BardWorks Schedule

Student Arrival & Check-In | 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BardWorks participants are required to check in at the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) in the Campus Center in the afternoon between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. Students who arrive early are welcome to visit their dorms first and drop off belongings. Residential Life has received a list of students participating in the BardWorks program and will allow them to arrive on campus earlier without a fee. If students need assistance with accessing their dorms on the arrival day, they can email Res Life at [email protected] and/or call 845-758-7455. 

Peer Connect & Pizza | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Students will kick off their BardWorks experience with Peer Connect & Pizza. This session gives students the chance to meet and mingle with one another while practicing networking skills through guided, interactive exercises. Participants will also meet the BardWorks Committee and learn more about the engaging programming planned for the week ahead. Led by: Erin Cannan, Vice President for Civic Engagement, Maureen Aurigemma, Director of Career Development, and Jane Brien '89, Director of Alumni/ae Affairs

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

Arrival & Continental Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Welcome & Introductions: Mind Mapping | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
In this hands-on, interactive session, students will explore “mind mapping” as a tool to brainstorm and visualize ideas while developing both short- and long-term goals. Presented by: Erin Cannan, Vice President for Civic Engagement

Beyond the Linear Path: Designing Your Next Chapters | 10:10 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
A mini Life Design workshop that invites participants to step back from traditional, one-track career thinking and explore their next steps with curiosity and intention. Through reflection and simple design prompts, participants will consider how values, interests, and lived experiences can shape multiple possible futures rather than a single “right” path. Led by: Jeszack Gammon ’19, Career Adviser for Career Development

Coffee & Mingle Break | 11:40 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Mindfulness & Management: Leading Yourself & Others | 11:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Students will hear from local 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. Moderated by: Sierra Ford ’26, Speaker of the Student Body
Panelists: 
Jillian Reed ’21, Co-Founder of Thrift2Fight
Masha Zabara ’21, Co-Founder of Thrift2Fight 
Skylar Walker ’21, Co-Founder & Coordinator of Sister2Sister, Bard College
Stephanie Bauman ’05, Co-owner of BjornQorn & Skate Time
Dan Whitener ’09, Musician & Master of Social Work Candidate

Lunch & CDO Partner Tabling | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Students will have the opportunity to visit the on-campus partner tables to learn about programs and resources available at Bard. On-Campus Partners Tabling includes: CCE (Jacqui Cook); Bard MAT (Cecilia Maple); Levy Institute (Tyler Emerson); and Bard Graduate Programs (Janet Stetson)

Demystifying the Hiring Black Hole | 2:00 p.m. -  3:00 p.m.
Where do your applications go? This presentation will provide insight into applicant tracking software systems and what the logistics of the hiring process look like on the employer's side. It will also include tips to help applicants navigate researching employers and applying for jobs.
Presented by: Eileen Kern Whitener ’09 MAT ’13, Technical Writing Manager at iCIMS

Coffee & Mingle Break | 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Peer-to-Peer Mock Interview Prep | 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Students will team up for a peer-to-peer practice session to prepare for their mock interviews on Thursday. This is a chance to review the potential questions, get supportive feedback, and build confidence in a low-pressure setting. Led by: Elena Sniezek, Assistant Director of Career Development

Get Connected with the Bard Career Network Community (BCN) | 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Students will get a brief overview of the importance of connecting with the community and learn how to utilize the Bard Career Network (BCN) platform to connect with the Bard community. Students will create/update their accounts and identify at least two alumni/ae to reach out to. This hands-on session is a chance to start making real connections and exploring career paths. Presented by: Tyler Williams ’19 MAT ’21, Assistant Director of Alumni/ae Affairs

Dinner | 5:15 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
Grab & Go Dinner

Arrival & Continental Breakfast | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Welcome & Morning Activity “The Poetry of Work” | 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
A text study and conversation on the difference between work and Work. Led by: Joshua Boettiger ’96, Jewish Chaplain, Visiting Assistant Professor of the Humanities

Got the Job! Now What? | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Understanding Employment Benefits, Negotiating Salary, and Thriving in Your First Job.
Students will learn about the various benefits offered by employers, the associated costs, and the importance of recognizing that an offer encompasses not only salary but also essential life and work benefits. We will also discuss tips for negotiating and key questions to ask before signing. Presented by: Marybeth Giesler, Senior Consultant, Professional Services, Ellucian, and Dylan Flynn ’06, Human Resources and Benefits Professional

Coffee & Mingle Break | 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m.

Mock Interview Carousel | 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Each student will participate in a brief mock interview conducted by Bard staff and faculty volunteers. The interview will include a mix of traditional, situational, and behavior-based questions designed to simulate a real-world interview experience. Students will receive constructive feedback on their communication skills, professionalism, and interview presence.

Lunch | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker | 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
Sarah Nassauer will share reflections on her career journey in journalism and the experiences that shaped her path. The remainder of the session will open up into a student-driven Q&A, creating space for questions about navigating post-graduate life, career decisions, and finding work that feels meaningful and grounded in curiosity. Speaker: Sarah Nassauer, Reporter for the Wall Street Journal

Coffee & Mingle Break | 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

LinkedIn Photo Booth | 2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Students will have the opportunity to have a professional photo taken to use on their LinkedIn profiles and/or Bard Career Network profiles.
Photographer: Joseph Nartey '26

Breakout Sessions: Workshops & Conversations | 2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
In a structured workshop setting, students will get to choose or rotate through various breakout sessions to refine their materials and practice different skill sets. With guidance and support from BardWorks staff, students leave with more robust materials and increased confidence.
1. Resume Reviews, Yellow Room - Led by Jeszack Gammon
2. Building Your LinkedIn & BCN Profile, Weis Cinema - Led by Tyler Williams & Elena Sniezek
3. Considering Graduate School: What You Need to Know, MPR - Led by Maureen Aurigemma
4. Tell Me About Yourself: Crafting Your Personal Introduction, MPR - Led by Jane Brien

Closing Remarks & Reminders | 4:00 p.m.

Building Your Community Reception | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
New Campus Center North (Park Near Robbins)
Students will participate in a networking reception at the new Campus Center North. This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with local community partners and alumni/ae from a variety of industries, while also gaining relationship-building and networking skills in a supportive and welcoming setting. Small bites and light beverages will be available throughout the evening, and students are encouraged to engage in conversations, ask questions, and practice professional networking in a low-pressure environment.
Business casual attire is encouraged for this event.

NYC: Career Pathways Panels & Networking with Alumni/ae
Throughout the day, students will learn from alumni/ae panels and workshops exploring pathways across a wide range of professional fields. Alumni/ae will share how they’ve translated their Bard liberal arts education into meaningful and successful careers. These sessions will highlight personal career journeys, offer practical advice, and help students think about how to align their own strengths and interests with post-grad work and life after Bard. Note: You'll be engaging with peers, alumni/ae, and professionals throughout the day. Business casual attire is encouraged. 

Student Departure from Campus: Kline Bus Stop | 7:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.
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; students should plan to board the bus before 7:10 a.m.

Student Arrival at NYC Location | 9:30 a.m. approx.
New York Law School (NYLS) 185 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Upon arrival, students will depart the bus and enter the NYLS building, where breakfast and tea/coffee will be provided.

Welcome & Introductions | 9:50 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Jane Brien ’89, Director of Alumni/ae Affairs

Conversations as Bridges: Finding Ease, Flow, and Presence | 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
This interactive workshop explores communication not as performance, but as relationship-building, listening, and intentional presence skills that are foundational across industries, roles, and life paths. Led by: Jeszack Gammon ’19, Career Adviser for Career Development

Hiring Insight Panel - From Application to Offer! | 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Students will hear directly from early-talent hiring managers and HR professionals as they share insight into the hiring decision-making process. Panelists will discuss recruitment and hiring practices in their fields, explain how applications are reviewed, and outline what factors influence interview and final offer decisions. They will also address how candidates can stand out, how the recruitment landscape is evolving, and the impact of new technologies and AI. Panelists will offer practical advice for effective job searching and networking strategies.
Moderated by: Sam McGaffin ’14, Senior Director of People Engagement and Strategy at Prospect Schools
Panelists: 
Mia McCully ’07, Director of Talent Acquisition at the Rockefeller Foundation
Hector Rivera Simon’s Rock, BA ’12, Director of Culture, Community & Accessibility at Playwright Horizons
Jenn LaBelle ’92, Director of Workplace Environment at Etsy

Coffee & Mingle Break | 11:45 a.m. - 12 noon

Keynote Speaker | 12 noon - 1:00 p.m.
In this keynote, Harry will share his journey from undergraduate life to a purpose-driven career, shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Drawing on pivotal transitions and nonlinear moments, he will explore how passion and evolving definitions of meaningful work guided his path to date. Speaker: Harry A. Johnson, Jr. ’17, Senior Associate at McKinsey & Company

Lunch & Connecting with Panelists | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This Wasn’t the Plan: Navigating Change & Transferable Skills | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Students will hear from Bard alumni/ae who have navigated both small and significant career changes, from working in multiple fields to pursuing paths completely unrelated to their majors. This panel highlights how to identify transferable skills, adapt to new opportunities, leverage your strengths in unexpected ways, and, most importantly, trust your gut.
Moderated by: Alex Carter ’15, Associate Director of Strategy at Madeo
Panelists:
Caia Diepenbrock ’15, Freelance Artist & Designer
Nina Watkins ’97, NYC Connect Program Director at World Connect
Danielle Iserlis ’16, Director of CRM at Spanx | ex-Estée Lauder Companies

Coffee & Mingle Break | 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Liberal Arts to Corporate & Start-up Careers | 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Students will hear from Bard alumni/ae working in the corporate sector as they reflect on their career journeys and the transition from a liberal arts education into corporate environments. This panel will offer insights into various workplace cultures and navigating the balance between professionalism and maintaining authenticity. They will also discuss how identifying one’s strengths, values, and interests can support purpose-driven work, even within structured environments like business, finance, tech, and consulting.
Moderated by: Nolan English ’13, Head of Platform at Azolla Ventures
Panelists:
Michael Adelman ’90, Director of Marketing for Rockefeller Asset Management
Gene Liebel ’90, Founding Partner of Work & Co
Luna Cantini ’14, Director of Marketing at WPP Media
Claire Olson ’16, Senior Consultant at Deloitte

Closing Remarks | 4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Speaker: Paul Jonathan Thompson '93, Executive Director, NYC Public Schools Arts Office, member of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors.

BardWorks NYC - “Building Your Community” Reception | 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Students will have the opportunity to meet and network with alumni/ae who live and work in the New York City area and represent a wide range of professional fields. Through this immersive experience, students will strengthen their networking and communication skills while applying the concepts developed throughout the BardWorks program.

Travel back to Annandale, leave NYC at 7:15 p.m.
Students will travel back to campus on transportation provided by BardWorks.