Summary
October 13, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET
For many STEM researchers, career planning extends beyond research goals to include professional development, funding opportunities, and immigration considerations. This is particularly true for international graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists pursuing long-term careers in the United States. As research funding landscapes, workforce needs, and immigration policies continue to evolve, a strategic and intentional approach can help researchers navigate uncertainty and position themselves for future success.
This workshop introduces practical frameworks for aligning career, funding, and immigration goals within the U.S. STEM ecosystem. Drawing on principles familiar to researchers, participants will learn how to approach career and immigration planning with the same rigor used to design research projects, by defining goals, identifying milestones, and developing actionable strategies. The session will explore tools such as SMART goals and Individual Development Plans (IDPs), strategies for building an immigration portfolio, and approaches for balancing research productivity with career advancement and immigration preparation. Through guided reflection, practical examples, and structured planning exercises, attendees will gain tools to evaluate their current trajectory, identify opportunities for growth, and develop a roadmap for long-term professional success in the United States.
About the Global STEM Career Pathways Series
Scientific careers are becoming increasingly shaped by global opportunities, evolving funding landscapes, and immigration considerations. The Global STEM Career Pathways series is designed to help graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists navigate these interconnected factors while exploring long-term career options both within and beyond the United States. Through practical frameworks, diverse international perspectives, and strategic planning tools, participants will gain a broader understanding of how career, funding, and immigration decisions influence professional mobility and success.
The two programs in this series equip attendees with the knowledge and planning strategies needed to evaluate opportunities across borders, make informed career decisions, and build resilient, globally minded STEM careers in an increasingly interconnected research landscape.
Registration
This event is open for registration.