As part of an institution with a predominantly first-generation student population, the Reell Office of Seeing Things Whole (in partnership with the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work) is developing a new internship preparation program to empower students to confidently enter the workforce.
The program will aim to equip students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. The program focuses on students developing their NACE career competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. By combining a skill-building approach with tangible, real-world internships they will learn to see the whole of themselves and their potential in the workforce.
In Spring 2025, we will gather insights from students to evaluate program design components and gauge preparedness for internships. We will pilot educational initiatives at the end of the semester, with a full pilot launching in Fall 2025. This phase will help students build their professional identities, enhance their communication skills for securing internships, and establish meaningful relationships to pave the way for success.
Stay tuned for more details.