The Dartmouth Center for Career Design has expanded its staff, programming, and partnerships to help undergraduates plan meaningful careers, according to a statement released on Mar. 26. The center reports that nearly every member of the Class of 2025 with available tracking data launched a career, pursued further education, or began a fellowship or military service within six months of graduation.
This expansion comes at a time when college graduates across the country are facing a challenging job market. The center’s efforts are reflected in its reported 99% success rate based on information from 86% of the class.
Under Executive Director Joe Catrino, the center doubled its staff from 11 to 22 over the past year and introduced six new Career Communities open to all undergraduates regardless of major or class year. In January, Dartmouth announced it had raised $30 million in endowed funds dedicated to supporting internship opportunities across various sectors including global health, public service, arts, media, and conservation.
Nina Pavcnik, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences said: “Dartmouth has a responsibility to help students graduate with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience to build a life of meaning and purpose that reflects the great investment they and their families have made in their educations. The Center for Career Design is where students can go to discover how they can carry the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom and tight-knit campus community into the world.”
Grace Caldwell ’26 described her experience: “You can come in with a blank résumé and a dream, and the center will meet you there.” She also said: “The center is not only thinking about postgrad outcomes. It is also invested in your overall experience at Dartmouth…applying for internships, funding, and mini-grants that allow you to explore.”
Key initiatives include building partnerships both on campus—with programs like Pathfinders at Tuck School of Business—and beyond campus through collaborations such as Teach For America’s Community Impact Leadership Program. Joe Hayes said: “Partnerships with employers, alumni, and other interested parties are central to our vision because career education is learned through experience and relationships.”
Career Communities focus on connecting students by professional sector—such as Arts & Creative or STEM+—and provide coaching as well as networking opportunities with employers and alumni. Leyou Belayneh said these communities stemmed from “a shared commitment across our team to reimagine how we support students,” aiming for personalized coaching experiences tailored to individual interests.
Janice Williams ’92 emphasized long-term engagement starting from first-year orientation programs through senior year—and now extending services even after graduation. Catrino confirmed: “We’re offering alumni career development for any and all undergraduate alums…We’re saying ‘You’re Dartmouth—for life.’”
As more undergraduates participate in these expanded offerings—from project-based internships lasting just weeks instead of months—to new immersive programs launching this spring—the Center aims not only at strong post-graduation outcomes but lifelong support.
