Join us on Friday, January 22 - Saturday, January 23, 2027 for Career Connections Phoenix: Innovation in the Desert, a professional development seminar designed to help U.S. exchange alumni turn their international experiences into meaningful career growth, professional connections, and new opportunities. Through expert panels, interactive workshops, industry site visits, and structured networking, participants will explore how Phoenix has become a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing, energy innovation, advanced technology, and next-generation infrastructure. Attendees will gain practical insights, strengthen leadership and career skills, and learn how to apply their exchange experiences to advance their professional goals and contribute to the industries shaping the future of the American Southwest and across the nation.
What to Expect
Over 1.5 days, participants will gain firsthand exposure to Phoenix's innovation ecosystem while building the knowledge, skills, and professional connections needed to navigate future career opportunities. Sessions will include:
- Expert panels discussing Phoenix's rapid growth, evolving workforce needs, and the future of innovation in the Southwest;
- Interactive workshops and breakout sessions to help you leverage your international exchange experiences into career opportunities;
- Industry site visits to learn from leaders driving regional growth in manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology; and
- Structured networking to build meaningful connections with fellow exchange alumni and industry professionals.
Eligibility and Application
This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens who are alumni of a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program that remain in good standing. We welcome applicants to share what inspires their interest in this opportunity and how participating would support their professional growth and career goals. In your application, we encourage you to reflect on what you hope to gain from the seminar, how it connects to your aspirations, and how you plan to apply the experience in your work and community.
While travel funding is limited, assistance with transportation and lodging is available on a case-by-case basis for alumni traveling from outside the greater Phoenix region within a 100-350 mile radius.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application will close on Wednesday, January 6, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
To learn more about Career Connections seminars, please visit the Career Connections seminars webpage.
For questions, please email USexchangealumni@irex.org.
Career Connections Phoenix: Innovation in the Desert
Join us on Friday, January 22 - Saturday, January 23, 2027 for Career Connections Phoenix: Innovation in the Desert, a professional development seminar designed to help U.S. exchange alumni turn their international experiences into meaningful career growth, professional connections, and new opportunities. Through expert panels, interactive workshops, industry site visits, and structured networking, participants will explore how Phoenix has become a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing, energy innovation, advanced technology, and next-generation infrastructure. Attendees will gain practical insights, strengthen leadership and career skills, and learn how to apply their exchange experiences to advance their professional goals and contribute to the industries shaping the future of the American Southwest and across the nation.
What to Expect
Over 1.5 days, participants will gain firsthand exposure to Phoenix's innovation ecosystem while building the knowledge, skills, and professional connections needed to navigate future career opportunities. Sessions will include:
- Expert panels discussing Phoenix's rapid growth, evolving workforce needs, and the future of innovation in the Southwest;
- Interactive workshops and breakout sessions to help you leverage your international exchange experiences into career opportunities;
- Industry site visits to learn from leaders driving regional growth in manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology; and
- Structured networking to build meaningful connections with fellow exchange alumni and industry professionals.
Eligibility and Application
This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens who are alumni of a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program that remain in good standing. We welcome applicants to share what inspires their interest in this opportunity and how participating would support their professional growth and career goals. In your application, we encourage you to reflect on what you hope to gain from the seminar, how it connects to your aspirations, and how you plan to apply the experience in your work and community.
While travel funding is limited, assistance with transportation and lodging is available on a case-by-case basis for alumni traveling from outside the greater Phoenix region within a 100-350 mile radius.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application will close on Wednesday, January 6, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
To learn more about Career Connections seminars, please visit the Career Connections seminars webpage.
For questions, please email USexchangealumni@irex.org.