Impact Advantage Program (IAP)

The Impact Advantage Program (IAP) is a professional development program that helps students
gain industry exposure, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and prepare
for internships, co-ops, and full-time careers. Through mentorship, employer engagement,
workshops, and experiential learning, participants gain valuable insight into participating companies.

Participating Companies

  • Eversource
  • RTX
  • Harrington Group
  • BAE Systems
  • DPR Construction

Professional Mentorship

Connect one-on-one with professionals who can provide guidance on:

  • Career pathways
  • Professional development
  • Workplace expectations
  • Industry trends and insights

Career Development Skills

Strengthen your professional toolkit through workshops focused on:

  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • Networking and professional communication
  • Translating academic and project experience into workplace impact

Industry & Company Exposure

Participate in employer-led experiences such as:

  • Company presentations and panels
  • Industry discussions
  • Site visits (when available)
  • Career conversations with professionals across the organization

Early Access to Career Opportunities

Build relationships that can help position you for:

  • Internships
  • Co-op opportunities
  • Early career positions

This program offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Explore career paths in a supportive, low-pressure environment
  • Build confidence and professional identity
  • Expand your professional network
  • Develop career-readiness skills before entering the job market
  • Learn directly from industry professionals

Students who successfully complete the program will leave with meaningful professional connections, industry knowledge, and practical skills that support future career success.

Students selected for the program will:

  • Attend all scheduled mentoring sessions
  • Participate in employer-led workshops and industry discussions
  • Complete three HCDC professional development workshops, between A-D Terms, selected from the following:
    • Resume Writing
    • How to Work a Career Fair
    • Preparing for Your Job Search
    • Selling Your Project Experience
    • Interview Preparation
    • Job Offer Negotiation & Understanding Benefits
  • Attend one “How to Maximize Your Employer Experience” session: 
    • October 27, 2026
    • February 17, 2027
  • Attend the end-of-program wrap-up event in April 2027

Learn More About the Impact Advantage Program (IAP)

Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program:

Career Corner, 5th Floor, Unity Hall

Event Description 

Join representatives from the Heebner Career Development Center to learn about the Impact Advantage Program, a unique professional development experience designed to help WPI students build meaningful connections, develop career-ready skills, and gain valuable industry exposure.  

During this session, you’ll learn how the Impact Advantage Program can help you: 

  • Connect with professionals through mentorship and networking opportunities 
  • Develop essential career skills 
  • Gain insight into careers and industries 
  • Build confidence and prepare for future internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities.  
  • Learn how employer engagement and professional development can support your long-term career success 

The session will provide an overview of the program structure, participant experience, application process, and benefits of involvement. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether the program is a good fit for your professional goals. 

Participating Employers 

  • BAE Systems 
  • Eversource 
  • RTX 
  • Harrington Group
  • DPR Construction

Who Should Attend? 

  • Students interested in professional development and career readiness  
  • Students seeking mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals 
  • Students interested in learning more about our participating companies 

Interested in Applying? Attend this session to learn what participation involves and how the program can help you prepare for future career opportunities.  

Application Information

Spaces are limited and applications are competitive.

Apply today to be considered for the Impact Advantage Program (IAP)

*Student participation is limited to one employer-sponsored professional development program per annual program cycle

Eversource

DPR Construction

Harrington Group

RTX – Applications Closed

BAE Systems – Coming Soon!