key career development topics, strengthen your job market readiness, and connect with peers on your professional journey.

During the Summer 2026 semester the Career Conversations will be held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon. Each session offers valuable insights, practical guidance, and opportunities for meaningful discussion in a supportive, collaborative environment. All sessions will be run via WebEx. 

Schedule for Spring 2026 A2i+ Career Insights Seminars

Curious about life beyond academia? The NC State Accelerate to Industry+ (A2i+) program presents Career Insights, a series of 1-hour virtual workshops designed for graduate students and postdocs exploring careers in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Each session offers practical strategies—such as applying AI in the workplace, networking with purpose, and translating your advanced skills for employers. With new speakers featured regularly, Career Insights is a valuable opportunity you can benefit from multiple times as you prepare for your career beyond academia. To register, please select “Career Readiness Programs: A2i+ Career Insights (The date of your session)

Industry Career Exploration Program (ICEP) for PhDs: Summer 2026 Cohort 

This 16-week program is designed for PhD students pursuing global industry careers within various disciplines. Participants will explore, identify, and evaluate different roles, the required competencies needed, and the types of projects and tasks involved. The ICEP offers a comprehensive set of components that include:

• Sixteen weeks of in‑person, two‑hour cohort‑based seminars, integrating lecture‑based learning with self‑reflections, small‑group collaborations, and full‑cohort discussions;
• Biweekly individual career‑coaching sessions, providing personalized guidance and accountability;
• An Industry Mentorship module, supporting each participant in identifying and building a sustained mentoring relationship with an industry professional;
• Experiential career‑development assignments, such as informational interviews, mock interviews, résumé development, and career‑exploration presentations;
• Specialized programming for international students, including a session with an immigration attorney;
• A culminating Poster Showcase where participants present their semester‑long career‑exploration project to peers, faculty, staff, and industry representatives.
• Global Career Exploration Microcredential Badge.

During the summer of 2026, the program will be offered to Ph.D. students across all disciplines. Sessions will be held in person on Thursdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Carver 205, beginning on May 28, with the Final Poster Showcase scheduled for September 15. Students interested in participating are encouraged to indicate their interest using the link provided. Once interest is submitted, a full application will be emailed to registered participants. Enrollment is limited, and priority will be given to students who are closer to graduation.

To learn more about the program you are invited to attend one of the info session:

• on Tuesday, April 28th, 3-4 p.m. virtully via WebEx link https://iastate.webex.com/meet/szbar 
• on Thursdaym April 30th noon - 1 p.m. at 1227 Hoover Hall

For more questions about the program contact Dr. Svitlana Zbarska, Graduate Career Services Lead.

Find answers to questions regarding your career development needs in these online platforms. Graduate students and postdocs can use these resources free of cost by logging in with ISU net-ID and password.