Many of us were taught that hard work speaks for itself. But advancing in U.S. academic institutions often requires a different kind of visibility, which can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, especially for faculty from different cultural backgrounds, first-generation academics, and others who bring non-traditional paths to the university.

Finding the “I” in Influence was created to help faculty members understand how career advancement works in academic settings, build the confidence to step into leadership in those spaces, and find their own authentic professional voice on their own terms.

September Kickoff Event

Each program year launches in September with a full-day event combining career development and community-building activities. The event features:

• An interactive career development workshop exploring career journeys, cultural considerations, and strategies for navigating academic settings. Faculty members with immigrant and first-generation backgrounds are invited to share their experiences and insights.
• A networking reception giving participants the opportunity to connect with panelists, mentors, and peers in an informal setting, laying the groundwork for mentoring relationships that develop throughout the year.

Both in-person and virtual participation options are available to maximize accessibility across the university and beyond.

Monthly Mentoring Program

Following the Kickoff, participants engage in a structured six-month mentoring program. Mentors represent a range of career stages and departments across the University of Pittsburgh, giving mentees exposure to a variety of professional approaches and career pathways. Monthly sessions include:

• Mentor-mentee meetings
• Feedback exchange
• Quarterly mentee debriefing sessions

Participants in Finding the “I” in Influence can expect to:

• Gain confidence navigating cultural expectations and career advancement opportunities in academic settings
• Develop lasting mentoring relationships that support long-term career growth
• Find community with peers and allies who understand the intersection of identity and academic career advancement
• Build a clearer picture of what career advancement can look like for them specifically, and a pathway to get there
• Explore departmental, school, or university-wide leadership roles and what stepping into them might mean for their career

Note: This program is not affiliated with promotion or tenure processes. It is focused on professional growth, community, and long-term career wellbeing.

Finding the “I” in Influence welcomes University of Pittsburgh faculty members (tenure-track and non-tenure-track, assistant and associate professors) at any career stage who are ready to invest in their professional development, whether as a mentee or a mentor.

Apply as a mentee if you are navigating academia’s “hidden code,” building visibility and confidence in your career, or seeking a community of peers who understand the intersection of identity and professional advancement. You don’t need to know exactly where you’re headed; just be open to exploring.

Apply as a mentor if you have navigated career advancement at Pitt and are ready to share what you’ve learned. Mentors come from all departments and career stages. You do not need a formal title, only the willingness to invest in someone else’s journey and, in doing so, your own.