Welcome to your Sophomore Year! The Sophomore year is a pivotal time at Old Westbury as you give thought to and make decisions about your academic plans and career choices. The Sophomore Jump Program is designed to transition students through their sophomore year and into their major department by their junior year. We want our Sophomores to excel by providing opportunities and support for your academic and professional success.
Sophomore Jump Office: Campus Center, H202
Email: Sophomorejump@oldwestbury.edu
Get ready to jump-start your second year at SUNY OW with Sophomore Jump!
Check out our upcoming events this semester on Panther Connect!
Sophomore Jump Goals for Students:
- Develop academic, social and career purpose.
- Discover and utilize campus resources.
- Develop personal and professional resources.
- Explore career options.
- Acquire and apply skills for success.
Sophomore Jump Programming Includes:
- Degree Planning Workshops
- Career Awareness Workshops
- Academic Advising after the First-Year
- Sophomore Activities and Events
- Peer Mentorship available to support students
How to participate in Sophomore Jump:
Sophomore Jump is a yearlong program designed to help second-year students finalize their major decision and put together an action plan for graduation and beyond. Sophomore Jump offers flexible ways for students to get involved. Consider participating in one or more of the programs below. Click the arrow to open each section to read more.
Sophomore Jump Pathway
The Sophomore Jump pathway is an excellent and easy way to prepare for your junior year. Students on the pathway will engage in academic degree planning, career exploration and planning, professional skill development, and financial literacy!
The Sophomore Jump pathway involves the following:
Attend a minimum of 4 Sophomore Jump workshops/events.
Attend 2 Academic themed workshops/events hosted by an Academic Department or Center.
Create a personalized degree plan for graduation with an Academic Advisor.
Complete the financial literacy track in Banzai! (Class code needed to join- contacts us! )
Engage in Career Exploration & Professional Skill Development activities. (See 2nd Year to Career program)
Students can sign-up at any time! Contact Sophomore Jump at sophomorejump@oldwestbury.edu for more information and to sign-up!
NEW: Students can now track their certificate progress on Panther Connect by completing the Sophomore Experience Pathway.
Micro-Internships
Sophomore Jump is partnered with Parker Dewey to provide micro-internship opportunities to second-year students!
Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects allow you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build your networks as you seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships:
- Can take place year-round
- Typically range from 10 to 40 hours of work
- Are typically due between one week and one month after kick-off.
Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups both in New York and across the U.S. Micro-Internships are facilitated via the Parker Dewey platform, which connects Students/Recent Grads with Organizations in need of support.
Click HERE to get started.
2nd Year to career program
Jump start your career journey by participating in 2nd Year to Career! Read student testimonials about the program in the article linked below written by Jon Kleinman.
2nd Year to Career is a 10-week career -oriented program in the spring semester that is designed to help sophomore students explore career options, network with professionals, and develop soft skills for career success. This is an excellent opportunity to jump-start your career development and start building a professional network.
Gain insight and receive advice on your career path from alumni and other professionals. Students will undergo a weekly series of professional skill development workshops and engage in career conversations with various professionals related to their career interests.
Applications for Spring 2026 will open in November 2025.
Academic Degree Planning
Banzai! Financial Literacy
Take your personal finance to the next level by completing the Banzai! Online Financial Literacy course on Advanced Budgeting or Entrepreneurship. With sophisticated scenarios and advanced topics, dive deeper into making the most of your finances.
Sign up for the Sophomore Jump Banzai class by clicking HERE. Or go to Banzai.org and sign-up using the class code XEQZ45.
Sophomore Jump Links:
- Degree Programs
- Academic Support Services
- Career Planning & Development
- Center for Student Leadership and Involvement (CSLI)
Contact:
Kaitlin Janes
Sophomore Class Dean & Academic Advisor
Sophomore Jump
Campus Center, H202