Sophomore Bootcamp 2024
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: Jan 14
- Team Leader training: Jan 15-16
- Sophomore move-in day: Jan 16
- Sophomore Bootcamp: Jan 17-19
- Spring Semester Begins: Jan 22
Pre-Bootcamp Checklist
- Complete this Pre-Survey
- Get your resume reviewed by a peer advisor
- Peer advisor drop-in hours can be found on the Campus Groups event page and CXD's bulletin boards in Thorne, Smith, and Moulton.
- Don't have a resume? Check out our Handshake Resource Page for a guide and template to get started.
- Attend at least TWO career exploration events
- These can be live events this fall or recorded events on Campus Groups.
Alumni Connections
Bootcamp has launched with our first workshop, kicking off the Alumni Connections Program. Please watch this one-hour video by noon on Wednesday 1/10. This is a requirement for participating in the Alumni Connections Program (the most popular part of Bootcamp!). Please watch it through YouTube, and scan the QR code (appears at the beginning of presentation) to check in. If the QR code doesn’t work, email Bethany Walsh to let her know you watched it.
On Wednesday (1/10) evening, Sophomores who have completed their pre-survey and attended or watched the recording of this workshop will get two emails introducing you to two volunteers for the Alumni Connections Program. These conversations are meant to be happenstance conversations—imagine you are at a coffee shop and the person in front of you is wearing a Bowdoin sweatshirt, so you strike up a conversation. Also:
- When you get your emails, please respond as soon as you are able to schedule your 30 minute calls.
- Ideally you will complete these before Bootcamp, but if that is not possible, please communicate with your Alumni Connections to find a time after Bootcamp that works. You might also have some spare time during Bootcamp.
- We have sample emails, questions you could ask, and advice for preparing for your conversations on Handshake.
- If you do NOT want to be connected with alumni, please let me know by noon on Wednesday.
Schedule
Sophomores are split into two cohorts with a staggered schedule that you can view by cohort - Team Grizzly and Team Kodiak (but we're all Polar Bears at heart). You'll notice 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
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.
Adventure Time
Adventure Time workshops held on Thursday afternoon allow students to dive deep into exploring an interest area or develop a skill that is essential for navigating their careers. We like to think of this as a "Choose Your Own Adventure" hour.
Team Grizzly - Select Your Adventure Time Workshop on Handshake
Team Kodiak - Select Your Adventure Time Workshop on Handshake
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.
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 Bowdoin students.
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. This event will take place in Kresge and therefore requires advanced registration as seating is limited to about half of the sophomore class. We will livestream this event for students unable to secure a spot.
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 16th 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.
Industry Meetups
Industry Meetups (held on Friday afternoon) are a chance for you to connect with team leaders who have internship or job experience in industries you are interested in. We run two back to back industry meetups, so you have a chance to attend two different sessions. Hear stories, ask questions, and gain insight into the application and internship process with juniors and seniors.
Identity Meetups
Following the Industry Meetups, team leaders will discuss their career experience as it relates to their identities. This is a chance to connect with first gen, students of color, and international students who have been through the process and can offer their advice and support.
Sticker Contest Winner: Ainsley Morrison
Congratulations, Ainsley! It was a fierce competition this year, and we are so grateful to the very talented students who submitted designs.