About the Program
From Learning Skills to Launching Careers.
The Professional Skills Development (PSD) program is the final bridge for Paper Airplanes graduates, turning English and tech expertise into scholarships, internships, and full-time jobs.
The Missing Link
At Paper Airplanes, we support students in developing strong English language skills. Students build their abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing; many students earn internationally recognized certifications such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test.
Additionally, female students often transition from the English program into the Women in Tech program, where they gain technical skills. But the key question is: What comes next? Should we stop there?
The answer is: No. That is why Paper Airplanes created the Professional Skills Development (PSD) Program, designed to be the final step in a student’s professional journey, whether they are seeking employment or planning to pursue further education.
English proficiency and strong technical skills are not enough to compete in the global market. Students also need a wide range of professional and soft skills to stand out. For example, a student may speak English fluently and have solid technical knowledge, but if they do not know how to write a strong CV, prepare application documents, or apply effectively for jobs or university programs, their skills remain unseen.
The PSD Program fills this gap. It equips students with the tools they need to present their language and technical abilities clearly and confidently. By developing these professional skills, students become truly competitive and well prepared to succeed in the global job market.
The Last Mile
Students work hard to build their English and technical skills, but many still struggle to access real opportunities. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack the professional tools needed to open the door.
Professional etiquette and resume building are the keys that turn skills into opportunities. Knowing how to present oneself, communicate professionally, and submit a strong application can make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked.
The Last Mile is where potential becomes opportunity, and where students learn how to show what they are truly capable of.
How We Prepare Students for Success
A comprehensive, three-tiered approach to bridge the gap between your skills and your future career.
1. Weekly Mentorship
Work one-on-one with a dedicated mentor to refine your resume, CV, and cover letters to meet international standards.
Key Outcome: A professional portfolio that gets noticed by recruiters.
2. Expert Workshops
Join interactive group sessions led by industry specialists on job search strategies and professional communication.
Key Outcome: Mastery of the hidden “soft skills” required in the global market.
3. Mock Interviews
Build confidence through realistic interview simulations with professionals and receive immediate actionable feedback.
Key Outcome: The ability to walk into any interview with calm and clarity.
Time Management Workshop
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Workshop
Real Impact
Proven Success in Every Semester
We don’t just teach; we transition. Our data reflects the hard work of our students and the dedicated guidance of our mentors.
100+ Students Empowered
Total enrollment across the last four semesters.
1:2 Mentor-to-Student Ratio
In Fall 2025, we paired 17 mentors with 26 active students for deep, one-on-one focus.
92% Satisfaction Rate
Average student satisfaction score of 4.6/5 for course delivery and relevance.
20+ Recent Career Wins
Job offers, internships, and scholarship invitations secured in the last year alone.
The Growth Timeline
PSD Volunteers
Bela Salazar
Program mentor
Bela is volunteering with Paper Airplanes in the PSD mentor program. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, the famous home of Elvis Presley and city of barbecue, where her family still lives today. She studied political science in Colorado and is now studying international relations online with Harvard University. She spends most of her time outside in the sun with her dog named Ducky, and with family and friends. She loves traveling, especially when she can practice Spanish and Portuguese, and hopes to be a writer. She wanted to volunteer with Paper Airplanes to meet new and interesting people and to try to provide insight into the professional and academic domains through her teaching and leadership experience.
Courtney Bailey
Program mentor
Courtney is a respected international educator and businesswoman with a profound commitment to service and humanitarian development. Courtney's work spans across diverse global communities, and she is driven by a passion for uplifting communities and fostering cultural understanding. She is pursuing a PhD in education, specializing in English language learning. Her academic pursuits reflect her dedication to empowering individuals through language education, which she firmly believes can break down barriers and open doors to new opportunities. Courtney's expertise and compassionate spirit have led her to collaborate with individuals and organizations across the globe. As an educational and professional consultant, she leverages her deep understanding of language and culture to inspire lasting change, particularly in conflict-affected countries.
Robert Schillinger
Program mentor
Robert is a recent human nutrition PhD graduate currently living in the UK. He loves traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. As a mentor in the PSD program, he aims to use his experience in the academic world to provide as much help as he can by giving tailored guidance and advice to each of his mentees. He enjoys being a mentor and has met many great people from around the globe. Robert is excited to be part of the Paper Airplanes team, which makes a real difference in the lives of so many.
Shilpa Chaudhary
Program mentor
Shilpa is from New Delhi, India and studied public policy and management at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. Shilpa has seven years of experience in advertising, strategy, and learning and development communication training and has a keen interest in behavioral science and neuromarketing. “Volunteering with Paper Airplanes is a huge privilege and responsibility. Together, we must create a more harmonious world.”
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