At Wheaton, we are committed to providing a transformative experience. That’s why we’ve reimagined our career services to create new opportunities to enhance your personal, academic and professional growth. Introducing our new Life and Career Design Institute—a holistic approach to academic and career exploration.
By applying design thinking principles, you’ll develop the mindset and strategies that will lead to meaningful experiences at Wheaton, in your future career and in your daily life. As we begin to transition to this new model, here’s a sneak preview of what you can expect:
What is Life and Career Design?
Life and career design is both a collaborative process and a mindset based on design thinking principles. It’s a personalized approach rooted in empathy and self-reflection to guide your experiences at Wheaton and post-college while prioritizing your overall well-being.
You’ll collaborate with a life and career design navigator to make informed decisions about choosing curricular, campus clubs and organizations, and experiential learning opportunities that align with your personal values and goals. Plus, you’ll make career connections on campus, within our alumni network and through external organizations. Best of all, you’ll gain life-long skills to help you navigate the inevitable challenges life throws your way—both professionally and personally.
Meet Your Career Navigator
Are you ready to start designing your college to career roadmap? Simply login to Handshake to schedule an appointment or stop by our Life and Career Design Institute located in the Filene Center in Kollett Hall.
Small Steps Lead to Big Results
Through the Life and Career Design Institute at Wheaton, you’ll work one-on-one with your career navigator to identify and work toward small, achievable goals. This proven multi-phase strategy will help you develop the professional and life skills needed for success.
- Engage in self-reflection exercises
- Learn design thinking principles
- Connect with clubs and organizations
- Create Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
- Update your online profile
- Build campus connections
- Engage with alumni
- Explore internship, job shadowing and campus leadership opportunities
- Create your personal brand
- Participate in mock interviews
- Develop professional communication skills
- Apply for externships and internships
- Create your professional portfolio
- Connect with mentors and professional associations
- Develop a contingency plan with alternative pathways
- Learn interview and salary negotiation strategies
Who We Serve
The Life and Career Design Institute is not just for students. We proudly serve the entire Wheaton community! Here are just some of the ways we can help.
Students
Learn about the ways we can help you find and prepare for jobs and internships and plan your career trajectory.
Employers
Gain access to an extraordinary pool of Wheaton talent by posting jobs and internships with us, or hosting on-campus or virtual interviews and events.
Alumni
Share opportunities and knowledge with the Wheaton community, build your Wheaton network, or access support for your own career journey.
Families
Learn ways to engage with your student and the college to champion your students’ success.
Faculty
Partner with us to discuss workshops, seminars, departmental visits and other ways to connect classroom learning to careers.
Staff
Connect with the Life and Career Design Institute to learn how to apply design thinking principles to your Wheaton career.
Get Hired
Jobs
- Financial Management Specialist - R6 at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Recent Graduate or Near-Term Graduation - Environmental Protection Specialist (Grants Project Officer) - R5 at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) - OAR at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Internships
- USGS Climate Change Fellowship - Impacts on Birds and Butterflies at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- FDA Negative Pediatric Clinical Trials Fellowship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- FDA Biomarker Qualification Fellowship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education