Guiding Alumni Through Every Career Stage

The Center for Career Design (formerly the Center for Professional Development) has expanded its mission to serve Dartmouth alumni at every stage of their career journey. Associate Director and Career Coach Leyou Belayneh shares how the Center is helping graduates navigate transitions, rediscover their strengths, and design meaningful careers for every season of life.

Q: Tell us about your new role and what it entails.

A: I’m an associate director and career coach at the Center for Career Design. While I still work with undergraduate students on career and life design, my focus is now shifting toward alumni. Our office is expanding to support alumni at all levels and seasons of their careers. I’ve begun meeting with alums one-on-one and helping them access resources—some that have always existed and others we’re developing—so they understand what support is available and how we can build on it.

What drew you to Dartmouth and this role?

Early in my career, I worked in training and development for a national insurance company. That’s where I discovered my passion for facilitating learning and growth—creating spaces where people could get curious about who they are, what they’re doing, and how they could evolve. I initially moved into higher education to work with a different population, working closely with doctors of pharmacy and physician assistant graduates in the health care space. During the last five years at Dartmouth, I’ve expanded beyond the healthcare field, diving deeply into understanding the many different industries that Dartmouth students and alumni pursue. 

When we began offering alumni appointments—initially for graduates within five years—I found those conversations especially energizing. Alumni had more experience with internships and jobs behind them; they knew themselves a little better. I’m finding that alumni make decisions with greater confidence, which leads to deeper conversations about identity, values, and strengths. When our office expanded to support alumni throughout every career stage, I wanted to be part of that growth.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

Our executive director, Joe Catrino, introduced our team to the career and life design process. The idea is that you treat yourself like a startup—and you’re always reflecting, prototyping, experimenting, and growing. It’s a continuous process of learning and growing as your goals and aspirations evolve. We encourage people to remove the limitations they impose on themselves because of what someone told them or because it’s what they’ve excelled at in the past.  A big part of my coaching asks: Why did you make that decision? Where did that interest come from? Have you considered other possibilities? We help people see what’s possible in whatever season of life they’re in.

Do you approach alumni differently depending on their career stage?

Yes. I start by identifying strengths, interests, and values—three things that can be malleable depending on life season. Early on, someone might value salary or living in a specific city or community. Later, family or flexibility might matter more. It’s unfair to assume alumni value the same things or are all in the same place. Some are ready to try something new and get risky again; others want stability. Establishing those factors first shapes the rest of the conversation.

What has stood out to you about the Dartmouth alumni community?

Dartmouth alumni love Dartmouth. It’s clear in how they support one another and give back to students. Even in my early alumni coaching appointments, people end by asking, “How can I help you? How can I help the office?” That willingness to be a resource—even while they’re finding their own path—really stands out.

Do alumni still seek help with practical tools like résumés and LinkedIn?

They do, especially if they haven’t applied for a job in years. The process changes frequently with factors like AI, automated and asynchronous interviews, and new tools. Many alumni also want help identifying who to connect with and where their transferable skills fit—particularly if they’ve been in one industry for a long time. Sometimes they need a sounding board; other times they have very specific questions and want resources.

What are some ways alumni can engage with the Center?

The Alumni Transition Guide and the alumni page on our site are great starting points for resources, whether you’re navigating a transition or want to connect with other alumni. We also have an expanded external partnerships team; Liz Foster focuses on alumni and family outreach and curates events and programming across career interests and communities. Alumni can also connect with me directly to learn more about the Center and how we’re growing—and how their expertise could contribute to our programming.

What’s the best way for alumni to get started?

Recent graduates can book appointments with me through Handshake. Alumni without Handshake access can email me directly or contact the office to get connected for an appointment.