In an ever-evolving landscape where opportunities and challenges intersect for international students, this conference aims to serve as a beacon for those dedicated to supporting their career aspirations. All sessions of this mini-conference are open to all members of NCDA!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Free to all NCDA members! Sign up today: https://bit.ly/ISSC-MC-26
Attendees can earn up to 5 Continuing Education (CE) credits by attending all conference sessions. Not a member? Join today and attend the conference for FREE.
ISSC 2026 Conference Theme: Building Together: Centering Advocacy, Community, and Adaptability
This year’s virtual conference centers on empowering career development practitioners to lead with advocacy, creativity, and strategic insight as they support the career journeys of international students in U.S. higher education. The theme highlights the critical role career development practitioners can play in championing equitable hiring practices, articulating the global value of U.S. degrees, and supporting international students through shifting policy landscapes.
At this event, participants will explore strategies to help international students cultivate adaptability, multi‑pathway career readiness, networking skill development, entrepreneurial thinking, and confidence. The conference also emphasizes the importance of building strong institutional relationships. With many institutions operating with limited resources, community‑building, and cross‑campus partnerships will be spotlighted as drivers of student‑centered support. Together, these conversations aim to equip career development practitioners with the leadership mindset and practical strategies needed to help international students thrive in a rapidly changing global career landscape.
10:00-10:15 am - Opening Remarks by the Chairs of the 2026 NCDA ISSC Virtual Mini-Conference
10:15-11:00 am - Session 1 - Building Campus-Wide Advocacy: Creating Cross-Campus Champions for International Student Career Success
11:00-12:00 pm - Session 2 - Mini-Sessions
12:00-12:10 pm - ISSC Membership Chat
1:00-1:45 pm - Session 3 - | Building Job Search Teams to Support International Students Through Community
2:00-2:45 pm - Session 4 - Navigating Change: The Latest U.S. Immigration Developments Impacting Higher Education
3:00-3:45 pm - Session 5 - | Beyond cultural awareness: Empowering international student career development through the Launch-Bridge-Coach (LBC) framework
3:45-4:00 pm – Closing Remarks from the NCDA ISSC Professional Development and Community Connections Team
If you have questions, please reach out to Abby Senuty and Dr. Pankaj Desai, ISSC Virtual Mini-Conference Co-Chairs, at abby.senuty@skagit.edu and dr.desai.pankaj@gmail.com.