Sophomore Bootcamp 2025
Every student who completes Sophomore Bootcamp leaves equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to find and pursue summer internships, fellowships, and jobs. You will be able to search for opportunities, network with alumni, develop a resume, draft a cover letter, and gain a better understanding of a variety of industries and what you want to pursue next.
What is it?
A three-day intensive career workshop held during winter break so you can focus on your future when you aren't busy with coursework. There is no expectation that you need to have your whole life figured out before you come, or even when you leave.
Save the Dates
- Team Leader move-in day: Sunday, Jan 12
- Team Leader training: Jan 13-14
- Sophomore move-in day: Tuesday, January 14
- Sophomore Bootcamp: Jan 15-17
- Spring Semester Begins: Tuesday, January 21
Pre-Bootcamp Checklist
- Complete your
- Get your resume reviewed by a peer advisor
- Peer advisor drop-in hours can be found on the and CXD's bulletin boards in Thorne, Smith, and Moulton.
- Don't have a resume? Check out our for a guide and template to get started.
- Attend at least two CXD events
- These can be live events this fall or on Campus Groups.
Virtual Kickoff Workshop & Alumni Connections
- Monday, January 6th 2025
- Virtual: 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Sophomore Bootcamp kicks off with a virtual networking workshop in preparation for the Alumni Connections Program! This workshop is a requirement for participating in the Alumni Connections Program (the most popular part of Bootcamp!). Students may either join live or watch a recording of the event by noon on Wednesday 1/8. Recording link will be sent via email after the event on Monday night.
Schedule
Sophomores are split into two cohorts with a staggered schedule. The schedule is very full; we have a lot to cover, but don't worry, we'll share resources that you can always come back to and of course our advising team is here to support you.
Bootcamp is designed to be progressive. Each activity builds upon the last. We expect students to attend everything on their schedule to get the most out of the experience and be a supportive team member. We also expect students to take care of their personal health and wellbeing and do what they need to to take care of themselves and others (ie. if you are sick, please mask or distance yourself from others). Students should be in touch with their Team Leader if they need to miss a session.
What to Expect
Alumni Panel: Common Good and the Good Life
Back by popular demand! This alumni panel is consistently a favorite among Bootcampers. Alumni speak frankly about the balance of the desire to center the common good in their work and lives while also making enough money to thrive.
Core Workshops
Core Workshops are large-group, interactive lectures by CXD advisors covering the core concepts of career development. Core Workshops will be held for each cohort in Kresge, VAC.
Personal Finance Basics
This is the session we all wish we had in college! We will demystify budgeting, savings, credit, debt, and investing and provide resources to help you get started. It's hard to think about careers without thinking about money. Personal Finance is a difficult topic for many, steeped in privilege, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed; it is our hope that students will walk away feeling empowered to take their first steps toward financial freedom.
Alumni Connections
Sophomores who complete their pre-survey and attended or watch the recording of the virtual networking workshop held on January 6th, 2025 will get two emails introducing them to two volunteers for the Alumni Connections Program. This is a highlight for students every year and a fantastic, low stakes way to practice networking with alumni. We cannot guarantee perfect matches to exactly what you're interested in pursuing, but we try our best. Some students even found mentors through this program!
Team Time
Team Times are small group meetings facilitated by upperclass Team Leaders for students to practice skills and define your path. Team Leaders will reach out via email on Tuesday, Jan 14th with their Team Time location in either Ladd or Moulton. You will return to your same group and location at each Team Time throughout Bootcamp.
Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure
Choose Your Own Adventure workshops allow students to dive deep into exploring an interest area or develop a skill that is essential for navigating their careers.
Ask a Hiring Manager Panel
Ever wanted to ask a recruiter what they are really looking for in a candidate? Now is your chance to ask three! Our Employer Relations team will moderate this panel of hiring managers who regularly recruit ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ students.
Sticker Contest
We are thrilled to announce our winner for this year's sticker is Erin Hambidge '27.
Past years' finalists and winners:
