Early Career Advisory Board Members

How can CAPD best support and engage first year undergraduates as they start their career development journey?

The answer: ask a small group of students to provide insight and ideas on programming and resources that target the needs and goals of first years.

If you’re interested in becoming part of the Early Career Advisory Board, please check back in to apply in May 2025.

Are you a first year student? Whether you are certain about pursuing industry or academia, uncertain about what you would like to do, or find yourself at any point somewhere in the middle, CAPD is able to help you navigate your needs. Watch the CAPD virtual orientation to learn about the different resources and support we provide as you begin to develop and progress towards your career goals.

Click on one of the advisory board members’ photos to learn more about the team helping to shape your first year experience! Want to contribute an idea for early career programming? Provide it here.

Kendel Jester

Assistant Director, Early Career Engagement

As Assistant Director for Early Career Engagement, Kendel (she/they) is the point person for MIT’s first and second year undergraduate students. Kendel also serves as a liaison to MIT’s Energy, Environment, and Sustainability career community. Kendel’s professional background has been focused at the intersection of career development and education, encompassing both secondary and post-secondary settings. Kendel received a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and an M.Ed. in Student Affairs Counseling from Bridgewater State University.