2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper is a Research Work in Progress providing an update on iREDEFINE Inclusive Mentoring Hubs (i²mHubs), a multi-module program designed to engage Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers early in their graduate studies and provide sustained mentoring into the first years of faculty appointments. i²mHubs consists of three interconnected modules: (1) an online introduction to academic careers for early-stage graduate students, (2) the iREDEFINE workshop, an advanced in-person experience focused on job search strategies and networking held alongside the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association (ECEDHA) Annual Conference & ECExpo, and (3) a sustained mentoring network connecting iREDEFINE alumni with academic leaders for long-term guidance.

This work-in-progress focuses on Module 1: Introduction to Academic Careers, hosted on the ECEDHA website. Module 1 delivers mixed-media resources, including faculty interviews, interactive exercises, scenario-based activities, and reflective prompts, to introduce graduate students to the diversity of faculty appointments, institutional types, and responsibilities across teaching, research, and service. Content highlights real-world career trajectories, decision-making processes, and strategies for balancing professional and personal priorities. Input from department chairs has informed guidance on the academic job search, covering application materials, campus interviews, and negotiation strategies.

Future work will focus on evaluating the module’s usability and impact, refining content, expanding interactivity, and integrating Module 1 as the gateway into the full i²mHubs pipeline. We prefer the lightning round table presentation format to facilitate interactive discussion and gather feedback on this ongoing work.