Rocky and Me: Kelly Caputo ’19 Senior Reflection

In the Rocky & Me series, Seniors reflect on their experiences during their time at Dartmouth.

Just before the college application process began, I was accepted into the Dartmouth Bound summer program for underrepresented/low-income/first-generation high school students. I was able to visit Dartmouth for a few days and fell in love with the atmosphere on campus, the fantastic alumni network, and the incredible classes and professors the College was going to be able to offer. After coming to Dartmouth and exploring the different departments, I have ended up with a major in Sociology and a minor in Philosophy. My first interaction with the Rockefeller Center occurred during winter of my sophomore year through the Management and Leadership Development Program (MLDP).

I participated in the program during that winter term and the Personal Leadership Challenge in the program was what really made it one of my most memorable experiences at Dartmouth. My challenge for the term was to find an internship for the fall term of my junior year. By speaking with the program officer, Robin Frye, and participating fully in all of the sessions, I was able to secure a fantastic internship at a digital consulting company in New Jersey. I never would have met the CEO, a Dartmouth alum, without pushing myself to complete my Personal Leadership Challenge in MLDP. After that term, I was asked to work as a student assistant for MLDP. Ever since, I have worked as the student assistant that analyzes the weekly online reflections. Beyond my direct involvement with MLDP, I have also written an independent paper on MLDP and its place within the Rockefeller Center for the 10^thanniversary of MLDP. The purpose has been to analyze how the program functions, compare its purpose to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ top ten skills, and address any possible future improvements. 

Beyond my experiences at the Rockefeller Center, I have also worked as an Undergraduate Advisor, Intern for Residential Life, Shift Leader for the Dartmouth College Fund, Researcher for the Learning Fellow Department, Office Assistant for the Sociology Office, Technician at the Hopkins Center, Bunkhouse Crew Member at Moosilauke, Study Group Leader, Tutor, Co-op Associate, Reunions Head Office Worker, and Note-Taker. Beyond working, I have put a lot of time into my sorority, the Women’s Professional Circle, and a few other groups on campus. My advice for incoming students is to branch out and try new things. Try new departments, take fun classes, and study abroad (I went to India!)! You never know what you’ll find – so keep your mind open to new and exciting opportunities during your four years at this wonderful place. 

Written by Kelly Caputo ’19, Rockefeller Center Student Program Assistant for the Management and Leadership Development Program (MLDP)