International University Mentor (PhD Programs)

University Mentor – International PhD Programs (Remote, Contract)

Company Description

Dream Ladder Consultancy is dedicated to helping students and professionals achieve their academic and career aspirations globally. We specialize in supporting applications to international universities through personalized services such as research proposals, admission essays, academic CVs, and strategic guidance for complex cases including refusals and reapplications.

Our approach is rooted in academic integrity, trust, and mentorship. By offering customized, end-to-end support, we empower students to confidently navigate competitive international admissions and progress toward successful global academic careers.

Role Overview

This is a remote, contract-based role for a University Mentor specializing in international PhD programs. The mentor will work closely with students from India who are planning to pursue PhD programs in countries outside India, providing expert academic and strategic guidance throughout the application process.

The mentor’s primary responsibility is to guide students in refining key academic documents such as research proposals, statements of purpose, and academic CVs, as well as advising on professor outreach, university expectations, and long-term research alignment. Mentors will also help students develop realistic expectations regarding PhD programs, funding structures, supervision styles, academic culture, and timelines across different countries.

Mentorship Structure & Engagement Model

• Each student case requires 10-12 mandatory virtual mentoring sessions, conducted primarily on weekends only.

• During weekend sessions, mentors will provide structured feedback, strategic direction, and clarity on next steps.

• Based on the mentor’s guidance, the internal team (counselor, writer, and backend team), along with the student, will work throughout the week to implement revisions and improvements to the application.

• If students have questions or clarifications during weekdays, they may post them in the designated WhatsApp group involving the mentor, student, counselor, writer, and backend team. Mentors are expected to respond asynchronously, as per availability.

• All mentor sessions and sub-sessions will be scheduled according to the mentor’s convenience and time zone, ensuring flexibility for international mentors.

• Students with similar research interests and targeting the same geographic region will be assigned to a mentor.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and provide detailed, constructive feedback on research proposals, SOPs, academic CVs, and other application materials.

• Guide students on career planning, professor outreach strategies, university shortlisting, and application timelines for international PhD programs.

• Help students set realistic academic and professional expectations regarding doctoral study abroad.

• Support students in preparing for interviews and academic communication with potential supervisors.

• Maintain clear and professional communication with students and internal teams to ensure consistency and quality across all application stages.

Mandatory Qualifications

• PhD completed or currently pursuing from an international (non-Indian) university — this is a strict requirement for the role.

• Strong academic writing, reviewing, and editing skills, particularly in research proposals and academic CVs.

• Deep familiarity with international PhD admissions processes, research environments, and academic expectations.

• Proven ability to mentor students, provide structured and constructive feedback, and communicate complex academic concepts clearly.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple students independently in a remote setting.

Why Join Dream Ladder Consultancy

• Flexible, weekend-only mentoring engagement

• Fully remote role with time-zone flexibility

• Opportunity to meaningfully impact students’ international academic journeys

• Collaborative work environment with dedicated counseling and writing teams