About Us
pathFinder fills the gap between what you learn in school and what is expected of you at work
Rare Perspective
Our team combines extensive professional experience with deep psychological insights
Teachers at heart
We believe the decade between 16 and 26 is the most important time in your life and we've spent years helping people like you navigate it
Retirement
Dive into the research on retirement to learn the dos and don’ts from those that have gone before. Then learn how to work backwards from the end of your career to identify the social, physical, and financial objectives and milestones you need to work toward.
Work II
Understand the communication expectations of professional workplaces and arm yourself with the frameworks and tools you need to manage email, run meetings, build and deliver presentations, give and receive feedback, and navigate difficult workplace conversations.
Work I
Master the problem-solving expectations of the workplace. Learn how to prioritize, plan, execute, track and synthesize your projects and analyses.
Interviewing
Learn how to defeat the final boss standing between you and a job. Craft your resume walkthrough, map your primary and backup behavioral stories against archetypal interview questions, and get to know specialty interview types (e.g., case, technical).
Networking
Discover the omnipresence and importance of networking in the professional world. Investigate the people, places, and expectations of formal, informal and digital networking so you can create the opportunities you want.
Resume
Construct a professional resume that positions your experience to grab the attention of interview decision makers. Learn how to layer in the personal narrative and professional themes that will be the connective tissue between your Resume, Networking, and Interview efforts.
Emotional Inelligence II
Apply PathFinder’s “Identify-Use-Manage” framework to maximize your ability to emotionally regulate yourself and attune to those around you.
Emotional Intelligence I
Familiarize yourself with the research insights and history of emotional intelligence in academia as well as their practical application and importance.
Product
Check out PathFinder Services
Core program
32-hour cohort-based program for students and young professionals
1-on-1 coaching
Individualized support as you prepare for and ramp up your career
Bespoke Workshops
Tailored professional development workshops for student and corporate audiences
On-demand modules and programming
10 hours of online professional development with quarterly follow-ups
WHY CHOOSE US
Even elite universities don't prepare young people to succeed in the "real World". We fill the gap
Experience
Decades of experience in elite university and professional settings
Expertise
Genuine expertise about how to find, secure, and thrive in the workplace
Flexibility
In-person, remote, and on-demand programming that fits any schedule
Value
Get what you actually wanted out of college for 1% of the price
Videos
Pitch to Parents
We share our perspective on the problem with the strategy your family is currently pursuing and offer a better path.
Pitch to Students
Your dream school isn’t going to get you ready for what’s after graduation no matter where you go. We can and we want to work with you!
Pitch to Corporations and Young Professionals
Master the expectations of the workplace with the frameworks and tools young professionals need.
Testimonial
What Students Say
"Matt has a rare ability to listen between the lines and help you get to the heart of what actually matters. A lot of what came out in my interviews wouldn't have surfaced without his help."
PathFinder’s sessions were exceptional—clear, practical, and immediately usable. Matthew Thurman and Dr. Stafford are dynamic, engaging speakers who turn core professional skills into step-by-step playbooks!
I gained both the professional toolkit and psychological insights I needed to approach my career with confidence. Matt’s McKinsey-honed expertise and Dr. Stafford’s guidance made it a truly transformative experience.
As a freshman at IUB, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to manage my classes, join clubs and look for internships. PathFinder gave me tools and guidance I needed to navigate college effectively.
Inquiry Form
guide to life’s hidden curriculum