At Stonehill College in Massachusetts, the career development team is redefining what it means to help students prepare for the future of work. Led by Andrew Leahy, their approach is centered on curiosity, exploration, and meaning.

Here’s how Andrew describes the impact of using the Challenge mindset on campus:

“As advisors, we always have to meet students where they are at. Anything that gets students thinking in new ways, different ways, is a good thing.

SparkPath puts the idea of "career" into a new context, one where students don't see just a job, but a purpose. They begin to see they can do something where they see value, not just something that somehow relates to their academic major.

We are broadening our reach with SparkPath by incorporating it into the syllabus of a course guiding students through the process of career exploration. We will also use it for various sections of a First Year Experience course. We purchased the Career Myths cards to use during drop-ins across campus - they are great conversation starters!”

 - Andrew Leahy, Stonehill College

By embedding the Challenge Cards and Career Myth Cards directly into their curriculum and campus-wide experiences, Stonehill College helps learners connect their studies to a larger sense of purpose and possibility. They invite students to think about challenges to solve rather than job titles to fit into.

Thank you to Andrew and the Stonehill team for leading the way in empowering students to design meaningful careers, not just based on majors, but on the difference they want to make.