Student & Alumni Offerings
The Olitsky Program provides supplemental, strength-based professional development support for students and alumni who may identify with having cognitive and/or emotional differences. Opportunities are provided through one-on-one guidance, group programming, and inclusive, low-barrier professional environments.
Leveraging the strengths of neurodistinct thinkers, the program is intentionally designed to be open and beneficial to all.
Through the Olitsky Program, students and alumni can take advantage of the following opportunities:
- 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
> Schedule via Handshake or email atavares@andrew.cmu.edu - Peer Connect Gatherings
>Communication in the Workplace: Connecting Across Communication Styles (February 5th 6:30pm ET)
>Rebuilding Momentum Toward Your Professional Goals (March 17th 6:30pm ET)
Student-Employer Connect Event - > Anti-Networking Networking Event (Thursday, February 19th from 5p.m. - 7p.m.)
- Professional Power Hour
> Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m. ET - Recharge Rooms
> Available during in-person career fairs
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What: Develop individualized goals for your career and professional development in a small barrier-free environment With Whom: Meet with Amy Tavares Where: CPDC Advising Center (West Wing, 2nd Floor), virtual via Zoom, or over the phone When: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET How: Schedule appointments (Handshake) or email atavares@andrew.cmu.edu BACK TO TOP |
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What is Peer Connect? Peer Connect is a program that offers opportunities for CMU students and alumni to connect, share insights, and support each other’s professional growth. Each session explores different career-related topics and is tailored to participants' interests. Designed with a strengths-based approach, the space values all neurotypes and welcomes all communication styles, learning preferences, and backgrounds. February 5, 2026 - Communication in the Workplace: Connecting Across Communication Styles
March 17, 2026 - Rebuilding Momentum Toward Your Professional Goals
What: Feeling "stuck" on a job search, portfolio, or career goal? You aren’t alone. Professional plateaus are often just a sign that your current system needs a reset. Join us for a low-pressure session to deconstruct these roadblocks through a neuro-inclusive lens. We will move past the "shoulds" to identify specific friction points that halt progress. You’ll brainstorm practical strategies to break through paralysis and leave with a shared library of community-vetted tools to help you stay consistent. BACK TO TOP |
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Anti-Networking Networking Event What: Where connections happen… accidentally. (Undergrads only!) Traditional networking can feel like a performance. This event is a low‑pressure space to meet people, swap experiences, and grow your network without any of the usual awkwardness. No business cards. No icebreaker games. No expectations. Just chill activities, optional conversation prompts, and plenty of room to connect naturally. Whether you’re introverted, neurodivergent, socially selective, or just allergic to traditional networking, this is your space to build real connections on your own terms. Come for the vibes. Stay because you accidentally expanded your network. When: February 19th, 5pm-7pm Where: Danforth Lounge, CUC How: Registration is limited. You MUST meet with Amy Tavares or Julie Jurich in order to attend. Schedule a meeting via Handshake (Career Center →Schedule an Appointment → Required Pre‑Event Appointments for Low‑Pressure Connection Events → Anti-Networking Networking Event).
1:1 Student-Employer Connect Event What: A networking opportunity for students and employers to connect. These events promote one-on-one conversations in a casual, flexible, and reduced-barrier environment. A recharge room (a low-sensory room) and communication badges are available for all attendees. When: Coming April 2026 Where: Rangos Ballroom (CUC) |
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What: 1-hour block of time dedicated to work on professional development tasks (i.e., applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, updating LinkedIn profile, etc.,) alongside a career consultant and your peers |
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What: A Recharge Room is a reduced sensory space where any student can go to rest, relax, and refresh during an event. Fidget objects, earplugs, and coloring pages are made available. A staff member may also be available to talk and provide words of encouragement. When: Check this page's calendar to see all of our Recharge Rooms. You can use them before, after, and during an event. Where: Location of the Recharge Room is located in the calendar event. BACK TO TOP |
