FloridaACE2025

At New College of Florida, a small, public liberal arts institution, students become experts in their academic discipline and many students have an interest in becoming teachers, yet do not have the classroom management skills. To meet the industry demand for teachers and help students transition to full-time teaching roles, we developed the Pathways to Teaching program, a collaborative initiative designed to enhance internship experiences through on-the-job training, mentorship, and industry-aligned learning objectives. The pathways to career model is now being expanded into other high-demand industries and career interests for our students. Attendees will gain insight into key components of this successful internship model that fosters skill development and increases conversion from internship to full-time hire. Through a focus on the successes of this internship program model, we will discuss strategies for building partnerships between industry professionals, career center staff, and faculty with presenters representing all stakeholders in the experience. Participants will leave with actionable steps to implement or refine internship pathways at their own institutions or businesses, fostering stronger workforce connections and student success.

Objectives:
1. Identify key components to a successful, collaborative model for internship pathways that center on-the-job training, mentorship, and intentional learning objectives focused on industry-specific skills for entry-level jobs to increase internship to full-time hire conversion.
2. Apply insights from the Pathways to Teaching pilot program to create customized internship opportunities in collaboration with industry partners, career center professionals, and faculty.
3. Develop action steps to provide similar opportunities at your institution/business through discussion of the pilot Pathways to Teaching Program.

As career services professionals, we know that meeting students where they are both physically and developmentally can significantly enhance engagement and career readiness. Rather than waiting for students to come to us, we've taken the show on the road, embedding career development into spaces and experiences students naturally gravitate toward. This session will explore how the University of Florida's Career Connections Center has strategically partnered with campus partners to integrate career education into existing student programs. From working with Intramural Sports on professional development for students who engage in their programs and experiences to engaging students at Housing's Haunted House and Casino Night, we have found innovative ways to connect career development with students' daily lives. We will also highlight ProfessionalU, an initiative designed to prepare housing students for Career Week. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to forge campus partnerships, lessons learned, and ideas for future engagement.

Objectives:
Attendees who attend this session will:
1. Explore Innovative Career Integration Strategies: Attendees will learn how to embed career development into campus partner programming, leveraging existing student experiences to enhance career readiness.
2. Evaluate Lessons Learned & Evolving Approaches: Participants will gain insight into successes and challenges from our partnerships, including key takeaways that are shaping how we refine and adapt our approach to collaboration.
3. Develop Actionable Campus Partnership Plans: Attendees will leave with strategies to initiate, strengthen, and sustain career services partnerships that effectively engage students where they are.

Are you considering a career change but unsure how to navigate the transition? Join us for an insightful session on mastering career pivots. We'll explore effective strategies for moving out of higher education into the corporate world and vice versa. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on what to expect during both recruitment processes and learn practical tips for preparing if they're not yet ready to pivot. Additionally, we'll cover the pros and cons of each employment opportunity, helping you make informed decisions about your career path. Whether you're contemplating a career shift or simply want to be prepared for future opportunities, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to make a successful transition.