Irving Institute and Sustainability Launch New Careers Program

The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society and the Dartmouth Sustainability Office launched a new career support program for members of the class of 2021 this fall term. This cohort-based program will help seniors build concrete skills and competencies as they navigate the post-graduate transition during a particularly challenging time. The Senior Leadership Launch (SLL) program was created this summer, the result of a robust student needs assessment and planning process. The goal of SLL is to address student needs in three key areas: building professional skills; reducing barriers to success for first generation, low-income, and students of color; and helping students understand where to begin their post-graduation planning process.
 


This year's SLL cohort includes students who represent more than 20 majors and minors and many corners of the Dartmouth campus community. Students were recruited from among those who participate in Irving Institute, Sustainability Office, and Center for Social Impact programming, as well as various academic departments, clubs, and other student groups. An open call for applications was also made to the entire senior class, facilitating access for all who wished to participate.



This fall term, SLL sessions were focused on mapping career landscapes in students' areas of interest and developing job search skills. Topics covered included: researching career landscapes, identifying personal and professional needs and constraints, identifying and leveraging resources and relationships, creating a personalized timeline, and more! Students were engaged in the program through presentations, group discussions, and breakout sessions. There was also an emphasis on building relationships with fellow cohort members and allowing time for informal socializing.
 


We are happy with the progress we've made with Senior Leadership Launch this term, and hope to build on our forward momentum during winterim and the coming winter term. Future sessions will focus on building a network of professional relationships, being an agent of change in an organization, and developing a professional skills toolkit. In the spring, the program will focus on navigating the practical, social, and emotional aspects of what it means to graduate from college.