Upskill: An Immersive Experiential Learning Program

Upskill!
An Immersive Experiential Learning Program

Upskill is a one-week, immersive experiential learning opportunity during wintersession where students will gain hands-on experience and begin building skills in specific industries. Students will work with experts, practitioners, and trainers to apply what they’re learning. There is no cost to participate and housing and meals will be provided.

In 2026, there will be six tracks offered: AI, Entrepreneurship, Investment Banking, Journalism, and Medical Professions & Software Development Lifecycle.

Track Details At-A-Glance

Dates: January 12–16, 2026
Monday evening through Friday. Full-day sessions, including some evening and off-site activities. Transportation to off-site activities will be provided.
Location: Wellesley College campus
Application window: Thursday, September 18 at 8pm EST – Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 5 pm ES
Decisions announced the week of October 19, 2025

Journalism & Software Development Lifecycle tracks only: Application deadline extended to Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5pm EST

Upskill Information Session Recording

Interested in learning more about the Upskill Program? Watch this recording from September 18, 2025!

Watch here

January 2026 Upskill Programs

AI For Social Impact

Participants will learn how to build the digital future we want with applied AI. Students will gain an understanding of AI through the lens of their future industry of interest while building project management and adaptive leadership tools for ethical change. Students will move from basic AI literacy to prototyping with AI. No technology prerequisites or previous AI experience required.

Apply Here

Entrepreneurship

Participants will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset by exploring the case study method with Harvard Business School cases, engaging in business simulation projects, and working as a team on a business proposal.

Apply here

Investment Banking

Participants will complete a two-day boot camp administered by Wall Street Prep, a leading Wall Street training firm, and work closely with professionals from investment banking and capital markets teams to understand the role of investment banking in the broader economy and learn about the recruiting process.

Apply here

Journalism Track

This program aims to equip aspiring journalists with foundational skills in investigative reporting, focusing on research, critical thinking, storytelling, and ethical considerations. We will be working with seasoned veterans including Callie Crossley from PBS, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera from CNBC, Yaffa Frederick from The Houston Chronicle, and Emily Whip from ABCs 20/20.

Apply here

Medical Professions

Students will participate in a 4 day hands-on learning experience at Harvard Medical School with the MEDscience program. Participants will take part in simulated medical emergencies and learn new medical skills to encourage critical thinking, effective communication, problem solving, and teamwork. This program is designed for any student interested in pursuing a patient facing career.

Apply here

Software Development Lifecycle

Participants will use Github and other pertinent tools to develop a collaborative project under the guidance of professionals and learn how to demonstrate skills gained through development to employers and in a corporate, professional setting.

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

Christopher De La Cerda

Susan L. Wagner ’82 Director, Career Advising & Inclusive Excellence Initiatives

General

FAQs

Can I apply to multiple Upskill programs?
Yes, students are welcome to apply to multiple Upskill programs. However, students are only permitted to complete one UpSkill program per year.
What is the selection criteria for the application review?
Students will be evaluated on their ability to communicate their interest in the respective industry as well as clearly identify how they believe the program will support their career journey.

Software Development Lifecycle

FAQs

What information will be covered in the Software Development Lifecycle Upskill program?
The program is designed to help participants:
- Understand Github and how to use it to demonstrate coding and software development knowledge to employers
- Develop a new project in Github but can also be added to a resume
- Learn how to navigate tech recruiting and best present yourself to recruiters
Who is eligible to apply for the Software Development Lifecycle Upskill program, and what makes a strong application?
The program is open to Wellesley students who have taken CS230. A strong applicant will be collaborative, imaginative, understand the basics of coding, software development and be interested in working within the tech industry.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Christopher De La Cerda (Susan L. Wagner ’82 Director, Career Advising & Inclusive Excellence Initiatives, Advisor for Careers in Technology) with any questions at cd109@wellesley.edu.

Entrepreneurship

FAQs

What information will be covered in the Entrepreneurship Upskill program?
The program is designed to:
- provide an introduction to marketing, finance and general business principles using Harvard Business School cases and methods;
- work on teambuilding;
- develop pattern recognition; and
- open participants’ minds to cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset
Who is eligible to apply for the Entrepreneurship Upskill program, and what makes a strong application?
The program is open to all students who are interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset to eventually apply it to a business environment, whether that be a preexisting company, startup or by creating their own. A strong applicant will be curious, open, show initiative and interested in having an impact in the business environment.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Casey Hurley (Lois D. Juliber ’71 Director for Business, Entrepreneurship, & Financial Empowerment) with any questions at ch111@wellesley.edu.

Investment Banking

FAQs

What information will be covered in the Investment Banking Upskill program?
Participants will receive hands-on training in financial modeling, financial statement analysis, and valuation. Participants will also learn directly from industry practitioners about the industry, the role of an early-career Investment Banking Analyst, and best-practices in Investment Banking recruiting.
Who is eligible to apply for the Investment Banking Upskill program?
The program is designed for all students preparing for the Investment Banking recruiting season. Applications from Seniors will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Hilda Lief (Susan L. Wagner ’82 Associate Director/Advisor for Business, Consulting, Finance, & Marketing) with any questions at hl119@wellesley.edu.

Journalism

FAQs

What information will be covered in the Journalism Upskill program?
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the “art and science” of investigative work, from cultivating sources and verifying information to crafting compelling narratives that hold power accountable.
Who is eligible to apply for the Journalism Upskill program, and what makes a strong application?
Key to this experience is an interest and desire to pursue a career in journalism and a commitment to teamwork within a group environment. Prior experience in journalism is not necessary but will make for a stronger candidate. Applicants from all majors are encouraged to apply. Juniors and seniors will be prioritized; sophomores will also be considered.
Who do I contact with questions?
More details are available via the application link. Contact Hebert Labbate (Susan L. Wagner ’82 Associate Director/Advisor for International/Governmental Affairs, Communication & Education with any questions at hl116@wellesley.edu.

Medical Professions

FAQs

What information will be covered in the Medical Professions Upskill program?
Participants will take part in simulated medical emergencies and learn new medical skills to encourage critical thinking, effective communication, problem solving, and teamwork. This program will be held on campus and at the Harvard Medical School with the MEDscience program and some activities include: Clinical skill building | Interpreting vital signs | Simulation of medical emergencies | Exploration of medical professions | Visit to Harvard Medical School.
Who is eligible to apply for the Medical Professions Upskill program?
The program is open to any student interested in pursuing a patient-facting career such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Cindy Seltzer (Helen Wallace ’33 Director, Health Professions Advising) at cseltzer@wellesley.edu or Layne Flynn (Assistant Director, Health Professions Advising) at lf105@wellesley.edu with any questions.

Upskill: An Immersive Experiential Learning Program