Path to Purpose: Division 2
Remember, you can always schedule an appointment with a SPARC career counselor to discuss how to best apply this roadmap to your individual path.
A PDF version of this page is also available for download here.
For each of the suggested actions outlined below, we've curated some desired outcomes.
Div II - First Year
Write/update your resume and have it reviewed by a career counselor at SPARC.
- Learn to effectively communicate your unique Hampshire education and experience
Attend a Div II Design Your Internship workshop.
- Reflect on your own strengths and areas for development
- Develop ideas for life after college and flesh out a plan to get there
- Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback
Join the Hampshire Network and talk with two alums doing work you’re interested in.
- Practice generating appropriate questions to gain the information you need
- Keep building your network
Create a LinkedIn profile (for Internship/Job Search).
- Connect with alums and follow people in your field of interest
- Expand your professional contacts
Attend a Five College, Handshake, or other career fair, in-person or virtual.
- Talk with employers about opportunities, work culture, and more
- Learn to successfully navigate the hiring process, in-person and virtually
Talk with your faculty about career paths and internships in their field.
- Communicate interest/curiosity
- Seek out professional development opportunities
Attend an Alum Advisory Council event or other alum presentation/workshop.
- Identify areas for continual personal growth and professional development
Use Handshake to find internships and attend employer presentations.
- Build intentional relationships with people who can open doors for you by participating in events with potential employers (virtual job fairs, info sessions, etc.)
Pursue an academic year or summer internship, job, or volunteer experience in an area of interest to you.
- Gain skills, knowledge, and connections
Visit the Global Education Office to explore international study and/or internship options.
- Enhance your understanding of people from different cultural groups
- Foster personal growth and flexibility
Participate in a story circle hosted by the Division for Justice, Equity, and Anti-Racism.
- Build affinity among peers
- Learn to solicit and use feedback from multiple cultural perspectives
- Strengthen your ability to make inclusive and equity-minded decisions
Div II - Second Year
Join a professional organization related to your interests and/or social identity.
- Follow industry trends
- Participate in further education, training, or other events to support your career
Consider a Div III that connects/puts you in contact with organizations/people/alumni working in your field of interest.
- Establish or expand relationships with people who can help you professionally
Pursue a summer internship or work related to your future goals, even if tentative.
- Gain real-world experience, acquire skills, and make connections in your field
- Demonstrate dependability and professionalism
Discuss Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant opportunities with your faculty.
- Practice self-advocacy
- Assume responsibilities to help you learn at a deeper level and progress professionally
If you’re considering graduate or professional school:
Attend SPARC’s Applying to Grad & Professional School Workshop
- Understand the application processes and timelines
- Make a plan to apply to grad school as a Div III or after you graduate
- Check out SPARC’s Grad School handout
Research programs and develop an action plan to make sure you’re on track.
- Understand their admission requirements; take appropriate classes and exams