Career Development
Smith’s bold reimagining of career development has the goal of increasing career success and satisfaction for every alum. We envision a dynamic, cross-institutional process in which students benefit from career services that are individualized, developmentally staged and infused into their daily lives.
Our vision is closely linked with our commitment to equity and inclusion. Career programming will equalize the student experience by broadening the networks and resources accessible to first-generation and low-income students who may lack established networks to support their career goals.
“We are closing the gap between learning and work so that all students know that career exploration and skill-building is not peripheral, but central, to each of their four years at Smith.”
Career Communities
At the core of the new strategy are career communities, clusters that students select based on their career interests and strengths. Each community provides specialized programming, overseen by intensive coaching.
Students engage with networks of employers, alums, industry experts, faculty and staff, making important connections as they determine their internship and career readiness needs.
Philanthropic Opportunities
Endowed Program Fund: $250,000+
This fund provides the greatest flexibility to the program and will allow it to use funds where they are most needed.
Endowed Career Communities Fund: $250,000+
Endowed funds are needed to expand the career communities that power the new programming.
Endowed Technology Fund: $250,000+
Endowed funds will support leading edge technology to explore strengths, provide access to content experts, and connect employers, alums, faculty and students.
Endowed Internship Fund: $150,000+
Internship funding offers students the opportunity to receive a stipend for unpaid internships and supports experiential learning
To learn more and to make a gift, contact Betsy Carpenter ’93, Associate Vice President for Development at 413-585-2052 or ewcarpen@smith.edu.