The Dartmouth Center for Career Design has expanded its programming and partnerships to help undergraduates plan meaningful careers, according to a March 26 announcement. The center has doubled its staff in the past year, introduced new career communities, and secured $30 million in endowed funds to support internships across various sectors.
This expansion comes at a time when college graduates nationwide face a challenging job market. Nearly every member of Dartmouth’s Class of 2025 with available tracking data launched a career, pursued further education, or began fellowship or military service within six months of graduation—a reported success rate of 99% based on information from 86% of the class.
Under Executive Director Joe Catrino, the center now employs seven full-time coaches among its staff of twenty-two. It recently launched six Career Communities open to all undergraduates regardless of major or class year. In January, Dartmouth announced new funding aimed at providing internship opportunities so that students from all backgrounds can gain professional experience in fields such as 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 shared her perspective as program and lab engagement lead at the center: “You can come in with a blank résumé and a dream, and the center will meet you there.” She credited her internships in visual storytelling and educational advocacy for incarcerated youth to funding from the center.
The center’s approach emphasizes close coaching relationships using AI technology alongside hands-on experiences such as internships throughout all four years at Dartmouth. Partnerships are also key; Joe Hayes—director of external partnerships—said: “Partnerships with employers, alumni, and other interested parties are central to our vision because career education is learned through experience and relationships.”
Among new initiatives is an eight-week experiential program led by Chris Jordan combining classroom learning with employer-based projects. The Community Impact Leadership Program—a collaboration between Dartmouth and Teach For America—launched its first cohort this January.
Janice Williams ’92 said: “What’s magical about our center is that our coaches want long-term engagement with students across all four years—and beyond.” Alumni are also welcome back for career coaching services. Catrino said: “We’re offering alumni career development for any and all undergraduate alums to come back… We’re saying ‘You’re Dartmouth—for life.’”
