Russ Eisenstat
Executive Coach and Co-founder of Rising Path Partners
Program Overview
Find Your Purpose in Life’s Second Half
The latter part of one’s career for highly motivated individuals can be a time of stress and uncertainty about the path forward. But it can also offer a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters, to reimagine the possibilities, and to proactively realize one’s promise and potential for a flourishing future.
The University of Chicago Graham School offers Crafting Your Next Chapter specifically for mid-to-late career professionals who want to pursue a next chapter of purpose. In this cohort-based online class, you will chart new paths for your personal and professional journey alongside a community of energized and committed peers.
Course Benefits
- Gain a deeper understanding of yourself by reflecting on your values, experiences, and goals.
- Explore possibilities and build on your unique strengths.
- Continue to grow, develop, and contribute during the next chapter of your life.
- Engage in thoughtful dialogue with others who are at a similar turning point in their lives and passionate about exploring important questions together.
- Access tools, resources, and frameworks that empower you to forge the right path.
- Join the vibrant alumni group with graduates from previous cohorts for continued support and community, once the course is complete.
Learning Experience
From Reflection to Reinvention
Crafting Your Next Chapter supports accomplished individuals in mid- to late career to activate a meaningful new stage of their lives.
Incorporating the latest findings in lifespan development and positive psychology, this intimate online program provides in-depth support for more intentionally navigating what’s next. You’ll seek the answers to questions like:
- How can I fully leverage my capabilities and talents in the years ahead?
- Where will I find meaning and purpose in this next chapter?
- What legacy do I want to leave?
Curriculum
Crafting Your Next Chapter Curriculum
The program provides the resources, tools, and frameworks to support your progress, not just in the classroom, but in practical application to your life and work. You’ll collaborate with your peers in interactive class sessions and in small discussion groups.
The course is split into three parts that guide you to create a roadmap for your next chapter:
Reframe
Test the waters and expand the possibilities.
- Reach out and learn
- Explore
- Experiment
Revitalize
Re-imagine and re-energize your current work and life.
- Get clear on what matters
- Clear the underbrush of the less meaningful/energizing endeavors
- Focus on what’s most important
- Renegotiate current roles and commitments
- Build new habits and mindsets
Reinvent
Craft your future life and work.
- Set your vision
- Draft a plan
- Make pivotal choices about work and life
- Stay the course
Watch an Information Session
Learn more about this Graham School offering by watching a recording of our recent info session.
Structure & Schedule
Crafting Your Next Chapter Course Structure and Schedule
Class meets virtually, every other Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Each participant also has two individual coaching sessions with an instructor. Near the beginning of the course, you’ll discuss how you gain the most from the program for your unique goals. At the end, you’ll meet to think through how you can continue to make progress on your individualized plan for your next chapter.
All sessions will be hosted via Zoom.
Crafting Your Next Chapter Instructors
This course is offered in partnership with Rising Path Partners and is taught by executive coaches who have made their own transitions out of remarkable primary careers. In addition to leading class discussions, they provide individual coaching sessions to help you determine the next steps that best fit your background and goals.
Stephanie Eisenstat
Executive Coach, Physician Educator, and Co-founder of Rising Path Partners
Crafting Your Next Chapter Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the application process?
The application period is currently closed. Please sign up for the app alert list to be informed when the next application period opens.
How do you select candidates?
We primarily focus on welcoming students who will be able to meaningfully apply this course to their next chapter and who will contribute value to their peers in the cohort. Our selection committee will closely examine the essay response in your application to understand how this program will help you in this stage of your life and how your unique perspective will add value to the course for the other members of this cohort. We do not consider GPAs when reviewing applications.
Is financial support available?
We are committed to reducing financial barriers for students to take part in this course. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for scholarship support.
Are these sessions live or recorded?
Class sessions are held in a live, virtual environment so students can actively engage with peers, faculty, and staff.
How long are the classes?
Each class meets virtually for two hours every other week. Typically, students complete 1-1.5 hours of work to prepare for each session.
Are the instructors available outside of class for questions?
During non-course weeks, instructors often host optional office hours, virtual social gatherings, or guest speakers to continue the conversations started in class sessions.
Are there opportunities for continued support after I complete the program?
Crafting Your Next Chapter students have the opportunity to become active members of a vibrant alumni community with the graduates from previous Crafting Your Next Chapter Programs.
Crafting Your Next Chapter Stories
Graham School Dean Recognized as a 2025 Longevity Innovator
This honor underscores the Graham School’s growing leadership in purposeful learning for life’s second half.
Building Community, Designing Futures
Recently, the first two Crafting Your Next Chapter cohorts reunited, strengthening bonds and fostering a lasting community.
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