Plain text version
The NextProf Pathfinder Workshop is intended for rising 1st and 2nd year PhD students and those in a Master's program intending to apply for a PhD program. The workshop prepares participants for a successful career in academia, and offers information on what it takes to build a competitive graduate school record to obtain a faculty position in academia/the professoriate.  

We strongly encourage women and members of underrepresented minority groups at U.S. institutions to apply. 
 
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

If you are interested in learning how past participants viewed the workshop, please read this featured article from the Michigan Engineer magazine.

Application Information

Please follow the instructions below.

Application Materials 

  1. Current CV in PDF format. Save the file as “Last Name-First Name_CV.pdf”

  2. Include your name and date at the top of the page. Save the file as a PDF with the filename format “Last Name-First Name_Interest.pdf”. 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 the NextProf Workshop? 

      Your statement should be no more than one-page, single spaced, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman). 
  3. A diversity statement that describes your commitment to excellence and diversity, addressing past and or potential contributions to advance equity and inclusion through research, teaching, or service. Your statement should be no more than one-page, single spaced, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman). Include your name and date at the top of the page.  Save the file as a PDF with the filename format “Last Name-First Name_Diversity.pdf”. 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?
  4. A copy of your current transcript (a student copy is acceptable) upload as "LastName-First Name_Transcript.pdf"

  5. Name and contact information for your reference. 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

Selection Criteria  

Text to come

NextProf Pathfinder is a two-day workshop taking place in Ann Arbor, MI at Michigan Engineering from October 22 through October 24, 2023. Travel details and costs will be arranged for accepted applicants.

Important Deadlines

  • Participant Application Deadline: July 20, 2023 by 5:00 PM EST
  • Mentor Application Deadline: June 21, 2023 by 5:00 PM EST
  • Applicants & Mentors Notified of Decision: Week of August 21, 2023
  • Deadline to Accept Offer: August 28, 2023

Selection Criteria

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
  • Be interested in an academic career in engineering at a top-tier research institution, including in the field of Engineering Education Research
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

One requirement is a statement that demonstrates a commitment to diversity – describing your commitment to excellence and diversity, addressing past and/or potential contributions to advance equity and inclusion through research, teaching, or service.

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.

All travel and housing costs are covered for accepted applicants.

Contact Us

NextProf Pathfinder 2023 will be hosted at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here. The 2023 program will be announced soon.

Questions? Email 2023NPPathfinder@umich.edu.

Program & Deadlines

Program & Deadlines

Contact Us

Apply

For general information about the NextProf workshops, please visit the NextProf website.

We are planning on having the workshop in-person at this time. However, the wellbeing of our community and guests is our top priority. We will continue to monitor safety guidelines related to COVID-19 for group gatherings.

Preparing the next generation of scientific and technological leaders


OCT. 22-24, 2023 | Ann Arbor, MI
APPLY TO BE AN ATTENDEEAPPLY TO BE A MENTOR