Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute (DCI): Rethinking the Life Journey
Stanford University’s pioneering program is designed for highly experienced professionals who, at the peak or towards the end of their careers, are seeking a new social mission and opportunities for personal growth. The program offers a full academic year where participants use the university’s research resources, guided by mentors and supported by a community, to prepare for the next phase of their lives. The focus is not on retirement but on “repurposing”: channeling accumulated knowledge and wisdom into areas that address global social issues. Participants engage in interdisciplinary learning while participating in intergenerational dialogue with younger university students.
Location: United States (Stanford University)
Why we recommend it?
This practice radically changes the narrative about ageing: it treats retirement not as the end of productivity, but as a new level of social impact. The program is an excellent example of how lifelong learning can be put at the service of career transition within an elite university environment. It helps participants maintain their mental acuity and relevance in a rapidly changing world while bridging the gap between generations. It is a rationally grounded model that proves that investing in an experienced workforce—even in the late stages of a career—yields significant social and individual returns.
Who is it for?
Mid-to-late career leaders, high-level professionals, and decision-makers seeking ways to further utilize their expertise for value creation.
Recommended for:
Higher education institutions, corporate HR strategists, and foundations looking to provide a professional framework for transforming senior expertise into social capital.
Further details: Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute