KICKSTART IS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE THAT EQUIPS NEW CAREER SERVICES STAFF WITH THE SKILLS TO BE STRATEGIC AND INNOVATIVE.
Kickstart is for new career services professionals who have been in their role for 0-2 years. The curriculum has been developed with a diverse audience in mind, both from education, background, and years of experience.
Kickstart is for professionals new to career services who may or may not have previous experience in higher education or at other offices on campus. They might be recent master's or Ph.D. graduates or recent hires from industry.
The program has also been designed to cater to career professionals with various career services roles such as career education, employer relations, internships, and experiential learning, or marketing/data/operations. We hope you will join the Kickstart community.
May 5-6, 2026
In Atlanta
@ Georgia Institute of Technology
+ Four Months of Virtual Cohort Sessions
WHY KICKSTART?
Kickstart leverages cohort-based learning with a group of peers who have diverse backgrounds and professional experiences.
In addition to your cohort, Kickstarters are also engaged in small community C-groups that provide regular feedback and support.
This program connects you with veteran leaders who share their insights and experiences.
Much of the content is focused on trends in the field, insights from The Collective’s work with hundreds of campuses, and contemporary best practices curated by the training team.
Participants learn how to maximize their roles and contribute at a high level early in their careers.
In addition to gaining expertise in the profession, participants also engage in relevant skill-building, like data competency, strategic planning, and connecting with stakeholders.
This program involves 2 days of in-person training and networking AND four months of virtual cohort sessions.
2026 KICKSTART SCHEDULE
May 5-6, 2026
In-person in Atlanta at Georgia Institute of Technology
All Times EASTERN
Day 1
2:00 - 3:00: Check-in & Networking
3:00 - 6:00 pm: Welcome + Program Begins
6:00 - 8:30 pm: Dinner on Your Own with Community Groups
Day 2
9:00 - 3:30 pm: Kickstart Training Program
+ 4 Additional Sessions of Online Video Training & Community with Your C-Group
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel is on your own and we do not have room blocks, due to small size of the program. Here is a link to Gerogia Tech recommended hotels close to campus: https://campustravel.com/university/georgia-institute-of-technology/.
You are welcome to stay at any hotel that best suits your needs.
GETTING TO CAMPUS
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 25–30 minutes from the Georgia Tech campus. Rideshare services like Lyft/Uber, taxis, or carpooling are convenient options for getting to campus.
RESTAURANTS
2026 KICKSTART COSTS
Member Rate: $975
Non-Member Rate: $1175
Inclusive of: Two days of onsite training, materials, and community with your Kickstart cohort + Four online sessions
KICKSTART TESTIMONIALS
I loved the connections made at the Kickstart! The insights into how career centers can be re-envisioned to be more scalable were helpful in sparking conversations back in the office. I remember distinctly, at the end of the experience, wishing it was LONGER - something you don't often feel following any conferences/trainings!
Sarah Peters
Assistant Director of the Springer Center for Internships
Bradley University
May Cohort 2022
MAY 2026 TEACHING TEAM
Monique Frost
Consultant
The Career Leadership Collective
Nick Cattin
Senior Manager of Consulting
The Career Leadership Collective
Are you new to career services, but feeling a bit too seasoned for Kickstart? Check out:
ASPIRE: For Mid-manager career professionals
MASTERMIND: For Top-level Career Leaders
Executive Leaders Forum: For Senior Administrators who oversee career services
Kickstart Curriculum
May 2026 Cohort Logistics
TRANSPORTATION ON YOUR OWN
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It is easy to use LYFT/UBER or MARTA (Rail and Bus Lines) around Atlanta
FAQs
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Are seats limited? Yes, registration is first-come, first-served.
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Can I save a spot for a future new hire whose name I don't know yet? Yes, you have this option at registration if you are hiring a new staff member right now and want them to come.
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Can I send a graduate student who works in our office? Yes, but we recommend the investment only if you are likely to hire them full-time.
Want to chat about Kickstart before registering?