Are you contemplating retirement and wondering about your next chapter? Do you feel a pull towards making a meaningful contribution to your community or the wider world, but aren’t sure where to begin? The Encore Career Transition Program offers a structured path for experienced adults like you to explore new directions and leverage your skills for social good.
Many individuals entering retirement are seeking more than just leisure. They are looking for purpose, a way to utilize their years of experience, and a chance to make a difference. You might be asking yourself: How can I contribute my skills? Where can I find like-minded individuals? How do I navigate this transition to a fulfilling second act? If these questions resonate with you, the Encore Career Transition Program could be the answer. It provides a supportive environment to explore your values, define your social purpose, and connect with others on a similar journey.
Is an Encore Career Right for You?
The traditional concept of retirement is evolving. Many seasoned adults are not ready to simply step away from meaningful engagement. Instead, they are seeking “encore careers”—opportunities that blend personal fulfillment with social impact. You may have a deep-seated desire to contribute to a fairer, kinder, and more just world. You recognize the value of your experience and wisdom and believe your most significant contributions may still be ahead. This sense of transition, of moving towards a purpose-driven future, is precisely what the Encore Career Transition Program addresses.
A Program Designed for Your Transition
The Encore Career Transition Program at Union Theological Seminary is specifically crafted for this pivotal moment in life. It’s a four-month journey of self-discovery, dialogue, and design, tailored for adults aged 55 and over. This program helps you intentionally consider and plan your next steps after your primary career, providing a framework to explore relevant topics and discern your path forward with a cohort of purposeful peers.
As Jim D., a Spring 2023 participant from North Carolina, shared, “In the Encore Transition Program, I was happy to find a structured framework in which to intentionally consider and begin to plan what might be next for me after I finish my work career. The chance to explore a variety of relevant topics and discern with a cohort of other purposeful individuals was very appealing.”
Renee K. from Ohio, Fall 2021 cohort, found the program transformative: “Encore offered an opportunity for ‘deeper’ thinking about what might be possible. It was permission to consider alternatives. It was how I approach quilting: ‘There are no mistakes, only design opportunities.'”
How the Encore Program Works
The Encore Career Transition Program operates in a seminar style to maximize engagement and personal growth. Key features include:
- Cohort-Based Learning: Each semester, a diverse group of 8-10 adults participates, creating a rich and supportive learning community.
- Flexible Online Format: Conducted via Zoom, the program spans 8 bi-weekly sessions of 2.5 hours each, making it accessible nationwide and beyond.
- Structured Curriculum: Assigned readings and exercises, drawing from both practical texts like Transitions by William Bridges and spiritual works like Falling Upward by Fr. Richard Rohr, stimulate reflection and planning.
- Personalized Guidance: Program leaders offer one-on-one discussions to explore individual interests and connect participants with resources and potential mentors.
- Culminating Sharing: Participants share their learning and insights, solidifying their intentions for their encore careers focused on social purpose.
Kim Z., a Spring 2023 NYC participant, transitioned successfully: “With Encore’s help I made the transition from teaching brilliant teenagers to well-educated adults…doing the same thing but in a different way.”
Mary Pat M. from Hudson Valley, NY, Spring 2021, exemplifies another path: “After retiring from a strenuous human resource position I got myself and best friend Diesel trained for weekly therapy visits at a local hospital. He is a star at making people smile.”
The Power of the Cohort Effect
A significant aspect of the Encore Career Transition Program is the cohort experience. Participants from diverse backgrounds, locations, and affiliations come together, united by their shared life stage and desire for meaningful transition. This creates a powerful dynamic of mutual support and inspiration. The cohort becomes a sounding board, a source of encouragement, and often, a network of lasting friendships and collaborations.
Ginna B. from Seattle, Fall 2021, experienced this firsthand: “Suzanne Wall from Ohio and I met on zoom in the Encore program and later discovered we both wanted to visit Iona and the monastery there in Remote Scotland. We found a way to do that together!”
Why Union Theological Seminary?
Union Theological Seminary, established in 1836, provides a unique and inspiring setting for the Encore Career Transition Program. Rooted in a tradition of service and social justice, Union fosters an environment of radical openness and action. Participants become part of this vibrant community, gaining access to resources, events, and a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating positive change.
The program is facilitated by experienced professionals like Ruth Wooden, M.A. UTS, who designed the program based on her own encore career journey. She is joined by Evry Mann, M.A., and Jane Alexandre, Ph.D., along with guest speakers from Union’s faculty and administration. This dedicated team ensures a rich and supportive learning experience.
Ready for Your Encore?
The Encore Career Transition Program offers a unique opportunity to intentionally design your next chapter. If you are seeking purpose, community, and a structured path to a meaningful encore career, we encourage you to apply. Applications for the Spring Semester 2025 are open until January 13th.
Learn More About the Encore Transition Program
