Trevon Talbot speaks to a classroom of students.

UI REACH Career Support

91 %

of UI REACH graduates are employed

a year after graduation

UI REACH students explore career options and build workplace readiness skills through course work, internships, enhanced credentials, mock interviews, field trips, and special guest presentations. With one of the highest placement rates in the nation among similar programs, most UI REACH students are employed a year after graduation.

Career Development and Work-Based Learning

The focus for career development courses is on learning workplace readiness skills, identifying career paths through assessments and person-centered planning, job search skills, and self-advocacy in the workplace. Experiential learning opportunities are provided through job shadows, mock interviews, job fairs, informational interviews, and internships.

Internships

Starting in their second year, students participate in campus and community internships in either volunteer or paid positions. As funding is available, students who have unpaid internships will be provided with a $500 trainee stipend upon completion of internship requirements. Internships provide opportunities for students to work in their chosen fields or to explore new work environments.

UI REACH staff are CESP Certified (Certified Employment Support Professional). Staff develop internships sites based on student interest and skill level. Career Staff support students through job coaching, evaluations, and employer communication. Staff regularly visit students at their internship site to help guide any interventions and feedback needed for the students’ improvement and success.

A UI REACH student reads a book to children at daycare.

A UI REACH student work on the computer in the library's special collections.

Year-by-Year Career Support

Year 1 Students

In their first year, students explore career options, prepare for internships, and build workplace readiness skills through course work.

Year 2 Students

In their second year, students learn job search strategies and begin participating in internship opportunities.

Year 3 and 4 Students

In their third and fourth years, emphasis is placed on each students’ person-centered plan, career goals, and transition support for employment post-graduation. For internship support, students may be given expanded shifts and flexible scheduling for their classes. Some students focus on advancing their career development through specialized positions or obtaining credentials or certificates.

A student shakes hands with an employer at a career fair.

A student speaks to an employer at a mock job interview.

Enhanced Credentials

ACT WorkKeys - National Career Readiness Certificate

The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a portable, evidence-based credential that documents essential skills needed for workplace success. Students earn the NCRC by completing the three WorkKeys Assessments: Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy. UI REACH offers WorkKeys Labs for students to practice their skills using the ACT online curriculum. Assessment scores qualify students for the NCRC and are also utilized in various career development activities.

Person-Centered Credentials and Certificates

Based on individual career goals, students may earn additional certificates or credentials related to their career path. Certificates may include CPR and First Aid Training, ServSafe Food Handling, Essentials Child Care Preservice Training, and LinkedIn Learning Paths.

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