Students will check in, receive their name tags, and pick up any summit materials or swag bags. During this time, students can begin taking professional headshots and visit the career closet to shop for professional clothing and career attire.

This keynote session will focus on career resilience and the importance of developing human-centered skills as AI and technology continue to transform the workforce. The speaker will discuss how students can remain competitive by strengthening skills such as communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, leadership, networking, and critical thinking. The goal of this session is to help students understand that while AI is changing the future of work, there will always be value in professionals who know how to build relationships, solve problems, and adapt to change.

• Identify the human-centered skills that remain essential as AI continues to reshape the workforce.

• Understand how communication, adaptability, and critical thinking strengthen career readiness.

• Develop strategies for remaining resilient and competitive in an evolving job market.

This is a break for scholars to walk over to the breakout sessions and grab some snacks and or any bathroom breaks.

Breakout Session 1: How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market

This session will focus on practical strategies students can use to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Topics may include building a strong LinkedIn profile, networking effectively, leveraging internships and campus involvement, developing transferable skills, building a personal brand, and learning how to confidently communicate experiences during interviews. The goal is to help students better understand how to position themselves professionally and maximize opportunities while still in college.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, scholars will be able to:

• Learn practical strategies to build a competitive professional brand both online and in person.

• Identify ways to leverage internships, campus involvement, networking, and transferable skills to strengthen career opportunities.

• Gain confidence communicating experiences and accomplishments during networking and interviews.

Breakout Session 2 : Mental Health, Burnout & Career Pressure

This session will create space for honest conversations surrounding stress, burnout, imposter syndrome, comparison culture, and the pressure students often feel while preparing for their careers. Students will explore strategies for maintaining balance, protecting their mental health, and defining success for themselves while navigating academics, internships, leadership roles, and future career goals. The objective is to remind students that career development should not come at the expense of their overall well-being.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, scholars will be able to:

• Recognize common signs of burnout, stress, imposter syndrome, and career-related pressure.

• Explore practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being while pursuing academic and professional goals.

• Develop a personal approach to balancing career ambition with overall wellness.

During this hour, students will have the opportunity to network with peers, mentors, and professionals while enjoying lunch. Students may continue taking professional headshots and visit the career closet to shop for professional clothing and career attire. This portion of the summit is designed to encourage relationship building, confidence, and career preparation in a more relaxed setting.

This session will focus on the value of mentorship and how meaningful professional relationships can support personal, academic, and career growth. Students will learn how to build authentic connections, seek guidance, maintain professional relationships, and leverage mentorship opportunities throughout college and beyond.

Learning Objective:

• Understand the role mentorship plays in personal, academic, and career success.

• Learn strategies for identifying, building, and maintaining meaningful mentoring relationships.

• Develop confidence in seeking guidance and leveraging mentorship throughout college and beyond

Students will participate in a speed networking experience with mentors and professionals from a variety of industries. Mentors will be stationed at designated tables while students rotate between conversations every few minutes. This activity is designed to help students practice networking, ask career-related questions, build confidence, and make valuable professional connections.

The summit will conclude with closing remarks from CDI staff and summit partners. During this time, raffle prizes, giveaways, or additional student recognitions may also be announced. Students will leave with new connections, practical career knowledge, and resources to support their professional journey.