Grad2Hire

What is Grad2Hire?

Grade2Hire is a cohort-based, immersive "career launchpad" for soon to-be or recent college grads.

Career Readiness Essentials: 6-week bootcamp to cultivate critical career management skills, build your network, and explore careers in high demand sectors/professions.

Hands-on Projects: Enhance your portfolio and build skills employers are looking for with our industry-aligned Capstone Challenge.

Mock Interview Festival: Sharpen your interviewing skills with feedback from actual recruiters and hiring managers.

Premium Networking Opportunities: Attend an industry conference to connect directly with industry leaders, mentors, and job opportunities.

Connect to Jobs: Get referred for full-time roles or a Fellowship to gain meaningful work experience.

Launch your career with confidence!

Are you a company interested in hosting a Fellow or hiring our graduates?

Let's Chat or Sign Up to access our Enhanced Resume Book!

Available Industry Tracks

Risk Management & Insurance (RMI)

Careers in risk management or the insurance industry are meaningful, stable, and pay well, but you've probably never considered them. So, let's explore!

Other Industry Tracks - Working on it!

FALL 2026 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

Delivered in partnership with MetroHartford Alliance

Fall Cohort Program Dates:

September 21 to October 30

Apply Now!

METROHARTFORD ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP

We are thrilled to partner with the MetroHartford Alliance for our Fall 2026 Grad2Hire cohort. Together, we are giving Trainees exclusive industry access, invaluable networking opportunities, and direct pipelines to leading employers.

Apply NOW!

Matching Scholarship

Receive a matching scholarship to participate in Grad2Hire for Fall 2026!

Attend Industry Conference

Attend Insuring the Future Summit in Hartford, CT for FREE WITH TRAVEL STIPEND.

Learn more about MetroHartford Alliance.

Direct Path to Opportunities

Get world-class professional and networking skills training with real opportunities to practice it for direct job opportunities.

what Grad2Hire trainees are saying

[L]anded a role 30 days later!

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

"I highly recommend new grads to apply! I completed Linda's program that helped sharpen my resume skills and landed a role 30 days later!"

~Mari (University of Maine)

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

"[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical. I learned how to truly see myself in the workplace. I learned what it means to communicate with clarity and purpose. I learned how to carry myself in rooms where I once felt unsure, and how to turn uncertainty into curiosity instead of fear."

Check out Joy's detailed reflection on the program!

~Joy (Worcester State University)

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

"It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially since this level of support usually doesn’t exist after graduation, you’re often on your own once you have that diploma."

~Kateryna (Bellevue College)

This fellowship program is truly special

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

"This fellowship program is truly special, and it has opened up new possibilities, perspectives, and opportunities for me. Your dedication to expanding career visibility, supporting international students, and connecting us with such inspiring professionals is something I deeply admire."

~Pooja (St. John's University)

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

"The Grad2Hire program with Linda was an incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience for my career going forward, and it helped instill a sense of confidence in me that I needed."

~Atish (University of Michigan)

I would highly recommend Grad2Hire

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

"Overall, the program has helped me build confidence in communicating my skills, networking with professionals, and navigating the job search process more strategically. I would highly recommend Grad2Hire to any graduates or soon-to-be graduates."

~Abby (WGU)

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

"I did a Quantitative Finance boot camp prior [to] this. I paid about 10x more, and technically I should have been more competitive and skilled for that role, yet i felt far less supported there...I do appreciate all the checks-ins [and] celebrations from both Linda and Allie, which felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing."

~Bryce (CSU Los Angeles)

Check Out Our Google Reviews!

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

More Reviews

How Grad2hire works

Career Launcher Bootcamp

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Participate in a 6-week virtual bootcamp to prepare to launch your career.

Career Skills: build career skills (e.g., resume, interviewing)
Professional Skills: master soft skills (e.g., communications, professional behaviors)
Discover careers in sectors/professions that need your talent!

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Practice skills that employers value and highlight them on your resume and in interviews!

Mock Interview Festival: hone your interview skills and get honest feedback from working professionals.
Capstone Challenge: work in teams to present solutions to industry challenges to industry leaders.
Lead and moderate a session with guest speakers to hone leadership and communications skills

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Launch your career with a community of peers and mentors there to uplift you.

Professional Networking: don't just learn networking, practice it with our exclusive network of LiftHER mentors.
Career Insight: engage with guest speakers providing the insider insights you need to stand out.
Community: join a squad of peers that provide the collective accountability and momentum to keep you going!

Launch Your Career with Confidence

Build Your Network. Join a Community

After bootcamp, get referred for full time roles or a Fellowship lasting up to 6 months.

Get referred for roles that are a fit to boost your chances of being seen
Gain resume-boosting experience with a Fellowship
Receive ongoing career coaching and mentorship to ensure success

Get Career Ready with Impactful Training

In just 6 weeks, build a standout resume, practice interview and networking skills, learn how to communicate like a pro, and get ready to thrive in your first full-time role. You’ve earned the degree —now it’s time to prepare for the workplace.

Personalized Guidance and Support

Get Career Ready with Impactful Training

Each Fellow will have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on their:

Resume
LinkedIn Profile
Elevator Pitch
Interview Skills via our Mock Interview Festival

Build Your Project Portfolio with Our Capstone Challenge

Through our Capstone Challenge, you work in teams on a project addressing a key industry issue and present your recommendations to industry leaders. You will:

Gain real industry insight
Complete meaningful projects that impress recruiters

Build Your Professional Network

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Build Your Project Portfolio with Our Capstone Challenge

Grad2Hire is supported by our exclusive network of guest speakers and LiftHER mentors who are eager to help new grads get their careers started. From small-group sessions with guest speakers to 1:1 CareerCafe Chats with LiftHER mentors, you aren’t just learning, you’re expanding your network from day one.

Practice Your Skills and Impress

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Master the skills employers value through our signature experiential learning events—from Mock Interview Festival and industry Capstone project to guest speaker facilitation opportunities.

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Careers in risk management and insurance are meaningful, stable, and pay well. We introduce you to the industry, highlight career paths, and introduce you to professionals eager to share their insights with you.

Sample roles: Data Science, Data / Business Analytics, Risk Modeling, Actuarial Analysis, Underwriting, Claims, Product Management, Compliance and Risk Management, and More!

Job Referral or Paid Fellowship with Mentorship

Bootcamp participants may opt to be referred for full-time roles with companies we work with in a wide variety of industries.

You may also become eligible for a Fellowship with our company hosts. Selected Fellows receive ongoing coaching to help you succeed.

Community Support

Job Referral or Paid Fellowship with Mentorship

Join a community of peers going through the same journey as you. Job search can be a lonely process. Gain the collective accountability and momentum you need to keep going!

Direct Industry Access

Attend the Insuring the Future Summit organized by MetroHartford Alliance's Connecticut Insurance & Financial Services initiative. Be part of discussions on critical issues impacting the industry and expand your professional connections.

Grad2Hire Trainees attend for free and will receive a travel stipend to cover travel costs. This opportunity is exclusive for Fall 2026 Trainees.

Our Professional Skills Partner

We are so pleased to be partnering with LifeHikes Foundation to deliver the Professional Skills portion of the Grad2Hire Program!

About LifeHikes Foundation

LifeHikes Foundation is committed to advancing sustainable professional and personal development in historically underserved communities. We proudly collaborate with LifeHikes® Inc., a globally recognized training organization founded by visionary Bill Hoogterp. Through our interactive and human-centered training programs, we empower individuals to communicate with clarity, confidence, and empathy—skills that are essential for fostering trust, inspiring action, and sustaining long-term community impact.

Key Dates and Eligibility

Key Dates

Grad2Hire Fall 2026 Cohort

Applications Open: July 2026
Selected Participants Notified: Rolling
Career Launcher Bootcamp: September 21, 2026 to October 30, 2026

To be eligible, the applicant must be:

A recent graduate or student completing their final year of Bachelors or higher degree program
Interested in exploring careers in Risk Management and Insurance
Able to commit 6 hours per week for the Career Launcher Bootcamp. All sessions will be virtual.
Able to attend the Insuring the Future Summit in Hartford, CT on October 29, 2026.
For Fall 2026 cohort: interested in starting their career in Connecticut

Check out the high-level schedule.

Note: completion of bootcamp does not guarantee a Fellowship placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at hello@lifthercareer.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How much is the stipend for the Fellowship?

This will depend on the role and location of the role. We will share information regarding stipends with you when sharing the opportunity.

Do I still have to interview for the Fellowship?

Yes, candidates will interview with employer hosts for the Fellowship. The decision to interview or offer the Fellowship to you is completely up to the employer host.

What's the Commitment Fee to participate in Grad2Hire?

Due to the generosity of our partners and supporters, for the Fall 2026 cohort, all trainees will receive a matching scholarship to participate in the Grad2Hire program.

Selected trainees invest a $225 Commitment Fee (standard is $450) to participate in the Grad2Hire career launcher program.

When you enroll in Grad2Hire, we make a commitment to help you build critical career management and professional skills while exploring careers and preparing for your next step. Unlike other similar programs that charge thousands of dollars, we don't believe in gouging people when they're already vulnerable. However, we do want to ensure you are equally committed to getting the most out of the program.

Our Commitment to You: If you complete the program in full and haven't secured at least one interview within 6 months of completing the program and are still actively job seeking, you may request a refund. We believe in our program—and your potential—enough to back it up.

What if I can't afford the Commitment Fee?

We believe every new graduate deserves access to high-quality career guidance and the support necessary to launch a successful career. Please reach out to us at hello@lifthercareer.com to discuss potential options.

Are opportunities only in Risk Management & Insurance?

Most of the opportunities, either full-time roles that we refer you for or the Fellowship, will be related to Risk Management and Insurance. However, it is not exclusive. We have referred students for careers in financial services, consulting, tech, HR, and other areas.

Our aim is to help you launch your career! If there are opportunities in other areas that are a fit and we can refer you, we absolutely will!

GRAD2HIRE: supporting you FROM GRADUATION TO CAREER

What is Grad2Hire?

Available Industry Tracks

METROHARTFORD ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP

Matching Scholarship

Attend Industry Conference

Direct Path to Opportunities

what Grad2Hire trainees are saying

[L]anded a role 30 days later!

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

[W]hat I gained went far beyond the practical

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

This fellowship program is truly special

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

It truly feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

I would highly recommend Grad2Hire

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

Incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

Check Out Our Google Reviews!

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

felt human and not merely a checklist nor merely money-grabbing

How Grad2hire works

Career Launcher Bootcamp

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Hands-on Projects & Activities

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Launch Your Career with Confidence

Build Your Network. Join a Community

Build Your Network. Join a Community

What you can expect

Check out our LinkedIn posts to see our program in action!

Get Career Ready with Impactful Training

Get Career Ready with Impactful Training

Personalized Guidance and Support

Get Career Ready with Impactful Training

Build Your Project Portfolio with Our Capstone Challenge

Build Your Project Portfolio with Our Capstone Challenge

Build Your Professional Network

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Build Your Project Portfolio with Our Capstone Challenge

Practice Your Skills and Impress

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Explore Meaningful Careers You Never Considered

Job Referral or Paid Fellowship with Mentorship

Job Referral or Paid Fellowship with Mentorship

Community Support

Job Referral or Paid Fellowship with Mentorship

Direct Industry Access

Direct Industry Access

Our Professional Skills Partner

Companies and Organizations Supporting our work

Key Dates and Eligibility

Key Dates

To be eligible, the applicant must be:

Want to learn more?

Frequently Asked Questions

This website uses cookies.