Pepperdine GSEP Welcomes Incoming Students at 7th Annual Career Designing Retreat

From July 24 through July 26, 2026, Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) welcomed 21 incoming students to the Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu for its seventh annual Career Designing Retreat.

Cohosted by GSEP Career Services and Student Services, the three-day retreat encouraged vocational discernment, intentional career development, and community building. The experience supports Pepperdine’s mission to strengthen students’ lives for purpose, service, and leadership.

This year’s cohort represented seven GSEP programs: MA in Clinical Psychology, Aliento, MA in Psychology, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, MA in Teaching, EdD in Organizational Leadership, and PhD programs. Seven full-time staff members and three adjunct faculty members also participated, giving students an early opportunity to form relationships with peers and mentors from across the GSEP community.

Throughout the retreat, students took part in individual reflection, small-group conversations, mindfulness exercises, structured career journaling, and discussions designed to help them clarify their personal and professional goals. Faculty members also led a devotional integrating faith and spirituality into the experience and facilitated a CliftonStrengths session that helped students identify and better understand their natural talents.

A centerpiece of the retreat was the “Tree of Life” activity. Using the symbolism of a tree, students mapped significant parts of their life stories and considered how their experiences, values, strengths, and aspirations connect to a greater sense of purpose. Participants then shared their trees in small groups, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection.

Students concluded the retreat with clearer career intentions and a strong network of peers, faculty, and staff to support them throughout their graduate journeys. By inviting students to reflect on where they have been and envision where they hope to go, the Career Designing Retreat offered an intentional and community-centered beginning to their Pepperdine experience.

View the complete photo album here.