General Information

What is the Sophomore Career Summit?

The Sophomore Career Summit is a two-day career development experience for Dickinson sophomores held immediately before the spring semester begins. The Summit is designed to help students prepare for internships, research, fellowships, , and future career opportunities through interactive workshops, alumni networking, and career planning.

Attendance

Who is eligible to attend?

The Sophomore Career Summit is intended for all members of the class of 2029, including all second year students and those who plan to graduate in February or May of 2029. 

Is attendance required?

The Sophomore Career Summit is an essential component of the sophomore experience at Dickinson College.

The program has been intentionally designed as a progressive experience, with each session building upon the previous one, and supporting the academic and co-curricular experience at Dickinson. Full participation ensures that students receive the greatest benefit from the program and are prepared to pursue internships, research, and other experiential learning opportunities.

What if I can't attend?

We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. Students who anticipate missing part or all of the Summit should contact the Center for Career Development at career@dickinson.edu as soon as possible. A Career Pathway Advisor will meet with you individual to help you design a similar experience to help guide you in your career readiness pursuits. 

What if I become sick during the Summit?

If you become ill before or during the Summit, please notify the Center for Career Development immediately. We will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations and provide information about making up missed content if necessary.

Arrival & Move-In

When do sophomores return to campus?

Sophomore students should plan to return to campus on Thursday, January 21, 2027, the designated move-in day prior to the Sophomore Career Summit. 

Students attending the optional ettiquate dinner on Thursday evening should plan to return in the morning or afternoon on Thursday, January, 21, 2027. 

How do I move back into my residence hall?

Residence halls will open specifically for sophomore students participating in the Summit.

Residential Life will provide detailed instructions regarding:

• Check-in procedures

• Key or ID card access

Students should follow all Residential Life move-in instructions.

How do I get back to campus?

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation back to campus. Whether you travel by car, train, bus, or airplane, we encourage you to make travel plans early to ensure you arrive in time for residence hall move-in and Summit check-in.

If weather or travel delays affect your arrival, please notify the Center for Career Development as soon as possible.

Summit Check-In

When and where do I check in?

Summit check-in will take place on Thursday afternoon and evening and Friday morning in the HUB Social Hall.

During check-in you will:

• Receive your Summit materials

• Pick up your name badge

• Meet student leaders and Summit staff

• Review the schedule for the weekend

Specific times will be shared closer to January.

Schedule

What does the schedule look like?

The Summit begins Friday morning and concludes Saturday afternoon.

Students should expect a full schedule that includes:

• Career development workshops

• Alumni panels

• Networking opportunities

• Employer sessions

• Career Community programming

• Small group discussions

• Reflection and action planning

Meals and scheduled breaks are built into the program.

A detailed schedule will be available before winter break.

Do I have to attend every session?

Yes.

Each session builds upon the previous one, and full participation is expected.

If an emergency arises during the Summit, notify  a member of the Center for Career Development staff immediately.

Are meals provided?

Yes! All Summit meals are included, beginning with breakfast on Friday morning and continuing throughout the event.

If you arrive on campus on Thursday morning or afternoon, you're invited to attend our Etiquette Dinner on Thursday evening. This interactive dinner is designed to help you build confidence in professional dining and networking situations while connecting with fellow students, alumni, and staff.

The Etiquette Dinner is the only meal provided on Thursday evening, and students need to select that experience during their registration. 

Athletics & Other Commitments

I'm a winter athlete. Do I still attend?

Yes.

The Center for Career Development works closely with Dickinson Athletics to coordinate participation for student-athletes whose competition or team obligations overlap with the Summit.

Additional information will be shared with coaches and student-athletes prior to January. Student-athletes should communicate with both their coach and the Center for Career Development if they anticipate a scheduling conflict.

What if I have another college commitment during the Summit?

Students with unavoidable academic, institutional, or college-sponsored obligations should contact the Center for Career Development as early as possible.

We will work with the appropriate campus offices to determine the best path forward.

Preparing for the Summit

Is there anything I should do before I arrive?

Yes! Completing the pre-Summit checklist will help you make the most of your experience.

Before returning to campus, you should:

• Complete the Registration survey

• Update or create your resume

• Complete your Handshake profile

• Attend career programs during the fall semester

• Think about your interests, strengths, and goals

What should I bring?

Bring:

• Your laptop and charger

• A notebook or something to take notes

• Questions for alumni, employers, and career staff

• A willingness to explore new possibilities and meet new people

What should I wear?

The Sophomore Career Summit is designed to be interactive and comfortable, so smart casual attire is appropriate for all sessions. You'll be meeting Dickinson alumni, so we encourage you to make a positive first impression. At the same time, you'll be participating in interactive workshops and activities, so choose clothing that is both polished and comfortable.

Career Development

I don't know what I want to do yet. Is this program still for me?

Absolutely!

Most sophomores are still exploring their interests. The Sophomore Career Summit is designed to help you discover possibilities—not require you to have everything figured out.

Whether you have a clear career goal or are just beginning to explore, you'll leave with greater clarity, practical skills, and a plan for your next steps.

Questions

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions before the Sophomore Career Summit, contact the Center for Career Development at career@dickinson.edu or (717) 245-1740. Our team is happy to help with travel questions, attendance concerns, accommodations, or anything else that will help you prepare for a successful Summit experience.