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5 Game-Changing Ways The JHU Life Design Lab Is Revolutionizing Career Readiness In 2025

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The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Life Design Lab (LDL) is far more than a traditional career center; it represents a fundamental shift in how one approaches their future, integrating personal curiosity with professional development. As of late 2025, the Lab continues to spearhead an innovative approach that empowers students to navigate the complex landscape of post-graduate life, focusing on exploration, prototyping, and making informed choices rather than simply job hunting. This dynamic model, rooted in design thinking, ensures that JHU students are not just career-ready but life-ready, equipped with the mindset to pivot and thrive in an ever-changing world.

The LDL's commitment to providing fresh, unique, and forward-looking resources is evident in its current and upcoming offerings, including the highly anticipated 2025 Summer Scholarships and the ongoing Industry Series. Serving undergraduates and master's students across the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering, as well as Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) students and alumni, the Life Design Lab is the central hub for integrative learning and professional growth within the Imagine Center.

Leadership and Key Staff Profile at the Life Design Lab

The success of the Life Design Lab is driven by a dedicated team of educators and administrators who champion the Life Design philosophy. This leadership ensures the Lab's mission of integrative learning and career readiness is executed across all JHU schools and programs.

  • Dr. Roshni Rao: Associate Vice Provost for Integrative Learning and Life Design at Johns Hopkins University, overseeing the broader strategy of integrating life design into the student experience.
  • Justin Lorts: Senior Director of the Undergraduate Life Design Lab, focusing on the core undergraduate services and programs.
  • Matthew Golden: Key staff member within the Life Design Lab team, passionate about helping students unlock their full potential.
  • Antonio Boone, Caitlin Broccoli, Sylvia (Xiaowen) Chen, Sarah Connelly, and Kim Cosler: Dedicated Life Design Lab Staff members who provide direct guidance and support to students.
  • Patrick Brugh: Former Director of Operations for the Life Design Lab (2019-2021) and now involved with the Center for Staff Life Design, highlighting the spread of the design thinking methodology across the university.

The 5 Pillars of the Life Design Philosophy

The Life Design Lab is built on a structured framework that encourages students to be curious, take action, and pursue a wide range of opportunities. This methodology moves beyond the transactional nature of job applications to a transformative approach to career and life planning.

1. Design Thinking as a Career Tool

At its core, the LDL utilizes design thinking—a human-centered approach to innovation—to help students "design" their lives. This means viewing a career path not as a linear trajectory but as a series of prototypes and experiments. Students are taught to identify problems, ideate solutions, and test them through experiential learning opportunities like internships and research.

2. Robust Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Lab strongly emphasizes hands-on experience as the best way to explore career options. They connect students with internships, research positions, and real-world projects, transforming academic knowledge into professional skills. These opportunities are crucial for students to "try on" different careers and gain the clarity needed for their post-graduate plans.

3. Financial Support Through 2025 Summer Scholarships

In a major commitment to equitable access, the Life Design Lab is pleased to offer the Summer Scholarships & Development Program for summer 2025. This critical financial support is specifically aimed at Johns Hopkins undergraduates pursuing unpaid or underpaid summer experiences, such as non-profit internships or research. This initiative removes financial barriers, allowing students to prioritize meaningful exploration over monetary necessity.

4. Targeted Industry Series and Networking

Throughout the academic year, beginning in the fall, the LDL hosts its comprehensive Industry Series. These events provide targeted insights into various sectors, connecting students directly with professionals, alumni, and employers. The series covers everything from career search strategies and professional advice to specific industry trends and graduate school options, making networking a practical and accessible part of professional development.

5. Comprehensive Support for All Transitions

The Life Design Lab provides support that extends beyond the undergraduate years. It offers dedicated services to master's students, Doctoral Life Design Studio members, and even alumni, helping them navigate complex life and career transitions. Whether it's moving from campus to a first job, pivoting careers, or considering advanced degrees, the LDL is a lifelong resource for the Johns Hopkins community.

Topical Authority: JHU Life Design Lab's Key Entities and Resources

To fully understand the LDL's extensive reach, it's essential to recognize the key entities and resources it leverages to support student success. These elements collectively form the ecosystem of Integrative Learning and Life Design at JHU.

  • Imagine Center: The physical and conceptual home for the Life Design Lab and other student resources, serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
  • Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS): A primary school served by the LDL, ensuring liberal arts students have clear career pathways.
  • Whiting School of Engineering (WSE): The second major undergraduate school supported, with specialized career services for engineering and biomedical engineering students.
  • Advanced Academic Programs (AAP): The Lab extends its career services to students in JHU’s master’s and certificate programs, acknowledging the unique needs of working professionals and non-traditional students.
  • Career Readiness: A core focus area, encompassing skill development, resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
  • Professional Development: Encompasses workshops, mentorship programs, and events designed to cultivate soft skills and professional etiquette.
  • Graduate School Options: Specific guidance and resources for students planning to pursue further academic degrees after graduation.
  • Navigating Transitions: A dedicated program helping current students and alumni manage major life changes, from graduation to career pivots.
  • Integrative Learning: The overarching philosophy that connects academic learning with co-curricular experiences and career planning.

The Johns Hopkins Life Design Lab is not merely keeping pace with modern career services; it is setting the standard. By focusing on curiosity, intentional action, and a design thinking methodology, the LDL is ensuring that every student graduates with a robust plan and the resilience to adapt it. The 2025 Summer Scholarships and the continuous Industry Series demonstrate a forward-looking commitment to providing both the philosophical framework and the tangible resources necessary for a fulfilling career and a well-designed life.

jhu life design lab
jhu life design lab

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