SoACE Master Class Academy

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

  1. Name
  2. Preferred pronouns
  3. Gender
  4. Email address
  5. Years of experience in career services or a related field

Organization Information

  1. Job title
  2. Organization
  3. Mailing address

Personal Experience

Please answer each of the following questions in 300 words or fewer.
  1. Current Role
    Please share information about your functional area. Is your position student-facing or employer-facing? What are your primary responsibilities?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application by August 21, 2026.

Begin the Application


Questions? Contact the SoACE office at [email protected].