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Sophomore Career Summit Information

Sophomore Career Summit

You've got this—and we've got you.

The Dickinson College Sophomore Career Summit is designed to help you pause, reflect, and prepare for what's next.

Sophomore year is the ideal time to begin exploring career possibilities, building your professional network, and preparing for internships, research, fellowships, and other experiential learning opportunities. During this immersive two-day experience, you'll develop practical career development skills while connecting with alumni, employers, the career development team, and your classmates. Check out our FAQs for answers to all your questions. 

Save the Dates

Sophomore Move-In Day: Thursday, January 21, 2027
Sophomore Career Summit: Friday, January 22 – Saturday, January 23, 2027
Spring Semester Begins" Monday, January 25, 2027

Before You Arrive

To make the most of your Summit experience, complete the following before returning to campus.

Complete the Summit Registration & Preferences Form

This brief survey helps us understand your interests, preferences, and goals so we can tailor sessions and resources to your needs.

Update Your Resume

Before arriving in January, prepare a draft of your resume. You don't need a perfect resume, just a starting point.

Career Pathway Advisors and Career Ambassadors are available throughout the fall semester to provide feedback and help you strengthen your materials. Schedule an appointment on Handshake to get started. 

Activate Your Handshake Account

Handshake is Dickinson's primary career platform for internships, jobs, employer events, and recruiting.

Before the Summit, make sure you:

  • Complete your profile
  • Update your career interests
  • Upload your resume
  • Set your notification preferences
  • Explore internships and opportunities

Engage with the Center for Career Development

Attend at least two career programs during the fall semester.

Examples include:

  • Employer Information Sessions
  • Career Community Programs
  • Internship & Research Workshops
  • Networking Events
  • Graduate School Programs
  • Alumni Coffee Chat

Attend at least one career spotlight or career fair during the fall semester. 

  • Fall Day Fair at Penn State with hundreds of employers (transportation provided): September 16-17
  • Career Connections: Central PA Spotlight (on-campus): September 24
  • Career Connections: Business, Finance, and Consulting Spotlight (on-campus): October 27

Participating beforehand will help you get even more from the Summit.

What to Expect

The Sophomore Career Summit combines large-group learning, hands-on workshops, alumni engagement, and small-group coaching. Each session builds on the previous one, helping you create a personalized roadmap for your career development. Check out our FAQs for answers to all your questions. 

Throughout the Summit, you'll participate in experiences such as:

Career Exploration Workshops

Interactive sessions that help you identify your interests, strengths, values, and possible career paths while introducing the many opportunities available through Dickinson.

Resume & Personal Brand Development

Learn how to present your experiences effectively through your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal introduction.

Networking with Dickinson Alumni

Connect with alumni from a wide range of industries who will share their career journeys, answer your questions, and offer advice on internships, career exploration, and life after Dickinson.

Career Communities

Meet your Career Pathway Advisor and explore the Career Community that aligns with your interests. Learn how your advisor can support you throughout your Dickinson experience.

Employer Perspectives

Hear directly from employers and recruiters about:

  • What they look for in internship candidates
  • How students can stand out
  • Common application mistakes
  • Tips for interviewing and networking

Career Action Planning

Leave with an action plan outlining the next steps you'll take during sophomore year, including internship & research searches, networking goals, and professional development opportunities.

Community Building

The Summit isn't just about career development—it's also about building connections. You'll work alongside classmates, staff, alumni, employers, and student leaders as part of a supportive Dickinson community committed to your success.