Dwight Hall Alumni Mentorship & Career Development Task Force
Dwight Hall’s Alumni Mentorship & Career Development Task Force (AM&CD) strives to make Dwight Hall a hub of information, mentorship, and networking for current students and alumni interested in public service, social justice, and related careers, with the ultimate goal of exposing students to pathways to social sector careers.
Originally conceptualized by Dwight Hall Board Member Tim Tompkins ’86, the task force began hosting events in fall 2021 under the student leadership of Hannah Kiburz ’22. In the following years, the task force was led by student leaders Alvaro Perpuly ’23 and Caitlin Monsky ’24, respectively. In the 2024-25 academic year, the task force will be led by Kristen Meola ’26, Alumni Engagement Coordinator on Dwight Hall’s 2024 Student Executive Committee.
Upcoming Events
The AM&CD task force’s events for the 2024-25 academic year will be announced soon! Follow @dwighthallatyale on Instagram or visit Dwight Hall’s Events page to stay up to date on future events.
Read More About AM&CD:
Dwight Hall Hosts International Opportunities Panel with Yale Alumnae and Staff
2023 Yale World Fellows Share Lessons Learned in Public Service Careers
Past Events: 2023-24 Academic Year
“Nonprofit Careers Unlocked: Strategies for Student Success in the Job Search” – September 26th, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
Are you interested in working in the nonprofit sector but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you know that you want to work with a specific population or help with an important issue but are wondering where the jobs are? This session will be hosted by Robyn Acampora, Director of Public Service Careers & Strategic Initiatives, and will include a plethora of resources for you to help find the work you want to do. Robyn will make this virtual session interactive and provide her recommendations on approaching the internship or job search in the nonprofit sector.
“Part I. Networking for Good: Finding Contacts & Connecting in Common Good Careers” – October 2nd, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
This will be an in-person interactive session where students can utilize a number of resources to find alumni. Robyn Acampora from OCS will share a variety of tools to help you find alumni and offer advice on how to engage with them, from sending the initial email request, planning talking points for an informational call, and how to continue the relationship beyond that first call. Students are encouraged (but definitely not required) to bring lists of employers they are interested in to work on finding contacts during this working group session. Attendees can expect to leave this workshop with a specific plan of how to find alumni at organizations they are interested in and what the next steps involve.
“Part II. Alumni Perspectives: Networking for Success in Social Impact Careers” – October 11th, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
From asking people for a job to honing your elevator pitch, join Dwight Hall alum and Board Member Ben Staub ’06 for a workshop on networking. Ben owes every job he’s landed to his friends, mentors, and colleagues — including stints in advertising, speechwriting, and as a Hill staffer. For the past ten years, Ben has worked as a federal lobbyist for the Motion Picture Association — the trade association for the major film and television studios. This session will be tailored to students interested in public service, politics, and social impact careers and is open to all.
“Navigating Social Impact Careers: A Conversation with 2023 World Fellows” – October 13th, 2023
Join Dwight Hall for an insightful discussion with accomplished 2023 Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Janah Ncube, Binbin Wang, and Naasu Genevieve Fofanah as they share their unique career journeys and the guiding principles that have shaped their paths. In this panel conversation, learn about the most valuable lessons they’ve learned in developing their careers. Which lessons were most useful in achieving their goals? Which were least useful? What would they change? Gain invaluable insights on the skills and opportunities you should pursue during your time at Yale and beyond, all in preparation for careers in public service and social justice.
“Common Good & Creative Careers Peer to Peer Networking Event” – November 2nd, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
Interested in hearing from your peers about how their summer internships went so you can get ideas for next summer? Do you want to get the inside scoop on what it was like to work for an employer in the Common Good & Creative Careers space? This event will have Yale College students representing their summer employers in the areas of the arts, education, government, nonprofits, publishing, and journalism. It will be a career fair format in which you can walk around the room and speak to various Yale students who worked at summer positions.
“How to Navigate Federal Careers: Understanding USAJOBS, Security Clearances, and More” – November 3rd, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
The Partnership for Public Service invites you to “What’s Your Call to Serve: Launching a Career in Federal Government,” a session open to all students who are curious about public service opportunities and how to make a difference in their community through federal employment. The session will guide students through considering, applying, and securing federal employment and will provide tools for researching opportunities and provide practical tips for applying for job opportunities.
“Small Group Coffee Chats with the Partnership for Public Service”- November 3rd, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
These small group coffee chats will provide students with the knowledge and tools needed to seek government opportunities and build relationships with federal agencies.
“Mastering the Federal Resume: Your Key to Government Career Success” – November 3rd, 2023 (hosted with OCS)
Are you looking to apply for federal government jobs and plan to use the same resume you have used in the past for private and/or nonprofit sector jobs? Think again. The federal resume is a unique document that has many unique rules from length, details, keywords, and accomplishments. This session will guide students through understanding the requirements for a federal resume and provide practical tips for applying for job opportunities.
“Life After Yale: Connecting with Young Alumni in Social Impact Careers” – December 8th, 2023
Join recent Yale Alumni in the Northeast region as they share insights on navigating the early stages of their careers in public service, advocacy, and beyond. Our panelists will delve into questions such as what motivates them to pursue impactful careers, how they overcame challenges on their professional paths, and how they navigate the position of being a young person in the workplace. Discover firsthand strategies on turning passion into purpose as you enter the workforce after Yale.
“Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund: ESG Careers in the Real World” – February 7th, 2024 (hosted with DHSRI)
The Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund invites you to a panel discussion with Anna Blanding ’03, ’09 M.B.A. (CIO, ConnCORP); Drew D’Alelio ’22 M.A., ’22 M.B.A. (Senior Associate, Connecticut Innovations); and Georgia Keohane ’94 (CEO, Soros Economic Development Fund). Join us to learn about Environmental, Social, and Governance investing in the real world, explore ESG career paths, and network with alumni working in socially responsible investing.
“Summer 2024 Public Service & Social Sector Fellowships Information Session” – February 15th, 2024
On the hunt for a summer fellowship experience in New Haven or beyond? Join Dwight Hall for an information session in collaboration with the Office of Career Strategy and the Office of Fellowships and Funding. Our panelists will provide insights into the diverse fellowship opportunities available, offer tips for crafting compelling applications, and connect you with support networks and resources. Whether you’re an experienced applicant or new to exploring summer opportunities, this event is designed to provide you with the tools you need to pursue your aspirations in public service and social impact.
“Networking Event: Discovering Pathways to Public Service and Social Justice Careers” – March 26th, 2024
Ever find yourself wondering how people land careers in public service and social justice? Ever find yourself wondering what those careers can look like?
Join Dwight Hall, Yale alumni, and community partners based in the Northeast for a public service and social justice networking reception dedicated to answering all of your questions and helping you launch your career. This event will connect you with alumni and community partners who are enthusiastic about mentorship and sharing their experiences with students. Our alumni and partners will also offer insight into internships, fellowships, summer opportunities, and post-grad roles.
“Career and Educational Paths in Social Work: Insights from YC3 Professionals” – April 10th, 2024
Join us for an enlightening and informal discussion on the educational trajectory and profession of social workers. Explore what the role entails, learn more about the experience of pursuing a master’s in social work, and hear about the personal journeys of our esteemed panelists. From clinical practice to community outreach, explore the impactful work that social workers do every day. Whether you’re considering a master’s program or curious about the field, join us for an engaging conversation and a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with others interested in mental health and psychology.
“Dwight Hall Class of 2024 Senior Toast” – April 24th, 2024
All seniors who were leaders in Dwight Hall member groups or programs during their time as undergraduates are cordially invited to a senior toast. Join us on Wednesday to celebrate and reminisce with your Dwight Hall family!
Contact
For any questions about alumni mentorship and career development at Dwight Hall, please email Barbara Mola ’22 (barbara.mola@yale.edu), Dwight Hall’s Communications and Alumni Engagement Associate.