For Immediate Release: May 17, 2017
Contact: Marketing and Communications at 406.791.5306
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence is initiating a new career readiness program this fall, which ensures students will be prepared for jobs upon graduation. The Providence “IMPACT” (Individual Mapping for Professional Academic to Career Transition) is an agreement between students and the University of Providence in which the university will provide additional, private, career coaching and coursework to graduates unable to land a job within six months of graduation. The program will be administered through a new Career Center.
The Providence IMPACT program is open to all full-time, undergraduate students beginning in fall 2017; the entering class of 2021 will be the first eligible for this program. All students, however, will have access to the Career Center’s full array of workshops, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities.
“The Career Center will be a cornerstone of the University of Providence student experience beginning in the freshman year,” said Sherrie Arey, vice president for Student Development. “We want to build on our academic experience from day one to ensure graduates are skilled in communication, problem solving, teamwork, and thinking critically and creatively.”
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 86 percent of 2015 U.S. graduates found full-time employment or were pursuing a graduate degree within six months of graduation. A 2014 CareerBuilder/Harris survey, however, indicates that most of these positions are not in the student’s field of study, do not meet minimum salary ranges for their field, or do not require a degree.
The Career Center plans to help University of Providence students exceed national placement rates and starting salary ranges. Specifically, the center will assist students in personal assessment and growth, professional development, employer access, networking opportunities, and career success through campus-wide resources and community support. Career coaches, seminars, and fairs will help students create their personal roadmap to career success. Participation in internships, volunteerism, and research opportunities will provide an added advantage to University of Providence grads.
Leslie Dawson, director of the new Career Center, stated, “We want University of Providence graduates to stand out in distinctive ways on their résumé, in interviews, and in their career preparedness. The Providence IMPACT program provides ways for our students to obtain practical experience through partnerships in Great Falls and beyond.”
According to University President Anthony Aretz, the IMPACT program and a recently retooled core curriculum rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition are just two examples of how the university is enhancing the educational experience for students. “The University of Providence is committed to providing an outstanding education to our students,” Aretz said. “During the coming year, we will be enacting further change to differentiate a University of Providence education from other Catholic, liberal arts institutions. These changes include preparation in ethical leadership and a more robust Montana experience.”
For more information or to partner with the University of Providence on internships, career fairs, and job placement opportunities, contact Dawson at 406.791.5216.
