Career Center

Catamounts do amazing things outside the classroom! 

This annual photo contest showcases the myriad of ways UVM students are gaining hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Experiences that help solidify their classroom learning, grow their networks, and connect them with on-the-job experiences in industries of interest.  Experiences like these add real substance to a resume AND can help build confidence.

Share a photo of the experience/s you're getting and inspire others. Check out the photos of experiences others are doing and get inspired to pursue you own experience!

Submission Deadline for 2025/26 Experiences: Sept. 23, 2026 

Submit your photo & win $250*

Now accepting submissions from Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

Submission Form

*Contest Details

Categories & Prizes

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Categories

Winners will be selected for each of the following five (5) categories:

  1. Most Inspiring Photo
  2. Remarkable Experience
  3. Impressive Purpose/Impact
  4. Notable Challenge
  5. Best Advice

Obviously your reflection will matter as much as your picture, the questions are brief, but do take a minute to answer them thoughtfully.

Prizes

Winners from each category will select one of the following vendors for their $250 gift certificate: 
Outdoor Gear Exchange, UVM Bookstore, City Market Co-op, or The Burlington Farmers Market.

Criteria & Timing

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Submission Criteria

Entries must capture your experience through a snapshot and a brief reflection. ONE submission per student. To be eligible...  

  • experiences must involve 75+ hours of hands-on learning outside the classroom between last September - the upcoming August;
  • entrants must be UVM students (in good standing) who were enrolled during the experience AND will be enrolled in the upcoming fall semester (open to undergraduate & graduate students);
  • photos should capture the essence or nature of your experience WHILE respecting the confidentiality of the subject/project (those you work with may NOT wish you to be in your picture).

Timing

  • SUBMIT a photo between January and September Annually
    SHARE what you've been doing to help inspire others to pursue experiences that help them build their confidence and competency. And to potentially win $250 - see prize info above...
  • VOTE on your fav for each category each October
    SEE what others have been doing, get inspired by what is possible, and help fellow students win great prizes!

check 'em out...
 2024/2025 submissions

2024/2025 Winners

2024-2025 Winners

Andrea Falar NJ Statehouse
Second Place winner Rebecca Bruun
Third Place Winner Reese Widowski
Honorable Mention Henry Zwartverwer
Fiona Legg submitted photo: student researching coral Sophia Carpenter submitted photo: Sophia holding baby osprey UVM intern with sled dogs in the artic

Additional Submissions

Check out all the amazing entries of Catamounts doing cool things, contributing to their communities in meaningful ways, and building great skills to prepare them for rewarding careers.

View all submissions