
NextProf Pathfinder
Preparing the next generation of scientific and technological leaders
OCTOBER 5-7, 2025 | San Diego, CA
OCT. 5-7, 2025 | San Diego, CA
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 grow 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.

Application Closed
Click here to be notified when the application opens.
Apply in late spring/early summer to Participate in NextProf Pathfinder
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 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:
- How to build a competitive resume/CV
- How to navigate first-year coursework
- How to select and interact with an advisor/research advisor
- The value of outreach
- How to cultivate and benefit from mentorship

Selection Criteria
An ideal NextProf Pathfinder candidate can express a passion for teaching and interest in making engineering academia a more welcoming and rewarding experience for all students, and has a desire to positively influence institutional conversations about diversity.
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
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Have a demonstrated commitment to workforce development, growth, 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_2025NPP_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_2025NPP_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?
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_2025NPP_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.
- Participant Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 by 5:00 PM EDT
- Mentor Application Deadline: Friday, June 7, 2024 by 5:00 PM EDT
- Applicants & Mentors Notified of Decision: Friday, August 23, 2024
- Deadline to Accept Offer: Monday, September 2, 2024 by 11:59 PM EDT

Contact Us
NextProf Pathfinder 2025 will be hosted at the University of California, San Diego. For more information and questions about the 2025 program, please consult the FAQ or contact [email protected].