Upskill: An Immersive Experiential Learning Program

Upskill

Upskill!
An Immersive Experiential Learning Program

Upskill skill-building intensives are one-week, immersive programs where students gain exposure to specific industries and skill sets. Upskill takes place during non-academic periods in January, March, and May. Students
hear from experts, visit relevant organizations, and apply what they’re learning through hands-on projects. 

Christopher
Christopher De La Cerda
Susan L. Wagner ’82 Director, Career Advising & Inclusive Excellence Initiatives

January Track Details

Program Dates: Tues, Jan. 19 – Fri, Jan. 22, 2027
Application Window: Mon, Sept. 21, 2026– Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

  • Data Analysis for Industry
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Literacy
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Investment Banking
  • Medical Professions
  • Software Development Lifecycle 
  • Journalism

Location: Wellesley College Campus, with the exception of the May Journalism track in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Varies by track

More Information

The January Upskill Programs runs from Tuesday at 9am through Friday evening at 5pm including full-day sessions and some evening / off-site activities. Transportation to off-site activities is provided.

  • Cost: All Upskill tracks are free for all attendees. Housing on campus will be covered by the program. Food will be available through campus dining or the Upskill program. Participants are expected to pay for their own travel to/from campus.
  • Credit: Students receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to login 1 experiential learning unit on their transcript counting toward their degree requirement. 
  • ​Application & Selection: Students are welcome to apply to multiple Upskill tracks. Applications will be evaluated on their ability to communicate interest in the respective area as well as clarity in how the program will support their career journey.

March Track Details

Program Dates: Mon, Mar. 22 – Thurs, Mar. 25, 2027

  • Journalism
    Application Window: Mon, Sept. 21, 2026– Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm
    Location: Washington, D.C.
  • ​Nonprofit Administration
    Application Window: to be announced
    Location: Boston, MA 
More Information

Details coming soon!

May Track Details

Program Dates: Mon, May 17 – Thurs, May 20, 2027
Application Window: Mon, Feb. 8, 2026– Mon, Feb. 22, 2027 at 5pm

  • AI Product Development
  • Business Foundations
  • Data Analysis for Industry
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Negotiation & Decision-Making (in collaboration with the Albright Institute)
  • Working with Nature (in collaboration with the Botanic Gardens)

Location: Wellesley College Campus
Eligibility: Varies by track

More Information

The May Upskill Programs runs from Monday at 9am through Thursday evening at 5pm including full-day sessions and some evening / off-site activities. Transportation to off-site activities is provided.

  • Cost: All Upskill tracks are free for all attendees. Housing on campus will be covered by the program. Food will be available through campus dining or the Upskill program. Participants are expected to pay for their own travel to/from campus.
  • Credit: Students receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to login 1 experiential learning unit on their transcript counting toward their degree requirement. 
  • ​Application & Selection: Students are welcome to apply to multiple Upskill tracks. Applications will be evaluated on their ability to communicate interest in the respective area as well as clarity in how the program will support their career journey.

2026-2027 Upskill Tracks

AI Product Development

AI Product Development

Program: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

Application Opens Feb. 8
Business Foundations

Business Foundations

Program: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

Learn fundamental business concepts across key fields, practice practical skills, and collaborate on a one-day "Buildathon" pitch.

Application Opens Feb. 8
Data Analysis for Industry

Data Analysis for Industry

Program Date #1: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027 
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Program Date #2: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

Build practical analytics skills—including Excel, Tableau, and SQL—through real-world cases to prepare for entry-level analyst roles.

Apply Now
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Program: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learn startup tactics, and team up to pitch innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Apply Now
Financial Literacy

Personal Finance for Life After Wellesley

Program: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Build practical financial skills for life after Wellesley, manage credit and investing, and create a personalized post-graduation roadmap with a certified planner.

Apply Now
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Program Date #1: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027 
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Program Date #2: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

Gain foundational AI literacy, build ethical leadership skills, and apply the Wellesley AI Prism Framework to shape digital strategy.

Apply Now
Investment Banking

Investment Banking

Program: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Master financial modeling with Wall Street Prep, explore investment careers, and pitch a stock to active Boston investors.

Apply Now
Journalism

Journalism

Program: March 22 – 25, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm
Location: Washington, D.C.

In collaboration with CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies. Master the art of investigative journalism, cultivate sources, and learn directly from seasoned reporters to craft impactful stories.

Apply Now
Medical Professions

Medical Professions

Program: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Gain hands-on clinical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork through simulated medical emergencies at Harvard Medical School.

Apply Now
Negotiation & Decision Making

Negotiation & Decision Making

Program: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

In collaboration with the Albright Institute. 
Master fundamental negotiation strategies, understand your personal style, and practice key communication skills through interactive simulations and case studies.

Application Opens Feb. 8
Software Development Lifecycle

Software Development Lifecycle

Program: Jan. 19 – 22, 2027
Application Deadline: Fri, Oct. 2, 2026 at 5pm

Learn Github, build a resume-ready project, and master tech recruiting skills in this product development workshop for CS230 graduates.

Apply Now
Nonprofit Administration

Nonprofit Administration

Program Dates: Mon, Mar. 22 – Thurs, Mar. 25, 2027

Details coming soon!

Application period to be announced
Working with Nature

Working with Nature

Program: May 17 – 20, 2027
Application Deadline: Mon, Feb. 22 at 5pm

In collaboration with the Botanic Gardens. Explore ecosystem patterns at the Botanic Gardens, build reciprocal nature relationships, and apply feminist perspectives to environmental practices.

Application Opens Feb. 8

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • Who do I contact with questions?
    Contact Christopher De La Cerda with any questions at cd109@wellesley.edu.