College Transition Programs

“I’m graduating soon and it’s hard to find an internship for new grads.” “I’m a recent college graduate and it’s hard to find internships” If this sounds like you, I’m here to help! Most internships are for students in undergrad or postgrad school. I recommend that you start applying for full-time, entry-level roles as a graduate. If you’re not quite ready and need more experience and professional development, check out rotational programs! ❓WHAT are rotational programs? 🤔 I like to define rotational programs (sometimes known as professional development programs) as 1-3 year long, full-time “internships” where individuals can rotate throughout 2-3 different departments of an organization for specific periods to get exposure to different business units at a company. ⏳ When should you start applying for rotational programs? Who’s eligible? You should consider applying for rotational programs during your junior or senior year of college. Most programs accept students who are 1-2 years out of college and application deadlines widely vary. If you’re graduating in December, you can start looking as early as August. If you’re graduating in May, start in October/November. 💸 What are some of the benefits of these programs? These programs offer professional development, mentorship, networking, and the opportunity for individuals to further develop their skill set in their industry through working on a diverse set of projects. For some of these programs, once the individual graduates from their program, they have the chance to decide which department from their rotation they’d like to join full-time! ⭐ Here’s a list of companies with rotational programs (and are actively hiring): → The Ogilvy Residency program for those interested in a career in marketing, advertising, PR with 0-1 years of experience – no degree required! → WSP in the U.S. Advisory Associate Program where they’re hiring early career associate consultants for an August 2025 start in their program → Lenovo’s 2-year Accelerated Sales Rotational Program with both technical and non-technical tracks. → Nordstrom Retail Leadership Training Program with a June 2025 start 🔥As a special surprise, I’ve curated a list of 100 rotational programs/professional development for college graduates. I’ve been working on this for a while because I loveeee these programs. Some are hiring now and some hiring soon in the new year: https://lnkd.in/gwwwXhti 👀This sheet is still a work in progress, but there are a few programs listed now so check it out! 🎥I’m starting a series on Tik Tok dedicated to the post grad job hunt, check out episode 1 today! https://lnkd.in/gzxNzDKg #earlycareer #rotationalprograms #postgrad #entryleveljobs

Having earned my PhD from a US university as an international student, if you are a new graduate student in the U.S. this semester, here are some pieces of advice from me to you based on my personal experience. 1. Please check your emails with diligence. I understand that emails can feel overwhelming, with so many updates, announcements, and newsletters coming at you at once, but therein lie a lot of opportunities. Some people get free money, fellowships, job openings, and event invitations simply by staying on top of their emails. This was a game-changer for me. I can trace some of my most impactful opportunities to checking my emails consistently and not skipping the ones that seemed too long or irrelevant. You can choose a day, maybe weekends or quiet weekday nights, to catch up and go through those emails intentionally. Don’t underestimate them. I found out about awards, grants, leadership roles, paid research participant opportunities and programs simply because I made it a habit to read all my emails. 2. Take advantage of campus resources early. I realized too late that I didn’t fully explore or utilize many of the support systems my campus had to offer. From writing centers and career services to mentorship programs and professional development workshops on insightful topics, there are so many things available that students often don’t know about until their final year. Don’t let that be you. Visit those offices, ask questions, and plug in early. 3. Document your journey. Keep a record of your achievements, involvement, awards, and impact. This will make things easier when you are applying for grants, fellowships, or even jobs. You don’t want to forget your milestones or scramble for evidence at the last minute. This helped me win a lot of awards, particularly the Chegg Global Student Prize, which required 4,000 words. Celebrate your journey. No win is too small. Surviving your first semester, getting published, winning an award, or simply staying sane, each one is worth acknowledging. You are doing your best, and that matters. 4. Apply even when you don’t feel “fully ready.” So many people disqualify themselves from awards, conferences, or positions because they think they are not good enough yet. I have learned that growth comes from trying even when you are unsure. Let the committee be the one to decide, not your fear. I sat on some school award committees and realized that sometimes only three people apply for certain awards, so please apply. 5. Please do not hoard information. I have heard cases where people hoard opportunities from others. All the awards I own, I shared them with others even when I myself was applying. It fulfills me to share opportunities with others. Those you share with will always remember you when they harness them. Kindly check the comment section for more. Kindly add to this if you know more tips or advice that could help incoming students succeed.

New B-school grads get plenty of advice, but it is the insights from those finishing their crucial 1st year at corporate that are often overlooked. These one-on-one experiences must be shared with those starting out. Firstly, ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations – both your own and those of your employer. Clarify your responsibilities, goals, and the metrics by which your performance will be evaluated. Aligning on these fronts from the onset prevents misunderstandings and lays a strong foundation. This initial year presents an opportune moment to build relationships and expand your network within the organization. Attend company events, volunteer for cross-functional initiatives, and foster connections across teams. A robust professional network provides invaluable insights, support, and prospects. Proactively seek opportunities to showcase your skills and add value. Identify areas for potential impact, propose solutions, and pursue high-visibility projects. Quantify your achievements to construct a compelling case for future advancement. Approach this year with a growth mindset.  Accept that mistakes are inevitable and view them as learning experiences. Actively solicit feedback from your manager, mentors, and colleagues, using it to cultivate a plan for continuous professional development. Lastly, maintain a healthy work-life balance. The demands of this first year can be intense, but prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries are crucial for sustained high performance and well-being.

PhD admissions are shifting. Many programs are pausing or canceling applications this year. Here’s how to navigate uncertainty with a Plan A, B, and C. Universities including UChicago, Michigan, Cornell, Brown, UCSD, BU, and more have departments pausing admissions. This is a manifestation of systemic budget cuts, funding shortages, and policy shifts. This matters because even with a strong profile, you may face more limited opportunities. But here is what you can do about it… Plan A: Apply Strategically -Confirm which programs are still accepting students -Expand your list with interdisciplinary options, if possible -Identify your nonnegotiables and find programs that offer that (e.g. funding, mentorship, values-fit) Plan B: Strategic Gap Year If you take a gap year or don’t get admitted this cycle, you can: -Strengthen your research experience (RAs, labs, independent projects) -Present or publish your work -Apply to bridge or postbac programs -Refine and update your former application materials Plan C: Gain Work Experience -Enter the workforce in policy, nonprofit, industry, or higher ed roles -Build research, teaching, or project management skills -Reapply later with stronger experience and clarity Admissions cancellations are part of much bigger systemic issues. It’s not about you and yet it may impact you directly. But you still have agency in that you can choose the plan that aligns with your current circumstances and long-term goals. If this resonates with you and you want to learn more about navigating canceled graduate admissions and creating your own Plan A, B, and C, listen to Episode 336 of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast on “Graduate Admissions 2025: Navigating Cancelled Admissions and How to Create a Plan A, B, and C.” And reach out if you need 1:1 admissions consulting support. 

One of the most overlooked parts of graduate school applications is the Letter of Recommendation (LOR). LORs can either make or break your application. Week Three – How to Get Strong Recommendation Letters These letters are the only part of your application that comes from someone else. They carry a different kind of weight because they show how professors, mentors, or supervisors, i.e., people respected in their fields, view you. A strong recommender can highlight qualities you may not have mentioned in your documents. This is what I did to secure stronger letters: 1. Reach out early: Don’t wait until two weeks before the deadline. Good recommenders are busy. I reached out at least 1-3 months in advance, giving them time to say yes and plan. 2. Pick the right recommenders: I did not just go for the “highest-ranking mentors.” Although that is beneficial, I reached out to people who: ✅ Know me well and can write in detail ✅ Have supervised my coursework, thesis, or projects, or worked with me. ✅ Can give specific examples (use the STAR method) ✅ Have some online visibility (Google Scholar, university/verifiable organization affiliation) ✅ Who value me and can speak for me N.B.: If you need three letters, it is advisable to get two/three from academics (lecturers or professors who supervised you) and maybe one from a professional mentor. 3. Make it easy for them: Recommenders are busy. So I sent them my: ✅ Academic CV and LinkedIn profile ✅ SOP ✅ A list of programs and deadlines ✅ A bullet-point outline of the LOR to help them write something authentic More info: https://lnkd.in/ersGWzgH 4. What to include in the outline: I left these prompts ✅ Relationship: How they know me, which courses/projects, and for how long ✅ Academic Performance: Grades, intellectual curiosity, and quantitative ability (math, R, Python, Stata, etc.) ✅ Research & Resilience: Independent research skills, persistence, and handling challenges ✅ Projects: Specific papers, projects, internships, or collaborations we did ✅ Leadership & Community: Extracurriculars and volunteering ✅ Comparative Ranking: Where I stand among peers they have taught ✅ Fit: Why they believe I will thrive in a PhD/Master’s/MBA, and what unique perspective I would bring to the program 5. I stayed connected during this process: ✅ Reach out 4–8 weeks before deadlines ✅ Confirm their availability (disappointment is real) ✅ Follow up politely with reminders as deadlines get closer ✅ Keep relationships alive (emails, birthdays, conference updates) 6. Gratitude Matters: After they submit, I always send a thank-you message. When you get your offer, remember to appreciate them and keep nurturing the relationship. The best letters might not be from the most famous mentors/professors but from those who really know you, believe in you, and could back up your story with details. See you next week! #JenniferScholarshipSeries | 3 of 10

If you want a scholarship to study abroad, read this carefully. When I moved to Canada on a scholarship, I was later elected as the Graduate Student Representative. This position gave me the rare chance to serve on the Graduate Committee alongside professors and decision-makers. I sat with the very people who approve admissions and scholarships. I learned a lot. And today, I want to share that knowledge with you. Here are 10 wise steps that can help you get into graduate school abroad—especially with a scholarship: 1. You’re competing with the world. This is not just a local race. Your CV, Statement of Purpose, Writing Samples, and Recommendation Letters must stand out. Don't rush them. Polish them. Excellence matters. 2. Communication is key. When reaching out to professors or schools, don’t just send poor emails. Cold emails are the foundation of school applications. Introduce yourself, share your purpose, and explain how you fit into their program. 3. Don’t wait till the deadline. Scholarships often close early. Aim to finish and submit your application between September and November. Most major funding deadlines are in December. 4. Scan your documents well. Go to a proper center to scan your transcripts, certificates, and letters. Avoid using dark, blurry, or dirty files. Name your files using your official name. 5. Understand immigration issues. Don’t just apply because you want to leave your country. Understand your visa, your long-term goals, and how that school fits your journey. 6. Attend online seminars and join mentorship programs. Listen to people who have gone ahead of you. Join podcasts. Be mentored. This journey is easier when you follow those who’ve already walked it. 7. Build the right online presence. Many professors are on LinkedI. Connect with them. Follow them. But keep your page clean and purposeful. You never know who is watching. 8. Expand your school search. Don’t limit yourself to one school or one country. Open your mind. Compare options. Research more programs and apply widely. 9. Add value to your profile. Take free online courses. Attend conferences. Volunteer. Join student groups or NGOs. Take leadership roles. Learn basic research tools. Grad school is not for the lazy. Show you're ready. 10. Follow this page and stay connectNam I share real tips from my own journey, and I want to help you avoid mistakes and succeed. Grad school is not just about books. It is about clarity, purpose, preparation, and growth. Don’t just dream—plan. Work on yourself and your documents. And when the door opens, walk through it boldly.

🚨 The Truth About Campus Ambassador Programs 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴. As a fresher, you might come across fancy titles like “Campus Ambassador”, “Youth Ambassador”, or “Student Partner”. The job description looks exciting ... Promises of certificates, exposure, and a performance-based stipend sound like a dream start. But 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 --- Most of these programs are free marketing disguised as internships. You’ll be asked to: - Post stories and reels promoting their brand. - Create WhatsApp groups and add your friends. - Send DMs to convince your contacts to “enroll” in their course or buy a product. And your “𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞”? -- >> Measured by screenshots of how many people you convinced. That’s not learning, that’s unpaid promotion. Let me share what happened in one such “internship”: - First task: create a WhatsApp group and add friends. - Second: promote their paid courses daily. - Payment model: 10–20% commission per enrollment. Guess what happened next? No payment. No worthy certificate. No learning. Just wasted time, effort, and credibility. That’s when I realized --- It wasn’t an internship. It was exploitation wrapped in shiny words. 𝐌𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: 1️⃣ Always question “performance-based stipend” roles. 2️⃣ Research the brand before applying. 3️⃣ Choose opportunities that actually help you learn and grow, not ones that just use your reach for marketing. Your time and skills deserve value. Don’t settle for less!!! #CampusAmbassador #InternshipReality #Students #CareerAdvice #Freshers #InternshipExperience #Learning #Reality

10 golden rules of graduate School for International Students (Avoid Costly Mistakes) A new country, system, and culture. There’s a lot more to figure out than academics. Having mentored many students over the years, here’s what I believe every F-1 student needs to know. 1️⃣ Never Accept a PhD Offer Without Funding → Rule of thumb: If a PhD program doesn’t offer funding, walk away. → Accepting an unfunded offer can lead to unnecessary financial stress and even dropout. 2️⃣ Don’t Assume Fees Will Magically Be Paid → Coming to the U.S. as an F-1 student without a clear plan for funding is risky. → Some students think opportunities will appear after arrival, but I’ve seen far too many drop out or transfer to cheaper community colleges when reality hits. 3️⃣ Protect Your F-1 Visa Status → Violating your visa conditions can lead to termination of your F-1 status and, worse, making you illegal in the U.S. → This can have long-term consequences for your career and immigration prospects. → Stay informed about the rules and follow them strictly. 4️⃣ Don’t Work Without Proper Authorization → Whether it’s on-campus jobs or internships through CPT (Curricular Practical Training), ensure you’re authorized to work. → Working without authorization is a severe violation. 5️⃣ Explore Loan Options if Necessary → While taking on loans isn’t ideal, it can be a lifeline in worst-case scenarios. → ensure you choose a school with a track record of supporting international students and strong employment outcomes. 6️⃣ Stay 10 Steps Ahead → As an F-1 student, you need to think beyond the present. → Plan your next steps—whether it’s OPT, internships, or post-graduation opportunities. 7️⃣ Be Part of a Community → Isolation can make your journey harder. → Find a community that supports you. 8️⃣ Beware of Well-Meaning but Misguided Advice → Many of your family members or friends here might mean well, but they don’t understand the nuances of the F-1 visa. → Be careful who you listen to—always verify advice with experienced international students or the Office of International Services (OIS). 9️⃣ Understand the Academic Expectations → The academic culture in the U.S. may differ from what you’re used to. → Learn the grading systems, participation expectations, credit hour requirements, etc. 🔟 Focus on Networking as Much as Academics → Beyond your coursework, the connections you build can define your career path. → Attend events, connect with professors, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn. ********************* Bonus point: Get Health Insurance! → Health care in the U.S. is expensive, and without insurance, even a minor medical emergency can lead to significant financial stress. → Ensure you’re covered by your school’s health plan or secure private insurance. → This is non-negotiable! #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #F1Visa #GradSchool #Mentorship

If you're an HR student looking for something longer than an internship--look at rotational programs. My career roadmap literally changed when I discovered them! Do NOT sleep on rotational programs. Many rotational programs are paid, much longer (think 6 months - 3 years longer), and give you insight and experience in HR facets (versus just 1). Keep this in mind: Most programs start the application process a year before the program itself starts, so you have to be on the lookout! Some may be open now, but many will release their 2026 openings this year. Here are a list of companies to keep your eye out for when their HR rotational programs open: ✨ Microsoft HR Rotational Program (3 years) ✨ Dell Technologies's HR Rotational Program (3 years) ✨Johnson & Johnson's Foundational HR Leadership Program (2 years) (J&J also has ones for experienced HR pros too!) ✨WEX's HR Leadership Program (3 years) ✨Visa's People Team Development Program (2 years) ✨GE Vernova's HRLP Program (2 years) ✨Regions Bank's HR Talent Emerging Program (1 year) ✨Citi's HR Management Associate Program (2 years) ✨Parker Hannifin's HR Leadership Development Program (2 years) ✨Caterpillar Inc.'s HR Professional Development Program (2 years) ✨Bose Corporation's HR Rotational Program (2 years) ✨ Kohler Co.'s HR Rotational Program (1-1.5 years) Added Programs from the Comments :) ✨ Fidelity Investments's HR Rotational Program (2 years) by Christopher M. Joyce, PHR ✨Textron Systems's HR Leadership Development Program (2 years) by Caitlin Croston, SHRM-CP As you can see, I've research and tracked so many programs over the past 2 years--this isn't even the full list! Here are some tips I learned from applying: 1) Ask Questions: Some applications may not specify a start date, pay range, degree requirements, etc. Many programs have informational sessions where you can ask questions. Ask unique questions early & often--that's how you get remembered. 2) Connect w/ Alumni: Recruiters are GREAT for getting into the program...but past alumni give insight into what it's like during the program (and what happens after)! Past Alumni give a masterclass about the do's and dont's, alongside how they stood out. While the job market is super rough for early-career, don't sleep on rotational programs--best of luck to everyone applying!

Starting a PhD is not an extension of your master’s degree. It is a long-term intellectual, emotional, and strategic commitment. The strongest PhD candidates do not “decide and apply” in the same year. They prepare deliberately. If 2026 is your target, this checklist should already be on your radar. 𝟭. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 “𝘄𝗵𝘆” (𝗯𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝘆) A PhD is not about prestige or delaying career decisions. It is about deep, sustained engagement with uncertainty. Ask yourself: • Why do I want a PhD now? • What problem am I willing to think about for 3–5 years? If your motivation is vague, supervisors will sense it immediately. 𝟮. 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Before applying, review: • Research methods knowledge (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) • Academic writing and reading stamina • Familiarity with recent literature in your area Weak foundations can be strengthened, but only if you identify gaps early. 𝟯. 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲) You do not need a final topic, but you must have: • A clear research area • Initial problems or tensions in the literature • Awareness of ongoing debates A PhD proposal evolves, but directionless applicants rarely get offers. 𝟰. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 Do not chase rankings alone. Look for supervisors who: • Actively publish in your area • Have supervised PhD students to completion • Align intellectually with your interests Start reading their work early. Intelligent emails matter more than early applications. 𝟱. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 Prepare early. Use your time to: • Publish (if possible) or co-author • Present at conferences or seminars • Improve academic writing and referencing • Build relationships with mentors who can write strong recommendations 𝟲. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 A PhD impacts income, routine, family life, and mental health. Be realistic about: • Funding options and timelines • Living costs • Support systems Brilliance alone does not carry students through a doctorate, stability does. 𝟳. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 Many students fail not due to ability, but misaligned expectations. A PhD requires: • Independent thinking • Tolerance for slow progress • Feedback resilience • Long periods without validation If this surprises you, pause and reassess before committing. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁: A successful PhD application in 2026 is built early. Preparation is not optional, it is the difference between surviving and thriving. ___ 📌 This is Dr. Laraib Abbas, The Research Guide, and I help master's and PhD students accelerate their thesis journey with clarity, confidence, and credibility. #PhDJourney #PhDPreparation #DoctoralStudies #ResearchLife #AcademicCareer