August 8, 2025
10:00AM - 4:00PM CST

International Student Services Committee (ISSC) Annual Mini-Conference

Cultivating Confidence and Career Readiness in a Changing World

virtual

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 the career aspirations of international students.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Free to all NCDA members! Sign up today: bit.ly/ISSCMiniConf

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 5 Continuing Education (CE) credits by attending all the sessions of this conference. Not a member? Join today and attend the conference for FREE. 

Conference Theme: Cultivating Confidence and Career Readiness in a Changing World

Mini-Conference Agenda:

10:00-10:15 am - Opening Remarks by the ISSC Virtual Mini-Conference Chair | Dr. Pankaj Desai
10:15-11:00 am - Guiding Gen Z International Students with a Strengths-Based Micro-Coaching Framework for Career Confidence | Joe Chahwan | 
11:00-11:15 am – ISSC Membership Chat - ISSC Co-Chairs - Leigh Oliveras and Ellen Goldman
11:15-12:00 pm - International Career Services Practitioner Toolkit: Train the Trainer
12:00-1:00 pm BREAK
1:00-1:45 pm - Stronger Together: Rethinking Support for International Students Through Campus Collaboration | Dannielle Curtis 
2:00-2:45 pm - Advising International Students with Intercultural Competence: A Foundational Equity Lens | Dr. Esther Ra and Vicky Lee
3:00-3:45 pm - Navigating Change: The Latest U.S. Immigration Developments Impacting Higher Education | Attorney Aaron Blumberg 
3:45-4:00 pm – Closing Remarks from the NCDA ISSC Professional Development and Community Connections Team

In today's dynamic global landscape, international students face unique challenges as they navigate their career paths. Recognizing this, the theme of this year’s Mini-Conference presented by the International Student Services Committee (ISSC) of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) is "Cultivating Confidence and Career Readiness in a Changing World." This event is designed to empower career practitioners to support their international students with the tools and insights needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

An important element of this journey is understanding the role of self-knowledge in building confidence. By recognizing their skills, strengths, and relevant experiences, international students can effectively advocate for themselves in the job market. Understanding industry-specific requirements and trends, while managing stress and uncertainty in career planning paves the way for sustainable long-term success for these students. Career services practitioners are vital in providing resources and spaces for this self-discovery.

A key focus area of this year’s mini-conference is career readiness and development, which involves building global career readiness, preparing students for the future of work, and navigating transitions from student to professional life. This process is crucial for cultivating confidence and competence while adapting to change, ensuring that international students can create meaningful career paths both in the U.S. and globally. Similarly, global perspectives also play a crucial role, as leveraging diverse backgrounds in the workplace and understanding global market trends are critical for career advancement.

Another important consideration is that technological advancements, particularly the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Technology, are reshaping career paths. Understanding AI's influence on careers and preparing for AI-driven changes in various industries is essential for international students to leverage these changes to their advantage.

Additionally, Immigration and Legal Considerations play a significant role, as navigating the changing landscape of immigration policies, visa regulations, and work authorization is vital for international students. This includes understanding legal frameworks that govern international employment ensuring compliance and opportunity.

The framework of career competence also involves skill development, another critical area that involves developing transferable skills, enhancing communication abilities, and building cultural competence. This is particularly important since fostering adaptability and flexibility allows international students to thrive in diverse professional environments. Furthermore, entrepreneurship and innovation can lead to exciting startup opportunities by encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset and fostering innovation. This mindset is essential for navigating the future of work and creating new career paths. 

If you have questions, please reach out to the Chair of the ISSC Virtual Mini-Conference, Dr. Pankaj Desai at dr.desai.pankaj@gmail.com