Sophomore Bootcamp 2026
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: Sunday, Jan 11
- Team Leader training: Jan 12-13
- Sophomore move-in day: Tuesday, January 13
- Sophomore Bootcamp: Jan 14-16
- Spring Semester Begins: Tuesday, January 20
Pre-Bootcamp Checklist
- Complete your
- Get your resume reviewed by a peer advisor
- Peer advisor drop-in hours can be found on the and CXD's bulletin boards in Thorne, Smith, and Moulton.
- Don't have a resume? Check out our for a guide and template to get started.
- Attend at least two CXD events
- These can be live events this fall or on Campus Groups.
Schedule
Sophomores are split into two cohorts with a staggered schedule. 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 do 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
Alumni Panel: Common Good and the Good Life
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.
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.
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.
Alumni Connections
Sophomores who complete their pre-survey and attended or watch the recording of the networking workshop will get two emails introducing them to two volunteers for the Alumni Connections Program. This is a highlight for students every year and a fantastic, low stakes way to practice networking with alumni. We cannot guarantee perfect matches to exactly what you're interested in pursuing, but we try our best. Some students even found mentors through this program!
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 13th 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.
Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure
Choose Your Own Adventure workshops allow students to dive deep into exploring an interest area or develop a skill that is essential for navigating their careers.
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 ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ students.
Sticker Contest
Last year's winner was Erin Hambidge '27. Could you have your design chosen next year? Submit your design to cxd@bowdoin.edu by Thanksgiving break.
Past years' finalists and winners:
