Polaris Society

Discovery & Catalyst

Develop your potential.

Two programs build different parts of the same recruiting foundation. Choose the program that fits the work you are ready to do, and strengthen your preparation for selective opportunities.

Compare the programs

The shared development model

Different emphases.
Connected preparation.

Discovery builds the foundation for exploration and early experience. Catalyst develops an emerging focus through stronger experience, skills, and purposeful connections.

  1. Knowledge, curiosity & driveDiscovery
  2. NarrativeDiscovery · Catalyst
  3. ExperienceDiscovery · Catalyst
  4. SkillsCatalyst
  5. ConnectionsCatalyst
DiscoveryFoundations, an emerging narrative, and early experience
CatalystA developing focus, stronger experience, skills, and targeted connections

These bands show emphasis, not completion requirements. Students can work across several layers and revisit earlier needs as their direction changes.

Two programs. Different starting points.

Discovery

Starting point
You have interests to investigate and want help understanding your options.
Intended progress
Career knowledge, an emerging narrative, meaningful involvement, and an active involvement plan.
Typical activities
Career exploration, current-issue discussions, mentor conversations, and an involvement plan.
Audience
Primarily first-year students. Weekly meetings; fall and spring cohorts.
Recruitment
Recruitment details
Explore Discovery

Catalyst

Starting point
You have an emerging direction and are ready to focus your preparation.
Intended progress
A recruiting focus supported by substantive experience, relevant skills, and a credible narrative.
Typical activities
A development plan, experience-building, communication practice, and prepared alumni conversations.
Audience
Primarily second-year students. An annual cohort focused on career development.
Recruitment
Recruitment details
Explore Catalyst

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Recruitment information.

Discovery

Recruitment details

Contact Polaris for confirmed dates and current recruitment information.

Recruitment details

Catalyst

Recruitment details

Contact Polaris for confirmed dates and current recruitment information.

Recruitment details

Not sure which program fits? Contact Polaris.