Accelerate to Industry, or A2i, is a professional development program dedicated to enhancing graduate and postdoctoral training for careers outside academia. First developed by the North Carolina State University, this program connects graduate students with industry companies to explore employment opportunities. The MSU Graduate School, along with the MSU Career Center and Mitchell Memorial Library offered this new program for the first time in Fall 2022 at Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University offers two modules: Industry Insights and Job Search Strategies.
Fall 2026 Offering by North Carolina State University
Check out this flyer for more opportunities with A2i+
A2i+ Career Insights
Fall 2026
Our Fall 2026 A2i programming offers a selection of Industry Job Search Strategy workshops and Industry Insight luncheons. Topics include networking, resume and CV writing, interviewing and communication skills, offer negotiation, and more.
Cohort members who take advantage of these workshops can expect to:
- build and improve their skillsets to find employment and succeed in industry
- develop a support network of fellow graduate students and graduate alumni in industry through a cohort model
- be invited to other Industry Job Search Strategies workshops and opportunities, including industry connection, at other A2i schools.
Registration will open August 1st and close August 28th.
Apply Here
Please see below for details regarding cohort registration and Fall A2i schedule.
Each cohort member must:
- Be at least 2nd year Master or 3rd year PhD student
- Be interested in exploring or pursuing employment in industry
- Be willing to commit to participating in all six A2i events (see schedule)
- Be willing to complete two surveys, one before they begin the program, and one after the conclusion of the final workshop.
The Fall A2i Program includes workshop materials, three lunches, networking opportunities, and one professional headshot. To receive the certificate of completion, students must attend at least 5 of 6 sessions.
Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Fall 2026 Calendar:
Friday, September 11, 1 PM – 2:30 PM – Job Search Strategy: Welcome and Effective Networking Workshop
September 14 or 15 - Participant Headshots (Tentatively)
Friday, September 25, 12 PM – 3:00 PM – Industry Insight: Industry Speaker and Lunch
Friday, October 2, 1 PM – 2:30 PM – Job Search Strategy: Resume vs CV Workshop
Friday, October 23, 12 PM – 3:00 PM – Industry Insight: Industry Speaker and Lunch
Friday, November 6, 1 PM – 2:30 PM – Job Search Strategy: Interviewing and Creating an Elevator Pitch
November 9 through 11 - Mock interviews with the Career Center (Tentatively)
November 11, 11 AM – 12:30 PM - Career Session for International Students with the Career Center and International Student Office
Friday, November 20, 12 PM – 3:00 PM – Industry Insight: Industry Speaker and Lunch
If you would like to become an Industry Mentor, have suggestions for new workshops and opportunities, or would like to become involved, please contact Dr. Lilli Harris at Lharris@grad.msstate.edu.