The Career Design Lab (CDL) in the School of Professional Studies (SPS) is here to support students of all backgrounds, perspectives and identities; enabling them to bring their full selves to work. We believe all students should have an opportunity to achieve their career aspirations while embracing their race, religion, gender, or sexuality. We are here to assist you in finding opportunities to explore careers, connect with professionals, and ask helpful questions to determine your best fit with an employer.

At the Career Design Lab We:

  • Provide one on one coaching to students to support their career goals
  • Help you with understanding your rights in the workplace
  • Offer advice on how to find employers that provide employee resource or affinity groups
  • Offer programming on addressing diversity, inclusion and equity at work
  • Offer programming on how to be an ally

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Featured Classes

Presentations

Improve your ability to communicate big ideas to clients, teams, and execs by honing your presentation skills! Gain access to…

Networking & Outreach

Utilize practical exercises and advice from successful professionals to grow your network, build your professional community, represent your organization, and…

Clarifying Expectations

What questions do you need to ask to get the job done correctly? Improve your ability to communicate with your…

Goal Setting

Setting relevant and precise goals is a recipe for career success… but where do you start? Learn how to choose…

Giving & Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a two-way street — this course helps prepare you to thoughtfully give and receive constructive feedback with team…

LinkedIn Overview

Learn how to harness all of LinkedIn’s features in order to optimize your job search, expand your network, and maximize…

Informational Interviews

Careers aren’t built alone! Informational interviews are a key tool in your professional toolbelt: learn how to leverage the peers…

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Explore the essential roles and functions you’ll be collaborating with at top companies, then dive into best practices for leading…

Requesting Time Off

Nervous about requesting time off from work? Not sure how to ask your manager? Get the essential information and templates…

Career Exploration

Finding your career path doesn’t have to be a headache! Learn the difference between constructive and overwhelming questions to ask…

Cover Letters

When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples…

Interviewing

Prepare to ace the interview! Dive into interview fundamentals, secrets to making a great first impression on employers, and how…

Professional Writing & Organization

Take a deep dive into the unspoken do’s and don’ts of professional communication with coworkers, customers, managers, and more! Then,…

Presence & Professionalism

Whether you’re in the office, joining a remote meeting, or attending a work event, how you show up matters! Demystify…

Getting to Know Your Manager & Team

Navigating a new workplace is a challenge. Start your new role with confidence by asking the right questions on (and…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

Upgrade your hire-ability by demystifying the hiring process from application to offer.

Resumes

Get seen by employers and put your best foot forward in the application process by unlocking key hacks and tips…

Career Resources

Jopwell Internships and Community

Jopwell continues to increase diverse representation in the workforce. Our mission is to empower and advance the careers of Black, …

Out for Undergrad’s on-going Mentorship Program is designed to empower and support LGBTQ2+ undergraduate students in their professional and personal …

Basics of the Employment-Based Green Card Process in the United States

The United States receives more immigrants than any other country in the world. In fact, approximately 17% of the American …

StartOut Founders Program

Are you an LGBTQ+ person interested in starting or accelerating your own business? StartOut runs programs that connect LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs …

Out for Undergrad is a TikTok channel that helps LGBTQ2+ undergraduate students reach their full potential.

National Urban League Job Network

The Urban League Job Network is backed by the National Urban League and is dedicated to helping diverse students find …

Featured Mentors


Barney Abramson

Expert-Recommended People
  • Creative Director Southwest Gas Corporation
Meet Barney >

Aleenah Ansari

Expert-Recommended People
  • Product Marketing Manager Microsoft
Meet Aleenah >

Tirtha Bandi

Success Stories
  • Product Marketing and Management Intern Sensata Technologies
Meet Tirtha >

Nemi Banigo

Expert-Recommended People
  • Senior Product Designer Adyen
Meet Nemi >
Meet Aarianna >

Rex Chekal

Expert-Recommended People
  • Principal Product Designer TXI
Meet Rex >

James Cook

Expert-Recommended People
  • Lead Consultant Thoughtworks
Meet James >

Ansbert Dodoo (MSc)

Expert-Recommended People
  • Senior Product Designer Nomo Bank
Meet Ansbert >

Rey Dubrawska

Expert-Recommended People
  • Senior Lifecycle Marketing Manager Pitch
Meet Rey >

Kimetha Dunn

Expert-Recommended People
  • Design User Researcher Microsoft / DePaul University
Meet Kimetha >

José García Cruz

Expert-Recommended People
  • Sr. UX/UI Design Specialist Solvento
Meet José >

Manjusha Gusain

Expert-Recommended People
  • Program Manager Consultant San Diego Gas & Electric
Meet Manjusha >