Cardinal Compass: Career

DASH and the Cardinal Compass program supports student-athletes in translating lived experiences into professional development opportunities at Stanford and meaningful careers after graduation.

Career Coaching

Career Coaching offers Stanford student-athletes individualized, one-on-one support through both Stanford Athletics and Stanford Career Education. Through guided conversations and practical guidance, athletes explore career interests, set goals, and prepare for life after competition while gaining clarity, confidence, and direction at each stage of their professional journey.

Career Programming

Coffee Chats

Coffee Chats are informal conversations that connect Stanford student-athletes with alumni and industry partners in a relaxed, relationship-centered setting. These gatherings create space for candid dialogue about career paths, industry insights, and life after competition, while also accommodating the demanding schedules of Stanford athletes. Designed to foster meaningful connection over transactional networking, Coffee Chats help athletes build confidence, ask questions, and grow their professional networks one conversation at a time.

Off-The-Farm Experiences

Off The Farm Experiences are immersive, industry-based learning opportunities that connect Stanford student-athletes directly with employers, recruiters, and Stanford alumni working across a range of industries. Through site visits, company treks, and structured conversations, athletes gain firsthand insight into day-to-day work, organizational culture, and career pathways while building relationships with professionals who understand both the workplace and the student-athlete experience. These experiences bridge academic learning, athletic identity, and professional exploration, helping athletes make informed decisions and expand their networks as they prepare for life after competition.

Alumni Mentorship

Tap into the powerful Stanford athlete-alumni network to learn from those who’ve been in your shoes. Cardinal Compass facilitates authentic, relationship-driven mentorship opportunities with alumni who reflect your values, goals, and lived experience. These connections help you envision possibilities, gather practical advice, and expand your professional network.

Cardinal Conversations

Cardinal Conversations is a year-long mentorship pilot that bridges generations of Stanford Athletics, connecting alumni and student-athletes to promote connection, community, and opportunity. Utilizing the AI-based platform, Orbiit, Cardinal Conversations will create mentorship matches based on interests, career goals, and lived experiences.

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Block S Society

Block S Society is a digital platform that connects former and current Stanford student-athletes to engage, learn, and support one another. Through guidance and professional insight, the platform fosters career exploration, personal growth, and long-term community across generations of Stanford athletes. Additional updates and opportunities to engage will be shared as the platform continues to evolve.

Jobs & Internships

Handshake is Stanford University’s primary platform for posting internships and job opportunities and connecting with Stanford talent. Employers and alumni can use Handshake to share roles, promote events, and engage with students across the University, including Stanford student-athletes, through a centralized and trusted recruiting platform.

The Stanford Athlete Summer Internship Program connects employers and Stanford Athletics alumni with Stanford student-athletes through meaningful internship opportunities. Experiences are designed to align with academic and athletic schedules while providing hands-on professional experience and exposure to emerging talent.

Employers and Stanford Athletics alumni interested in hosting a student-athlete intern are invited to submit an internship opportunity below.

Employer Interest Form

Digital Platforms

Tim’s Corner

A weekly, curated resource hub created specifically for Stanford student-athletes, centralizing student-athlete-specific internships, jobs, on-campus events, and alumni and employer connections that complement Stanford’s broader career ecosystem.

Cardinal Compass LinkedIn Page

An opportunity-focused page dedicated to sharing employment, internship, and research opportunities for Stanford student-athletes, complementing Stanford Athletics communications while also celebrating the stories of student-athletes and alumni as they pursue their evolving career goals. Follow Cardinal Compass on LinkedIn.

Stanford Alumni Directory

The Alumni Directory is the only verified online listing of Stanford alumni. Whether you're looking to reconnect with a classmate, seek advice, discover alumni with similar interests, or find out if a company is a right fit for you, the Alumni Directory is a helpful resource for alumni and students looking to make personal and professional connections. Visit the Alumni Directory.