Mount Holyoke banner on the flag post. Photo by Max Wilhelm.

Sophomore Institute

Next scheduled: January 21–24, 2026

Get ready to grow at the Sophomore Institute.

Sophomore Institute is intentionally designed to reach students at the midpoint of their career at MHC. This immersive experience is open to all sophomores, who are invited to return to campus each January to embark on four days of learning, exploring, preparing and connecting. In collaboration with all campus divisions, Sophomore Institute is a cornerstone of MHC's comprehensive career readiness program.

Students at the Sophomore Institute at Mount Holyoke College

Learn

On day one, students will work together to create their professional résumé, develop their LinkedIn profile, gain an understanding of how to make professional introductions and begin to hone their career-centered goals.

Students participating in the Sophomore Institute.

Explore

Sophomore Institute is rooted in deep exploration. Students will lean into reflective practices, build community and explore their identity and values as it relates to career readiness.

Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute, 2025.

Prepare

Throughout this experience, students will learn about different types of experiential learning, the Lynk summer funding program and the importance of relationship building and professional communication.

Student claps during a presentation at the Sophomore Institute 2025

Connect

As a culmination of this immersive experience, students will spend the final day connecting with our alums through panels, networking receptions and informational interviews.

What can the Sophomore Institute do for me?

The Sophomore Institute prepares you to develop a career that combines what you’re good at with what you love and what the world needs.

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Student paying attention during the Sophomore Institute.
Student asking a question at the Sophomore Institute at Mount Holyoke College
Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute.
Sophomore Institute at Mount Holyoke College
Full room for the Sophomore Institute.
Student paying attention during the Sophomore Institute.
Student paying attention during the Sophomore Institute.
Student asking a question at the Sophomore Institute at Mount Holyoke College
Student asks a question during the Sophomore Institute.
Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute.
Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute.
Sophomore Institute at Mount Holyoke College
Students listening attentively during the Sophomore Institute.
Full room for the Sophomore Institute.
Full room for the Sophomore Institute.
Presenter at the Sophomore Institute.
Presenter at the Sophomore Institute.
Presenters at the Sophomore Institute, 2025. Photo by Max Wilhelm.
Presenters at the Sophomore Institute.
Presenters at the Sophomore Institute, 2025. Photo by Max Wilhelm.
Presenters at the Sophomore Institute.
Student talks with an alum presenter during the Sophomore Institute.
Student talks with an alum presenter during the Sophomore Institute.
Sophomore Institute speaker presenting.
Sophomore Institute speaker presenting.
Student speaking during the Sophomore Institute
Student speaking during the Sophomore Institute.
Sophomore Institute audience members
Sophomore Institute audience members
Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute.
Students engage with one another during the Sophomore Institute.