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NextProf Pathfinder

Preparing the next generation of scientific and technological leaders

OCTOBER 6-8, 2024 | Atlanta, GA

Pathfinder FAQ

OCT. 6-8, 2024 | Atlanta, GA

Michigan Engineering
Georgia Tech Engineering
University of California San Diego

Explore a career in academia

The NextProf Pathfinder workshop, sponsored by the University of Michigan, UC San Diego, and Georgia Tech, is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders in engineering. Pathfinder is intended for rising 1st- and 2nd-year PhD students or those in a Master’s program intending to apply for a PhD program. If you will be beyond the second year of a PhD program at the time of the Pathfinder workshop, we recommend you explore NextProf Nexus.

NextProf Pathfinder 2024 Atlanta

Apply

Applications open April 22

Apply to Participate in NextProf Pathfinder

Apply to participate

The workshop prepares participants for a successful career in academia, exploring what it takes to build a competitive graduate school record to obtain a faculty position.  

Join a select cohort of diverse engineering graduate students, recent doctoral graduates and top faculty and deans from around the country. Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants. 

Attendees will leave the NextProf Pathfinder Workshop with a clear understanding of:

To learn how past participants viewed the workshop, please read this article from the Michigan Engineer alumni magazine.

Four students of color work together at a table strewn with notebooks and calculators.

Selection Criteria

An ideal NextProf Pathfinder candidate will express a passion for teaching and interest in making engineering academia a more inclusive and rewarding experience for all students, and has a desire to positively influence institutional conversations about diversity.

We strongly encourage women and members of underrepresented minority groups at U.S. institutions to apply. To be eligible for Pathfinder, you must be a rising 1st- or 2nd-year PhD student or in a Master’s program intending to apply for a PhD program in Engineering. If you will be beyond the second year of a PhD program at the time of the Pathfinder workshop, we recommend you explore NextProf Nexus.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a rising 1st- or 2nd-year PhD student or in a Master’s program intending to apply for a PhD program in Engineering. (If you will be beyond the second year of a PhD program at the time of the Pathfinder workshop, we recommend you explore NextProf Nexus.)
  • Be interested in an academic career in engineering at a top-tier research institution, including in the field of Engineering Education Research
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and excellence

Program cost

Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants.

How to Apply

Application Materials

Current CV

  • Save in PDF format
  • Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2024NPP_CV.pdf”
  • Include your name and date at the top of the page

Statement of Interest

  • Save in PDF format
  • Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2024NPP_Interest.pdf”
  • Statement should be no more than one single-spaced page in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)

Your statement of interest in the NextProf Pathfinder program should address the following:

  • What interests you about an academic career?
  • Which of your experiences in research, teaching and/or mentoring have shaped your future career plans?
  • What do you expect to gain by participating in NextProf?

Diversity Statement

Provide a diversity statement describing your commitment to excellence and diversity, and addressing past and or potential contributions to advance equity and inclusion through research, teaching, or service.

  • Save in PDF format
  • Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2024NPP_Diversity.pdf”
  • Include your name and date at the top of the page
  • Statement should be no more than one single-spaced page in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)

Here are some suggestions that might help you prepare your statement:

  • Can you describe a personal experience that shaped your attitude about the importance of diversity in academic leadership?
  • Are you involved in committees or groups that work to engage your community on issues around diversity?
  • In a faculty position, what are some strategies you might pursue to help achieve goals related to your commitment to diversity?

Current Transcript

  • Provide a copy of your current transcript (a student copy is acceptable) in PDF format.
  • Use the file naming convention “LastName-First Name_2024NPP_Transcript.pdf”

Reference

Provide name and contact information for your reference. Your reference should be the graduate program advisor/chair or, if second-year, your research advisor. We do not require a letter of recommendation, but your reference will be included on the invitation email if you are accepted to NextProf Pathfinder.

Program and Deadlines

Travel details and workshop-associated costs will be arranged for accepted applicants. Specific programming details will be shared with attendees leading up to the event. 

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Contact Us

NextProf Pathfinder 2024 will be hosted at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. For more information and questions about the 2024 program, please consult the FAQ or contact [email protected].