Conn opens Hale Center for Career Development

Connecticut College’s nationally recognized four-year career program has a new home at the heart of campus.

The state-of-the-art Hale Center for Career Development is now open in Fanning Hall, a central hub of academic activity. The move coincides with the launch of a new career curriculum—designed to help students develop professionalism and hone their skills in researching, networking and storytelling—and a new Flexible Funding Program that makes multiple funding opportunities for internships and career preparation available during a student’s years at Conn.  

“For a College that puts the ‘liberal arts into action,’ there could be no better place for our career office than in the center of campus. It sends a powerful message to our community—and to prospective students and families—that we are serious about supporting students in identifying and pursuing meaningful career opportunities throughout their college experience,” said Dean of the College Jefferson Singer.

Supported by a gift from Robert Hale ’88 P’20 and Karen Hale P’20, the 3,135 square feet of new space on the first floor of Fanning, renovated this summer, includes the Office of the Hale Center for Career Development, “smart” conference rooms, interview spaces, and a welcoming environment for visiting employers. Other features include three new classrooms, a new slate roof and a new elevator, making all four floors of the building accessible for the first time in its 90-year history. Importantly, the east entrance to the building, closed for decades, is now open, effectively making the career office the front door to campus.

“One of the goals of our strategic plan, Building on Strength, is to develop the very best liberal arts career program in the country,” said Connecticut College President Katherine Bergeron. “Thanks to Rob and Karen’s extraordinary generosity, we are well on our way to making that vision a reality.”

Career planning is a cornerstone of Connections, Connecticut College’s reinvention of the liberal arts. With the support of a team of advisers, including a career adviser, students connect their coursework to off-campus learning experiences, internships and other professional development to build the skills and confidence they need to identify, develop and pursue their career goals. 

“From their first day on campus, our students are creating personalized action plans and building the academic and professional skills they will need to thrive in life and in work,” said Persephone Hall, the Hale Family Director of the Hale Center for Career Development. 

“The career office has a long and distinguished history of preparing students to put their liberal arts education to work as leaders and change-makers in the world. This new, modern space will benefit the entire community and ensure that the tools, programs and services we offer are even more accessible.” 

The College will host an open house during Fall Weekend and will officially dedicate the space at the Fall Board of Trustees meeting in October.