The Design Your Future Professional Development Program created by the Career Center at the Whitman School has quickly become a cornerstone of how Whitman prepares students for success beyond the classroom. Launched as a bold reimagining of early career preparation, the program reflects Whitman’s commitment to pairing rigorous academics with intentional, high-impact professional development for the modern job market.

Now in its second year, Design Your Future is reshaping how students approach career readiness from the start of their Whitman journey. What began as a pilot for sophomores has grown into a highly sought-after experience that equips students with the skills and confidence needed to compete in today’s evolving professional landscape.

Since its launch, the program has more than doubled in size, growing from 66 students in its first year to more than 130 participants in the 2025–26 academic year. Outcomes have been equally strong. Seventy-one percent of participating sophomores secured internships for their sophomore summer, with 88% reporting that Design Your Future played a direct role in their success.

Building Professional Confidence Early On

Design Your Future guides students through key professional development milestones in weekly hour-long workshops held in small cohorts. As the program does not carry academic credit, participating students make a deliberate investment in their professional growth, dedicating time and focus to skills that complement their academic studies for more success while pursuing their careers.

Each cohort is facilitated by a Whitman career advisor and a trained senior peer leader, creating an environment that balances expert guidance with relatable mentorship. Participants develop polished professional materials, strengthen communication and networking skills, explore industries and career paths and begin shaping an authentic professional brand.

Students also build confidence through articulating their experiences and goals and learning how to present themselves effectively to employers and alumni. Many cite growth in writing cover letters, delivering professional pitches, understanding recruiter expectations and navigating career resources as some of the program’s most valuable outcomes. In a world where AI-crafted resumes infiltrate the market, the skills from Design Your Future purposefully help Whitman students stand out.

“I truly gained so much from this program,” Lucy Urquijo ’27 said. “I probably would not have set aside the time to focus on my professional portfolio without Design Your Future. I’m leaving significantly more confident and knowledgeable than when I started.”

Nora Brannan ’28 shared "I came to Whitman for programs like this. I truly feel so lucky to go to a school that invests in me personally and professionally."

A Program Designed to Evolve

True to its name, Design Your Future is intentionally agile. The program has evolved this year based on student feedback, employer insights and shifting industry needs. Recent enhancements include expanded content on professional communication, deeper exploration of industry-specific career paths and additional opportunities to practice skills directly with professionals.

A peer-mentorship component pairs sophomores with senior Whitman students who offer perspective, encouragement and practical advice grounded in real experience. In spring 2026, the program is expanding to include first-year students, giving them even earlier exposure to career exploration and skill development.

“The flexibility of the program helps us truly meet students where they are, and that kind of responsiveness matters. It strengthens the way we prepare students for competitive and constantly evolving career paths ahead,” said Kara Primrose, executive director of career services and employer relations.

A Strategic Investment in Student Success

Design Your Future is one of several initiatives through which the Career Center is advancing a comprehensive, future-focused approach to career readiness. Programs such as the Finance Career Accelerator Program (FCAP) and the Building Your Confidence workshop series further reinforce Whitman’s commitment to preparing graduates who are both academically strong and professionally agile.

Guided by research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employer feedback and close collaboration with alumni and industry partners, the Career Center continues to refine programming that gives Whitman students a competitive edge.

As Whitman advances its Transformation 2030 strategic goals, initiatives like Design Your Future underscore the school’s focus on delivering a top-tier business education: one that integrates academic excellence with intentional career preparation and positions students to lead with confidence from day one.