On Nov. 17, Kenyon’s Career Development Office (CDO) sent out an email regarding a unique opportunity for those looking to gain experience during winter break: Professional Extension Projects (PEPs). According to the email, PEPs are “real-world, project-based learning opportunities that allow students to develop key skills and receive feedback from professionals in their field.”
PEPs were first introduced in 2020 when logistical complications imposed by COVID-19 resulted in students’ internship offers being rescinded. In an effort to ameliorate the situation, Dean for Career Development Lee Schott, with the help of the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, reached out to a number of alumni from recent class years. These alumni developed programs and created opportunities for students to gain professional experience under the guidance of industry professionals.
The nascent program quickly proved to be a resounding success; Mia Sherin ’22, an alumna with a bachelor’s degree in English who completed a PEP in 2021, ended up securing both an internship in the following fall and subsequently a full-time job offer upon graduation through the connections she made during her PEP. According to an article published on the College’s website, Sherin worked with James Dennin ’13 and Cooper Fleishman ’09, both writers in New York City, and was able to showcase her passion for journalism as well as the relevant skills she had developed over the years, which led to the offers. Since then, over 200 students have participated in the program, working with alumni both to expand their networks and build professional portfolios for the job market. And last summer, the CDO collaborated with Infoverity, a data management firm based in Dublin, Ohio, to offer a PEP in consulting, attracting those with an interest in the data analytics industry at an institution predominantly populated by liberal arts aficionados.
Alex Shepherd ’25 completed a PEP in the spring of 2023 with Kendall Powell ’21, then an investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan. Over the course of the project, he learned about accounting, three-statement modeling and the basics of investment banking. “I learned a lot about specific roles in finance and careers in the financial industry,” Shepherd said in an interview with the Collegian. “I learned the technical skills to be successful on the job and in the interview process for investment banking roles.”
According to Associate Director of Career Development Karen Leuthold, the PEP program not only allows students to connect with alumni, but also gives them an opportunity to explore different career paths. Furthermore, it can also be added to a resume to enhance the experience section. Unlike a job shadow where participants merely observe, a PEP requires active participation and high levels of engagement throughout. While it can benefit those who are still in the early stages of their career or looking to switch career paths, Leuthold assured that it is open to all class years and that everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. She also emphasized that all PEPs are remote and therefore not limited by location: “You might not be able to do an internship in London, but you can do a PEP [with an alumnus] in London.”
While the CDO is no longer accepting applications for winter break PEPs, all students are welcome to apply to complete a PEP over summer break.