The South Kent School Advancement Team is proud to announce the launch of the Career Pathways Program, a dynamic new initiative beginning in Fall 2025 that will equip students with the tools, mentorship, and real-world exposure needed to chart meaningful futures.
A Purposeful Start: Design Thinking for the Trinity of Values
The program kicks off during the first week of school with a Design Thinking workshop led by expert facilitator and SKS alumna Kathleen Lindemayer ’79, former Navy Intelligence and Director of the Career Success at Western Connecticut State University. This hands-on session, titled “Design Thinking for the Trinity of Values,” brings together the Parent Association, College Counseling Team, and the Alumni Office to help students begin mapping their innate talents to potential college paths and careers—all through the lens of South Kent’s core values.
Yearlong Exploration
Following the kickoff, students will be invited to attend a Career Pathways Speaker Series hosted in Bringhurst Hall throughout the year, with scheduled events in September, October, November, April, and May. These on-campus discussions will feature accomplished alumni and friends of the school who represent a broad range of industries and experiences. View the Spring Bringhurst Pathways Panel.
Complementing the on-campus events will be a Virtual Monthly Alumni Series, launching in 2025. These engaging online conversations will be moderated by Rich Brande ’88 and Dillon Duncan ’04 of the SKS Advancement Team and are designed to deepen connections between students and our extensive alumni network.
Real-World Exposure: Panels, Networking & Career Day
In the fall, we will look to host Regional Career Panels and Networking Events in Boston, New York City, Pennsylvania, and potentially Washington, D.C., giving students and alumni alike opportunities to meet, share, and grow. Stay tuned to Alumni Connection for event details and RSVPs. Sign-up to host a regional event.
Then in January, during Experiential Learning Week, the program will culminate in a signature Career Day, featuring a speed networking session where students will practice elevator pitches, sharpen communication skills, and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.
Preparing for Life After SKS
In the spring, graduating students will participate in the Graduate Series Workshop—a special session that formally welcomes them into the SKS Alumni Family and prepares them for life beyond the Hillside with tools for networking, job searching, and ongoing mentorship.
An International Network of Support
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, the Advancement Team will expand the program with additional regional networking events events in cities across the country. We’re also thrilled to announce an updated Alumni Directory, highlighting SKS alumni who are eager to support students through mentorship, internships, and career advice.
Industry Focus Areas
This initiative will connect students with alumni and professionals in a range of fields, including:
- Finance
- Law
- Engineering
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Medicine
- Sports & Entertainment
- Education
- Technology
- Media
With its unique blend of values-based exploration, practical career development, and powerful alumni engagement, the Career Pathways Program promises to be a transformational experience for South Kent students. We look forward to seeing our young men build confidence, find purpose, and boldly step into their futures—connected, prepared, and inspired.
Want to get involved?
Become an Alumni Ambassador and help shape the next generation of South Kent leaders. Whether you’re offering mentorship, sharing your career journey, hosting a panel, or attending a networking event, your involvement makes a lasting impact.
👉 Sign up to be an Alumni Ambassador here and support this exciting new program.
Stay connected through Alumni Connection and join us in building a powerful, purpose-driven future for our students.
