Other ideas? Contact Kris Estenson at estensok@stolaf.edu.
Connections Program
The Piper Center’s Connections Program flies current students to numerous U.S. cities, both close to home and across the country, for explorations of alumni workplaces and exciting locations. The program allows students to investigate prospective careers, introduces them to a network of former Oles, and broadens their perspective on the endless career possibilities available to liberal arts graduates.
Boston
Spring Break 2020 (Application Deadline: December 9, 2019)
Career Focus Areas: Music, Healthcare & Data Science
“I learned a lot about myself in the short time we spent in Boston. Talking to multiple alumni about their experience and also the steps they took to get to the place they are in was really helpful. I got to learn more about the careers related to my field of interest and it was great to know that there are a lot of different routes I could take.”
Chicago
Fall Break 2020, Fall Break 2022
Career Focus Areas: Consulting, Finance, Social Impact, Media & Advertising
“I was able to get an idea of what sets each consulting company apart, which was really helpful because I could only truly do that by talking with employees of the company and being in the company environment.”
Denver
Fall Break 2021
Career Focus Areas: Environment & Sustainability
“I had a limited view of what I could do before this trip, but I learned that there are so many jobs out there that incorporate aspects of my degree.”
Los Angeles
Interim Break 2021, Fall Break 2023
Career Focus Areas: Media and Film
“I got much more information about what I need to do in order to pursue my career interests in film. It has also helped alleviate my fears around moving to LA. I feel more confident.”
“This trip allowed me to see the variety of opportunities available outside of the popular roles known to most of the general public.”
New York
Fall Break 2019 (Application Deadline: April 25, 2019), Spring Break 2021, and Spring Break 2022
Career Focus Areas: Finance, Journalism/Publishing, Performing Arts
“Thank you so much for putting this trip together. It was one of the best experiences I have had at St. Olaf and I encourage everyone to take part in a Connections trip.”
San Francisco
Interim Break 2021, Interim Break 2023
Career Focus Areas: Technology and Entrepreneurship
“I was hesitant about looking into heavily technological fields, but now that I’ve realized the diversity of career opportunities, I’m much more inspired to give it a try.”
Seattle
Interim Break 2020 (Application Deadline: November 1) & Interim Break 2022
Career Focus Areas: STEM & Social Impact
“By visiting big tech headquarters, I was able to learn about their branding strategies and their building aesthetics. I learned about the trending vacant positions at these large companies, and have a better idea of what kind of companies to look at for job openings that are relevant to my interests.”
Twin Cities
Fall Break 2019 (Application Deadline: October 7, 2019), Fall Break 2020, and Fall Break 2022
Student Fee for this trip: $25
Career Focus Areas: Law & Policy
“The Connections Program gave me more clarity regarding my career goals.”
“I know what I want to do, and this helped me figure out paths to get there.”
Washington DC
Spring Break 2021, Spring Break 2023
Career Focus Areas: Government, Public Policy, International Organizations, NGOs and Nonprofits, Think Tanks
“This trip was very helpful in alerting me to all the possibilities available and helping me see the many ways I could succeed professionally in DC.”
(From left) Alexa Johanningmeier ’21, Simon Stouffer ’21, Isaac Egwim ’20, Cookie Imperial ’19, Sal Alvarez ’19, Kierra Lopac ’19, Benny Goetting ’20, Josh Qualls ’19, and Liberty Czarnik ’21 on the 2019 LA Connections trip.
Piper Center Spotlight: Connections
From the Hill to Hollywood: An L.A. Connections Program Experience
Bringing global perspective to multinational brands
