
Applications Now Open
SoACE is proud to introduce the SoACE Master Class Academy (MCA), an advanced-level professional development experience designed for seasoned recruiting partners and career services professionals.
Through MCA, participants will engage directly with senior leaders in the field and benefit from their institutional knowledge, leadership journeys, and strategic insights. Through case studies, facilitated discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, MCA provides an intentional space to explore complex leadership challenges and receive tailored guidance in real time.
Who Should Apply?
The SoACE Master Class Academy is designed for individuals who:
- Have seven or more years of experience in career services, recruiting, or a related field
- Currently hold or aspire to senior leadership roles
- Are seeking deeper strategic, organizational, and leadership development
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
Program Fee: $500
There is no fee to submit an application. Applicants who are accepted into the SoACE Master Class Academy will be invoiced for the $500 program fee following notification of acceptance.
Apply Today
2026–2027 Master Class Academy Schedule
Leading Through Change and Complexity
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 2:00–3:30 p.m. Eastern / 1:00–2:30 p.m. Central
- Leading large-scale change initiatives
- Navigating institutional complexity
- Building buy-in across stakeholders
Data-Informed Leadership and Decision-Making
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 10:00–11:30 a.m. Eastern / 9:00–10:30 a.m. Central
- Using data to influence strategy
- Balancing metrics with intuition
- Communicating impact to leadership
Executive Presence and Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 2:00–3:30 p.m. Eastern / 1:00–2:30 p.m. Central
- Showing up in executive spaces
- Balancing authenticity and authority
- Aligning external engagement with institutional priorities
Career Progression and Leadership Transitions
Wednesday, April 7, 2027 10:00–11:30 a.m. Eastern / 9:00–10:30 a.m. Central
- Moving from manager to senior leader
- Making strategic career moves
- Preparing for executive roles
Application Questions
Applicants are encouraged to review the questions below and prepare their responses before beginning the online application.
Personal Information
- Name
- Preferred pronouns
- Gender
- Email address
- Years of experience in career services or a related field
Organization Information
- Job title
- Organization
- Mailing address
Personal Experience
Please answer each of the following questions in 300 words or fewer.
- Current Role
Please share information about your functional area. Is your position student-facing or employer-facing? What are your primary responsibilities?
- Career Inflection Points
Consider the moments in your career that stand out as inflection points—turning points when you recognized that something needed to change or embraced a new sense of self. What did you learn about yourself and leadership? What feedback have you received from others that resonates with you most?
- Looking Forward
Write about the possibilities you see for the next five to seven years of your career. What types of roles or projects feel energizing? What skill gaps do you need to address to be better prepared for that type of work?
- Building Connections
Consider individuals who embody leadership traits you admire. What attributes do you wish to emulate, and why? Think about how these individuals celebrate others, solve problems, and manage crucible experiences.
- The Last Word
What else should the committee know when considering your application? You may include additional information about your personality, skills, or experience. You may also wish to explore what leadership means to you and how you see yourself working toward that ideal.
Resume
Applicants will be asked to upload a current resume as part of the application.
Questions? Contact the SoACE office at [email protected].
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