The Sophomore Advantage: New Program Gives Students a Head Start on Career Success
Program to kick off January 2027
Dickinson is excited to announce the introduction of the Sophomore Career Summit, a new two-day immersive program for all second-year students, kicking off in January 2027.
The summit is designed to deepen career exploration, build essential professional skills and foster meaningful connections with Dickinson alumni and industry professionals by:
- introducing students to the full range of career exploration resources and opportunities available on campus
- guiding sophomores in identifying and pursuing internships, research opportunities, fellowships, graduate school pathways and other forms of experiential learning
- building foundational professional skills such as networking, effective communication and resume/CV preparation
- facilitating direct connections with Dickinson alumni and professionals working in students’ fields of interest
- and encouraging intentional reflection on personal values, strengths and the future of work in the changing economy.
Early start
The intentional reflection is a key, though often overlooked component. By considering their own values and strengths, students may identify potential career paths they may not have otherwise considered. As they think through the ways that current and future classes, internships and other opportunities can fit into those paths, they’re positioned to take fuller advantage of the many career-shaping experiences ahead.
“Sophomore year is a smart time to begin this work, because by then, students have found their footing in college, but they still have a lot of time left to explore, try avenues that they might not have otherwise considered and make meaningful choices about their careers,” says Cindy Stites ’77, who, with husband Don Nagle ’76, provided a gift to support the summit and related initiatives, including enhanced career-development programming for alumni.
Ongoing support
“The creation of the Sophomore Career Summit reflects Dickinson’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for postgraduate success at every stage of their college experience,” says Melissa Sturm-Smith, senior associate provost for integrated academic success. “Recognizing that the sophomore year is a pivotal moment for clarifying interests and securing meaningful summer opportunities, we view this program as an essential companion to existing resources offered through the Center for Career Development.”
Sophomores will return to campus early, just ahead of the spring semester, to participate in this dedicated career-development experience.
By making the summit a cornerstone experience, Dickinson ensures equitable access for all sophomores and enables seamless coordination of campus facilities, dining, housing and programming across departments. The summit was placed on the academic calendar, and next year’s sophomores have already been notified. This allows families to plan travel and logistics well in advance while also underscoring the program’s importance as a foundation of the Dickinson undergraduate journey.
Students and families can expect additional details about registration, schedule and featured alumni participants in the coming months. The Sophomore Career Summit represents the latest evolution in Dickinson’s distinctive approach to career preparation: hands-on, focused on intentional skill-building, relationship-driven and integrated throughout the entire liberal-arts experience.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published May 1, 2026