Connections Program

Piper Center for Vocation and Career
Programs and Events
Connections Program

2024-25 Connections

Fall Semester:

Chicago (fall break)

Dates: Sunday, October 13 – Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Career Tracks: Social Impact, Finance & Consulting, Marketing & Communications
—– Applications are closed.

Spring Semester:

Twin Cities: Explore the Arts
Date: Saturday, March 1 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Career Tracks: Music/Performing Arts & Arts Management/Visual Arts

Students will also see Milo Imagines the World at the Children’s Theatre Company!

REGISTER by Thursday, February 20, 2025 to attend.

Twin Cities: UnitedHealth Group (business/healthcare)

Date: Wednesday, March 5 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Career Track: Explore broad business roles on-site at UnitedHealth Group corporate offices. (Transportation provided.)
REGISTER by December 15, 2024 to attend.

Seattle (spring break)
Dates: Sunday, March 30 – Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Career Tracks: Tech Industry, Research in the Natural Sciences
—– Applications are closed.

Rochester (Mayo Clinic)
Date: March 2025 (TBD)
Explore a range of careers in healthcare and healthcare administration.
—– Sign up will open in mid February.

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.

While every Connections trip is different, here are some activities you can expect:

Explore the city with young alumni and hear firsthand about “adulting” in a large city — how to find an apartment; how to get connected to new friends and build a professional network; how do you stick to a budget; how do you prepare meals without Stav Hall?
Visit multiple work places including large companies, government agencies, small start-ups, and non profits organizations.
Get the inside scoop from alumni, parents and friends of the college on how to get your foot in the door and land that first job.
Attend an evening reception, and begin building a community of alumni and parents living in the area.

Host a group of students at your place of employment.
Provide a walking tour of your neighborhood or favorite city attractions.
Join an alumni and parent panel to share your professional journey and career advise.
Attend an evening reception for alumni, parents and friends of the college.

Other ideas? Contact Kristi Kehrwald Adair at Kehrwa1@stolaf.edu.