BardWorks 2024. Photo by AnnAnn Puttithanasorn.

BardWorks Schedule

BardWorks Annandale x NYC 2026

January 20-23

(Students Return from Winter Intersession Early)

What is BardWorks?
BardWorks 2026 is a multi-day career exploration and professional development program designed to help Bard students connect their liberal arts education to real-world career pathways. Through workshops, panels, mock interviews, networking receptions, and alumni/ae engagement in both Annandale and New York City, students gain practical skills, professional insights, and meaningful connections to support their transition from college to life after Bard.

Explore the Schedule: Click on a day to see featured workshops, panels, and events.

BardWorks is realized through the generous support of Bard’s devoted community of donors, families, and alumni/ae, whose commitment helps underwrite the majority of our costs. The BardWorks committee extends its sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to making this program possible.

Tuesday, January 20

Student Arrival & Check-In: 3:30–4:00 pm
BardWorks participants will return to the Annandale campus early from Winter Break and meet BardWorks Staff at the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) in the Campus Center.

Setting the Stage & Dinner: 4:00–6:00 pm
Students will all gather at MPR in the Campus Center to have dinner, meet BardWorks Staff, receive their BardWorks materials, and prepare for the week ahead. Students will also get to know their classmates through interactive team-building activities.

Wednesday, January 21

Location: Bertelsmann Campus Center, Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Arrival & Continental Breakfast: 8:00–9:00 am

Welcome & Introductions: Mind Mapping & Competencies to Careers: 9:00–10:00 am
Students will be introduced to the eight major competencies employers look for in any field and learn how to develop them throughout their liberal arts education. Discussions on how to best maximize this experience will be covered.
Presented by: Erin Cannan, Vice President for Civic Engagement at Bard College

Career & Life Design Workshop: 10:00–11:30 am
Led by: Jeszack Gammon ‘19, Career Adviser for Career Development

Coffee Break: 11:30–11:45 am

Mindfulness & Management: Leading Yourself & Others: 11:45–1:00 pm
Students will hear from alumni/ae and professionals as they share real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of leadership. Panelists will discuss strategies for mindful leadership, building self-awareness and awareness of others, and approaches to effective decision-making. They will also reflect on lessons learned throughout their career journeys, offering advice and perspectives for students aspiring to lead in their respective fields.

Guided Peer-to-Peer Mock Interview Prep: 3:00–3:45 pm
Students will team up for a guided peer-to-peer practice session to prepare for their mock interviews on Thursday. It’s a chance to get supportive feedback and build confidence in a low-pressure, familiar setting.

Bard Career Network (BCN) Mentor Matching: 3:45–4:45 pm
Students will get an overview of the Bard Career Network (BCN) platform, create their accounts, and identify at least two alumni/ae to reach out to with the support of BardWorks staff. This hands-on session is a chance to start making real connections and exploring career paths.
Join the Bard Career Network Here

Grab & Go Dinner: 4:45–5:00 pm

Thursday, January 22

Full daily schedules will be published in the Fall 2025 semester.

Building Relationships & Connecting Reception at Blithewood Manor: 6:00–8:00 pm
Students will have the opportunity to practice relationship-building and networking skills while meeting and mingling with local alumni/ae, employers, and members of the Bard Family Network working in various industries. Business casual attire is encouraged for this event, which will be held at the historic Blithewood Manor House. Beverages and small bites will be provided.

Friday, January 23

Full daily schedules will be published in the Fall 2025 semester.

NYC: Career Pathways Panels and Networking (All-Day Event)
The full day of professional panels will conclude with a fun and engaging reception with alumni/ae living and working in the NYC area. Note: Throughout the conference, you will engage with your peers, alumni/ae, and professionals. Business casual dress is encouraged; however, please feel free to dress how you feel best represents your authentic self.

Student Departure from Campus, Kline Bus Stop: 7–7:15 am
Students will board a bus at the Kline Bus Stop across from the Kline parking lot to head to New York City. BardWorks staff will greet students and check names before boarding. Bus departure will be prompt, so students should plan to board the bus before 7:15 am.

Student Arrival at NYC Location (TBD) 9:30 am approx.

BardWorks NYC - “Building Your Community” Reception: 4:30–7 pm
Students will have the opportunity to meet and network with alumni/ae and members of the Bard Family Network working and living in the NYC area. Our guests will represent various fields of interest. Students will benefit from this immersive experience and polish and practice their networking and communication skills learned and developed throughout the BardWorks program.

Travel back to Annandale & Depart NYC at 7:00 pm
Students will travel back to the Annandale campus on provided transportation. For those students planning to stay in the city and will not be returning on the bus, please be sure to let a staff member know.