At UNCG, success isn’t just measured in grade point averages and graduation rates. Faculty and staff do everything they can to make sure our students are ready for the workforce.
Enter Career & Professional Development (CPD), which has leveraged a partnership with The Washington Center (TWC) to host its first Career Launch Bootcamp on a college campus at UNCG’s own Elliott University Center (EUC), Oct. 24-26.
Partnering for Progress
TWC is a renowned organization that has been preparing college students for their careers since 1975. Students from all over the country travel to Washington, D.C. for its professional development seminars, immersive internship connections, and career preparation. This year, TWC will take their expertise on the road. And thanks to a strong relationship with UNCG’s CPD, Greensboro will be their first stop.
“As an inaugural regional program partner, UNCG embraced the opportunity to offer tailored content designed specifically for the North Carolina job market,” said Brandy Holoman, executive director of TWC’s Workforce & Programs. “Together, TWC and UNCG share a commitment to preparing students — while they are still in college — for the realities of tomorrow’s workplace.”
The three-day bootcamp combines the professional development expertise of TWC with UNCG’s alumni and corporate partners to deliver a networking and recruitment skill-sharpening event designed to give students a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.
Opportunity Knocks
Participants will attend workshops to build competencies in areas such as artificial intelligence in the workplace, workplace resilience, and negotiation. They’ll mingle with employers and make important contacts. Meals will be provided, and all sessions will conveniently take place at the EUC.
The best part? Participation is available to 75 UNCG third- and fourth-year students at no cost, thanks to funding from the Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Provost, CPD, and a grant from The Reynolds Foundation.
A similar experience at TWC in Washington would cost those students around $1,200. UNCG’s partnerships allow Spartans to invest in their future careers with their tenacity and skills, instead of using their limited finances.
“The Career Launch Bootcamp is a strong example of UNCG’s commitment to preparing Spartans for career success,” said Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Cathy Akens. “We are excited to offer this opportunity in partnership with TWC, knowing the lasting impact it will have. Participants will leave ready to excel in their first job and thrive in an ever-changing world of work.”
Race to Register
With participation limited to 75 students, CPD is gearing up for a selective application process. Interested third- and fourth-year students should sign up for more information on the event webpage. Students sharing their information will be first to hear about information sessions planned for the weeks ahead and registration deadline reminders.
UNCG is committed to selecting students from across Schools and departments to represent the diverse degrees we offer and give regional employers such as Cone Health and Reynolds American access to our highly-skilled students.
“Deans and department heads from across our campus share our excitement about this opportunity and will help us recruit student participants,” said CPD’s Director Megan Walters. “We welcome nominations for the experience and look forward to identifying motivated Juniors and Seniors from UNCG’s diverse fields of study for this amazing opportunity.”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications.
