A2i Modules
A2i seeks to bridge the gaps between traditional academic training and industry employment readiness through five training modules. These modules provide a range of career and professional development opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to build their skills and engage with industry partners at all stages of their careers. We recommend starting with Job Search Strategies early and finishing with Immersion Week as you complete your degree.
A2i modules offer training in:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Corporate cultural competency
- Market and technology evaluation
- Intellectual property and regulatory affairs
- Commercializing research
Key Features:
- Leadership presentations from renowned industry professionals
- Tailored virtual and in-person Company site visits
- Networking sessions
- Workshops on resume design, career exploration, LinkedIn, writing cover letters, interviewing, networking, and negotiating job offers
- Multidisciplinary team projects completed in collaboration with industry companies
- Career and human resource panels
About A2i Modules
To view upcoming A2i programming, visit our A2i events page.
Industry Immersion is an intensive experiential learning opportunity for late-stage graduate students and postdoctoral researchers that prepares participants for the professional environments outside of academia.
This series is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral researchers featuring industry speakers and professional development experts that explores the wide range of career opportunities beyond the academy, methods to navigate a job search, and tactics to secure desired positions.
This module covers a broad scope of topics related to all aspect of career development and the job search such as career exploration, business communication, application materials, personal branding, interviewing, salary negotiations, networking, informational interviews, and corporate culture. The speakers and workshop topics can change with each offering of JSS so participants can benefit from taking this module multiple times. Presenters come from a variety of industries including private sector non-profit, and government.
While participants are encouraged to attend the full series of workshops, registrants are welcome to attend those sessions that are most closely aligned with their interests and schedule. Those who participate in all sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
Industry Team Practicum is a forum for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to collaborate with industry partners on projects. Participants have the opportunity to think beyond their respective disciplines and learn to leverage their technical backgrounds and creativity to move ideas and projects forward in a cross-disciplinary team context.
Company Site Visit gives graduate students and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to interact with professionals from our A2i industry partners through virtual or in-person company site visits.
The A2i team works with industry partners to connect interested graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with companies based on their recruitment needs.
Internship helps connect skilled Penn Staters with exciting internship opportunities. The A2i team works with industry partners to share internship opportunities with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
This module allows for industry partners to work directly with the Penn State A2i team to recruit outstanding candidates for internships.