Don Kjelleren

Don Kjelleren (Director, Professional and Career Development), dkshares his career path, advice for students, and how he can help below.
 
 802.443.5107
 Finance, Consulting, and Business

My advising philosophy:

My advising philosophy is essentially creating action oriented and impactful conversations. To be ultimately successful on the challenging path of discovering your life work, or in pursuing it, it’s essential that you fully engage with the process. Results scale with effort, and I’ve found that action oriented conversations lead to greater outcomes. I recognize that Middlebury students are brilliant and yet are severely time constrained, so my philosophy is to cover a great deal of ground in each advising session; from conducting a resume review, offering self-assessment, identifying alumni connections via MiddNet and Linked In, discussing go-to resources, and most importantly, developing a personal action plan to achieve your postgraduate goals.

Come see me if… 

Either you have that single burning question or are looking for a much deeper coaching relationship. There are no career questions that are off the table and it’s neither too early to get started, nor too late. I’m here essentially to help you figure out what you want to do with your exceptional education, and help you apply your best thinking to pursuing it. While my area focus is pre-business, particularly finance and consulting (Goldman or McKinsey anyone?), I’m actually available to speak with any liberal arts student about how your personal passions can align with your professional pursuits. Also, reach out to me if you’re ever interested in a lunch-time jog on the golf course or hitting up the TAM trails on a mountain bike!

How did you get to Midd, Don? 

I attended Dickinson College, where I studied Economics and Political Science, followed by an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, after which I moved to California to work for the consumer foods icon Frito Lay as an account executive. Later I worked for Cable AdNet, marketing advertising spots on networks like CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime, Discovery, etc. Eventually, I transitioned to higher education here at Middlebury and since have held several progressive roles, including spearheading the senior and recruiting programs and most recently as Director of Professional and Career Development at CCI.

What are some of the most interesting and fitting jobs you’ve helped students apply for?

 I’ve helped innumerable students win internships and jobs at all of the bulge bracket banks in the US and most of the premier consulting firms that you can name. I also help with an even greater variety of jobs at “off Wall Street” firms and economic consulting gigs. I’ve also worked with students who are interested in working for Google, Epic, and the Open Source Center at the CIA among many others. There is something out there for everyone, of every major and interest and I’ve been privileged to help many students find their way to a satisfying professional role.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role at Middlebury? 

Undoubtedly it’s working with students like you. The majority of what I do is accelerate and amplify your professional success. It’s highly energizing to work with super bright and motivated Middlebury students like you.  What’s most rewarding is helping you to gain clarity about your direction – then connecting you with the right resources and alumni to make it happen.

“There is something out there for everyone, of every major and interest and I’ve been privileged to help many students find their way to a satisfying professional role.”

Wisdom you want all Middlebury students to know, in six words or less:

Know yourself, AND what employers seek!

An anonymous donor is paying for all your expenses to live abroad for a year. You must leave immediately, and packing is not an option. Where do you go, and why?

Fiji—I’m definitely attracted to do something totally off beat in an unspoiled tropical environment!  When can I start packing my snorkel gear?

Your alter ego spends his day…

Roaming the earth dispensing wisdom and supporting charitable causes.

Don’s Blog Posts:

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