2026-2027 Programs
Semester: Fall 2026
JD-Next is an innovative online law school prep course program and entrance exam that provides a cost-effective and realistic preview of what law school will be like, prepares applicants for the rigors of law school, and offers a fair and accurate assessment of an applicant’s academic readiness for law school!
Semester: Fall 2025
This intensive workshop and certificate program aim to provide students across many disciplines with hands-on practice, practical instruction, and expertise in recognizing, innovating, and applying physically inclusive and socio-culturally sensitive programs to foster active bodies across a wide range of career fields.
Semester: January 2026
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is a credential designed to prepare candidates for entry-level project management positions.
Semester: January 2027
Learn fundamental concepts, analyze and dissect case studies, develop your own personal project, and strategize a real marketing campaign with St. Olaf’s Marketing and Communications department.
Semester: January 2027
This workshop series and for-credit certificate program provides students with a hands-on opportunity to learn and develop the key knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in art conservation.
Semester: January 2027
LeetCode is a technical skills and interview preparation platform students, professional programmers, and employers use to learn, practice, and assess coding and programming skills.
Semester: January 2027
This program provides students with the opportunity to design and fabricate a wide variety of projects using a broadly available range of materials, including: wood, metal, and plastics.
Semester: January 2027
Theory and skills practice, including a clinical experience at a skilled nursing facility, is conducted under nursing supervision, and course content focused on critical thinking, decision-making and team concepts while incorporating elements of care and communication/interpersonal skills.
Semester: Spring 2027
A hands-on journalism experience combining coursework and a professional internship with KYMN to develop practical reporting, storytelling, and media skills while building a portfolio of published work.
Semester: Spring 2027
Language Testing International® delivers the ACTFL OPIc (Oral Proficiency Interview-computer) to help individuals gain a better understanding of their ability to use language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations. Advanced Japanese, Chinese, and Russian language students should reach out to Professor Ying Zhou for further information on testing.
Semester: Summer 2027
Finance|able provides a learning platform that combines in-depth knowledge with practical skills and confidence-building techniques to help individuals excel in the world of finance.
Semester: Summer 2027
This certificate program would be a great fit for students interested in urban planning, sustainable urban development, commercial real estate, and public policy.
Semester: Academic Year 2026-27
Build practical, career-relevant skills and explore academic and professional interests through a self-directed Coursera learning experience with access to more than 5,000 courses, projects, and industry-recognized programs.
a liberal arts degree helps Oles develop The skills that can take them far in life. The Piper Center’s Ole Career Launcher is designed to accelerate that trajectory.
of employers say that employment no longer depends solely on degree or academic major, but rather includes a candidate’s experience, practical sense, and ability to do the job.
of students say employability was their primary or sole motivation for going to college.
Skill Development
Experiential Component
Network Connection
Innovation Mindset
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ole Career Launcher provides hands-on, skill-building opportunities for St. Olaf students to connect, learn, and accelerate their careers. The program offers different tracks which are designed to last anywhere from a few weeks to an entire semester. Each program provides students with a mix of practical skills for specific careers, useful work mindsets, and powerful networking opportunities with experts that often include accomplished alumni.
Students from all majors in good standing with the college are welcome to participate. Each program lists specific qualifications a student must meet to be considered for participation. Seniors are not eligible to participate in a program scheduled for the summer following graduation.
Note: Students may only participate in one Ole Career Launcher program per academic year.
Unless otherwise noted on the specific program’s page, students will not earn any academic credit from St. Olaf College for participating in an Ole Career Launcher program.
Students are only allowed to apply to one program during the 2025-26 application cycle.
Students will submit an application via Handshake (as well as a form via Google Forms) that indicates their interest in a specific program. Each program (fall, j-term, spring, summer) will host a unique enrollment period. Students must apply no later than 11:59pm CST on the deadline outlined on the specific program page to be considered.
Following the application deadline, the Piper Center will review and score all applications based on an evaluation rubric. Program enrollment decisions will be determined by various criteria including class year, academic standing, resume, short essay responses, and several other factors. Notifications will be sent within one week following the application deadline for that cycle. At that point, a waitlist will form.
Once a student has been invited to participate, they will be asked to confirm or withdraw their enrollment within one week of their acceptance. Students who choose not to accept their spot on time will not be added to the program; their spot will be offered to a waitlisted student.
If you are accepted into an Ole Career Launcher program, you will be required to pay a $20 program fee at the required Ole Career Launcher Program Kick-Off Meeting. Payment can be made via cash or check (Made Payable to St. Olaf College). You will not be allowed to charge your student account.
The Piper Center will cover the remaining cost of the program which may range from $100-$1,500 per student.
The Ole Career Launcher programs will not appear on your transcript since they are not credit-bearing courses.
Campus Partners
The Ole Career Launcher is part of the Piper Center for Vocation and Career. We partner with offices such as the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, the Digital Scholarship Center, Alumni and Parent Relations and the college’s Entrepreneurship team, bringing together best practices from all focus areas.
How to Launch a Career in 10 Easy Steps
Ole Career Launcher Student Success Profile: Aya Kamil ’22
Ole Career Launcher Student Success Profile: Kristian Noll ’21
Ole Career Launcher Student Success Profile: Matthew Myers ’22
Questions?
Meghan Anderson (she, her, hers)
Associate Director, Ole Career Launcher, Innovation and the Arts
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