UCF Career Services Archives | University of Central Florida News Central Florida Research, Arts, Technology, Student Life and College News, Stories and More Wed, 13 May 2026 20:15:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2019/05/cropped-logo-150x150.png UCF Career Services Archives | University of Central Florida News 32 32 One Stage, Thousands of Beginnings: How UCF Graduates Power Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Workforce /news/one-stage-thousands-of-beginnings-how-ucf-graduates-power-floridas-workforce/ Mon, 04 May 2026 19:14:05 +0000 /news/?p=152762 Graduation isn 麻豆精品 S檛 the finish line. It 麻豆精品 S檚 the moment thousands of Knights step into the industries and communities shaping our state 麻豆精品 S檚 future and beyond.

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A first-generation Knight crosses the stage 麻豆精品 S the first in their family to turn years of hard work and sacrifice into a moment that reshapes their life 麻豆精品 S檚 trajectory.

A future nurse adjusts their cap, preparing to enter a hospital where the need for care continues to grow.

An engineer looks out into the crowd, knowing the next step leads into an industry building what 麻豆精品 S檚 next.

At UCF, these moments don 麻豆精品 S檛 happen one by one. They happen all at once 麻豆精品 S thousands of stories, each with a different starting point, moving forward together.

Students sit at a classroom table listening attentively, with one student in focus, taking notes. Overlaid text reads:  麻豆精品 S淔ounded to fuel the space program, UCF now powers a fast-growing state with rising demand across major industries. Each graduating class carries this mission forward. 麻豆精品 S

Opportunity, Provided at Scale

At UCF, scale has always meant more than size.

It means access. It means opportunity. It means students who arrive with ambition and leave with proof.

A large group of UCF graduates in caps and gowns fills Addition Financial Arena during a commencement ceremony. Overlaid text reads: "UCF awarded nearly 19,000 degrees in the 2025 academic year alone, the most in its history. That milestone reflects one of the nation's largest graduating classes, spanning undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students."

More than 10,000 Knights make up the Spring Class of 2026.

Additionally, about 37% of bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, and about 22% are the first in their families to earn a college degree 聽 麻豆精品 S reflecting a university built to open doors and help students move through them.

This is scale with purpose.

A UCF graduate in a black cap and gown raises their arm while holding a diploma on stage during a commencement ceremony. Overlaid text reads: "63.8% four-year graduation rate. Up 14 percentage points in four years, showing more students aren't just starting college  麻豆精品 S they're finishing strong."

Where Talent Meets Demand

UCF graduates move directly into high-demand fields 麻豆精品 S from hospitals and schools to tech firms, startups and public agencies.

This is a workforce built not just in classrooms, but for real-world impact.

Vertical three-panel collage of students: one works with electronics, one holds a clipboard in a classroom and one nursing student smiles while wearing scrubs and a stethoscope.

Each year, the university awards nearly 19,000 degrees 麻豆精品 S more than any other institution in Florida 麻豆精品 S including leading the state in bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degrees in engineering and nursing. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 economic growth and meeting the needs of an expanding population.

Two students wearing protective glasses work together in a lab with equipment under purple lighting. Overlaid text reads: "With 3,504 degrees in STEM fields awarded in Spring 2026, UCF is strengthening the workforce for fast-growing industries, including aerospace, healthcare and emerging technologies."Turning Studies Into Real Skills

Before they graduate, Knights are already building career-ready experience.

Students collaborate at computers inside a tech workspace with a Lockheed Martin sign on the wall. Overlaid text reads: "Students graduate with industry-ready skills through partnerships like Lockheed Martin's College Work Experience Program and collaborations with major healthcare systems and financial institutions."

That same hands-on approach extends into high-impact research across fields from computer vision to biotechnology to pediatric prosthetics.

A student in a lab coat carefully works with electronic components at a workstation. Overlaid text reads: "2000+ undergrads conduct research each year. Guided by brilliant faculty, students are turning curiosity into discovery and ideas into solutions that reach beyond the classroom."

Career Prep From the Start

Support starts early, and it 麻豆精品 S檚 designed to carry students all the way through.

From day one, students connect with career counselors who help them build resumes, practice interviewing, find internships and connect with employers.

A small group of students sits around a table in a meeting with a career advisor, laptops and notes spread out. Overlaid text reads: "UCF Career Services supported nearly 23,000 students in searching for and pursuing jobs in 2024-25."And when it 麻豆精品 S檚 time to take the next step, campus-wide career fairs open the door. They 麻豆精品 S檙e a gateway for students to explore a wide range of career paths, get real insight from industry professionals and stay ahead in a fast-moving job market.

A student in a red shirt shakes hands with a recruiter at a career fair, with other students and employers in the background. Overlaid text reads: "The Internship and Career Expo, held each fall. and spring semester, is the university's largest job fair, bringing together over 250 companies across industries - from technology and finance to healthcare and engineering."Retaining Talent Across Florida

The impact of a UCF education doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 leave with its graduates. In many cases, it stays 麻豆精品 S and grows.

Four UCF students smile and take a selfie in front of large  麻豆精品 S淥rlando 麻豆精品 S letters in downtown Orlando. Overlaid text reads: "More than 90% of UCF undergraduate students are Florida residents  麻豆精品 S and after graduation, 85% stay in the state, building careers, strengthening industries and fueling Florida's economic growth."But where graduates go next tells an even bigger story.Vertical three-panel collage of UCF alumni: a nurse prepares a syringe, a professional stands in front of a NASA logo and a woman in a blazer poses next to a Blue Origin rocket.In and around聽Orlando聽 麻豆精品 S the No. 2 Best City to Start a Career in America (WalletHub) and one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation 麻豆精品 S that talent doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 just fill jobs.

It builds industries. It strengthens economies. It accelerates growth.

More Than a Milestone

Commencement is what everyone sees.

The walk. The tassel. The celebration.

But at UCF, it 麻豆精品 S檚 also something more.

Before students cross the stage, they 麻豆精品 S檝e already built experience. By the time they graduate, they 麻豆精品 S檙e aligned with real-world demand. After they leave, they power the industries shaping Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 future and beyond.

Each commencement adds thousands more to that momentum. Each graduate strengthens the pipeline.

And across the state 麻豆精品 S and far beyond it 麻豆精品 S you can already see what they 麻豆精品 S檙e building.

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UCF mission_factoid degrees_factoid2 grad rate_factoid spring 26 degree outcomes_factoid STEM field degrees_factoid1 experiential learning_factoid4 undergrad research_factoid career services-factoid1 career fair-factoid alumni in FL-factoid alumni-factoid
How to Impress on Your Job Interview /news/how-to-impress-on-your-job-interview/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:24:14 +0000 /news/?p=151094 Experts from 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center share pro tips on giving yourself the best chance at landing a job offer.

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Whether you 麻豆精品 S檙e attending a job fair or trying to advance to the interview stage for a position you 麻豆精品 S檙e applying for, you can increase your chances of success by following some tried-and-true tips from 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 .

Brian Creel, associate director for career planning at UCF Career Services, leads the career planning team in providing career counseling and assessment, career education and employment readiness skills.

麻豆精品 S淏e ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Brian Creel, Associate Director at UCF Career Services

麻豆精品 S淒on 麻豆精品 S檛 forget that employers want to get to know the real you. Be authentic, 麻豆精品 S Creel says. 麻豆精品 S淏e ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer. Find your spots to showcase your knowledge. 麻豆精品 S

Creel shares his advice on every stage of the job interview process as the UCF community prepares for its spring semester Internship and Career Expo. The event, which will be held on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena, features more than 250 companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

How can you make a strong impression on your job interview?

  • Know your professional story/prepare your elevator pitch
  • Offer a confident greeting, handshake and smile
  • Think about two to three key selling points about your professional self. For UCF students, start with your major/expected graduation and talk about related skills/experience including student clubs and class projects
  • Research employers and showcase your knowledge in conversation
  • Give examples to back up your answers. Storytelling is a big part of the interview experience.

You mentioned an elevator pitch. What is your method for crafting one?

Your elevator pitch introduces you to recruiters in 30-60 seconds. Follow the present-past-future format:

  • Present: What are you currently studying? What 麻豆精品 S檚 your major or program?
  • Past: Highlight a recent relevant experience (e.g., internship, research project, volunteer work).
  • Future: State your career goals and explain why you 麻豆精品 S檙e excited to connect with this employer.

What are some ways you can make your resume stand out in a pile?

  • A resume should be concise, organized marketing document highlighting your education, experiences and achievements; its purpose is to secure an interview and evolve with your professional growth.
  • Keep formatting clean and consistent: 1-inch margins, 1 page (up to 2 max), standard 10- to 12-point fonts, professional appearance and easy-to-scan layout.
  • Focus content on relevance: tailor to the position, connect transferable skills, emphasize contributions and quantify results whenever possible.
  • Use strong writing mechanics: start bullets with action verbs, maintain consistent verb tense (present for current roles, past for previous) and keep statements concise.
  • Include core sections as appropriate: Heading, objective (optional but tailored), education (reverse chronological order), summary of qualifications (skills-focused) and experience (employment, internships, research, projects).
  • Add optional sections when relevant: Activities, leadership, honors/awards, publications or research.

What software or AI tools do you recommend in helping build your resume?

  • is a fantastic tool available to all students by logging in with their NID credentials
  • VMock is a 24/7 virtual career assistant that utilizes technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and sophisticated analytics engine to deliver instant, personalized, and smart career guidance to students and professionals.
  • Do not rely only on AI to write content for your resume. Double check wonky spelling/grammar and word choices to make sure it is your voice.
  • Be aware that employers are now reviewing resumes and running them through plagiarism detection software to check for AI.
  • Utilize AI (VMock can do this) to make sure your resume matches the language in the job description closely enough so that it will pass through applicant tracking systems successfully.

What are questions you recommend job candidates ask the interviewer?

Typically, it 麻豆精品 S檚 best to focus on two to three questions to have prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

  • Ask about the company culture. What is it like to work there?
  • Ask about the position or opportunity in a way that helps you learn more than what you have already learned on your own research. In your opinion, what qualities/traits do you look for in an ideal candidate to be successful in the role?
  • Ask about what to expect in the interview process. What are next steps?

Are there any best practices you recommend for following up after an interview?

Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with that include:

  • A brief recap of your conversation
  • An expression of gratitude
  • A question or statement to keep the dialogue going
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UCF Career Services Turn UCF Students into Ideal Job Candidates /news/ucf-career-services-turn-ucf-students-into-ideal-job-candidates/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:04:33 +0000 /news/?p=150994 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 career readiness program and annual career expo empower students to land their first jobs at companies including Google, Meta, Lockheed Martin and other big-name employers.

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As an ambitious computer science major at UCF,聽Kenny Nguyen 麻豆精品 S25聽was already thinking ahead before graduating聽聽 麻豆精品 S about internships, industry connections and the kind of real-world experience that would launch his career as a cyber analyst for Deloitte & Touche.

Thanks to 麻豆精品 S檚 dedicated support for STEM students, he had access to resources so he would not have to navigate that journey alone.

麻豆精品 S淓ngineering is hands-down our most active liaison area, 麻豆精品 S says Taylor Sandifer 麻豆精品 S23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services who supports all STEM majors, including the College of Engineering and Computer Science. 麻豆精品 S淐ECS students show up to everything. They 麻豆精品 S檙e really engaged, and they take advantage of every opportunity. 麻豆精品 S

For Knights like Nguyen, that means access to employers through engineering-focused employer-led workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews, and the highly attended , which occurs annually in the fall at the Addition Financial Arena, where as many as 300 employers fill the venue.

Big Companies Recruit Knights

Before Expo, students can聽participate聽in the Career Readiness Program, a two-week series including industry-specific, employer-led sessions where recruiters host one-on-one resume reviews and mock interviews to help students prepare.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 employer-relations model attracts major companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Siemens Energy, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris and Walmart directly to campus for tabling, information sessions,聽and networking events.

麻豆精品 S淓mployers coming in to recruit STEM talent will work with us to get connected, 麻豆精品 S Sandifer says. 麻豆精品 S淲e help them get into the engineering atrium, set up information sessions, reach students through Handshake, and collaborate with CECS to spread the word.

麻豆精品 S淲e want students to see a clear path from UCF to a career. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Taylor Sandifer 麻豆精品 S23MA, assistant director of employer relations in Career Services

麻豆精品 S淲e want students to see a clear path from UCF to a career. When they put in the effort, and we can help make those connections, it all comes together. 麻豆精品 S

Sandifer has seen firsthand how transformative this can be.

麻豆精品 S淥ne computer science student (Nguyen) showed up on the wrong day 麻豆精品 S in a suit 麻豆精品 S斅燽ut stayed anyway, 麻豆精品 S澛爏he recalls. 麻豆精品 S淗e came back the next day, met with recruiters, and we聽connected him with Deloitte & Touche. He ended up getting the job. His hard work and willingness to show up made the difference. 麻豆精品 S

Real World Ready

Nguyen credits the Dixon Career Development Center in helping him shape his career path.

麻豆精品 S淚聽wasn 麻豆精品 S檛聽very prepared initially and had no idea where聽to even聽start. It was overwhelming just thinking about it, 麻豆精品 S he says. 麻豆精品 S淚 attended an event I found off Handshake and it turned into me getting resume reviews, mock interviews, and attending events that got me to meet employers I was passionate about joining. 麻豆精品 S

He took advantage of summer appointments, interview strategies,聽and also聽printed business cards to hand out to the company representatives at the聽Internship and聽Career Expo. Those efforts paid off with an opportunity at Deloitte 麻豆精品 S a place he was drawn to for its culture and its constant flow of new challenges.

His biggest takeaway from his experience with the Career Center is to be persistent and open to every opportunity.

麻豆精品 S淵ou never know what conversation you have with someone that could turn into a huge career opportunity, 麻豆精品 S he says.

罢丑别听 will take place on Tuesday, March 10.

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What to Know Before 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Internship and Career Expo /news/what-to-know-before-ucfs-internship-and-career-expo/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:30:26 +0000 /news/?p=150935 A guide on resources available for your resume, acing your interview and more to prep for the March 10 event at Addition Financial Arena.

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On the job hunt? Looking for hands-on internship experience? Then you 麻豆精品 S檒l want to make sure you 麻豆精品 S檙e at 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Internship and Career Expo on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena.

Hosted by the twice a year in the fall and spring semesters, the largest job fair on campus features 250+ companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

This career fair is open to all UCF students and alumni. It is your gateway to explore a wide range of career options, gain insider advice from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in today 麻豆精品 S檚 evolving job market.

It 麻豆精品 S檚 also a great opportunity to practice your networking skills and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

This guide shares logistical information about the Internship and Career Expo itself, as well as tips and resources ahead of the event so you can make your best impression.

Overhead view of floor of Addition Financial Arena crowded with people at tabling fair

Internship and Career Expo

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time: 12:30 p.m. 麻豆精品 S 4:30 p.m.

  • Fast Pass Entry at 12:30 p.m. (more below on ways to score a fast pass)
  • General Entrance begins at 1 p.m.
  • Doors close at 4 p.m.

Location: Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816)

Attire: Business casual attire encouraged; Pants or skirts paired with a dress shirt or blouse and dress shoes with socks or appropriate hosiery. Please avoid bringing large bags.

Security Check: The Addition Financial Arena is implementing enhanced security measures. Security procedures include, but are not limited to, performing body wand and bag checks at all arena entrances. before arriving. Guest should allow additional time to enter the gate, as these measures may delay entrance into the event.

Register: This career fair is open to all UCF students and alumni. Reserve your spot on .

Two women sit at a table across from each other, each holding a pen on a notebook, in front of a UCF-branded wall

Ways and Resources to Prepare

  • Virtual Career Guidance

UCF partners with , a 24/7 virtual career assistant, to help students create a powerful resume and practice their interview skills. VMock leverages technologies like data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches and interview responses based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. Visit .

  • Where to Print Your Resume

Students seeking to print copies of their resume or cover letter can do so for a small charge on main campus at the or in the John T. Washington Center (adjacent to the library).

If you are printing your resume or cover letter for a job or career fair, we recommend having at least one copy for each job/employer you are interested in, plus additional copies for unexpected opportunities or to replace damaged or lost copies.

  • Professional Clothing Glow Up

麻豆精品 S In Person at the Florida Mall
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

An exclusive in store shopping event for career apparel with exclusive discounts not available to the public. Students and alumni will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their PID and check in via Handshake at the JCPenney Florida Mall location in order to receive their coupon.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

麻豆精品 S In Person at Waterford Lakes
Feb. 28, noon 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Students and alumni can enjoy a 30% discount on business and business casual attire during the shopping event. Students will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their UCF ID and check in via Handshake at Style Encore Waterford Lakes location the day of the event.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

Knights Helping Knights Pantry 麻豆精品 S Main Campus
Drop in, 10 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 6 p.m.

A limited professional clothing section is available to all UCF students, with valid UCF ID, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Career Prep Events (Virtual and In-Person)

麻豆精品 S In Person at the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center
Tuesdays, 2 麻豆精品 S 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, noon 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Need fast feedback on your resume, cover letter or LinkedIn profile? Just drop-in to Career Services 麻豆精品 S no appointment required. If you 麻豆精品 S檙e unable to meet at these times, you can schedule an appointment on Handshake.

– Virtual
Fridays, 11 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 1 p.m.

Join Career Services virtually without appointment for career questions and support. Simply go to go.ucf.edu/CSpopin for the zoom registration. We will accept you into the Zoom once we have an available Career Counselor to assist you with your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, or quick career questions.

麻豆精品 S In Person at KSC Visitor Complex
Feb. 21, 9 a.m. 麻豆精品 S4 p.m.

Registration closes Feb. 20. Attendees will have opportunities to network one-on-one with employees of major aerospace and tech companies. They will be able to discover internships, apprenticeships, and professional roles, and gain insights from professionals working at the forefront of science, manufacturing, and innovation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops on networking mastery and becoming the ideal job candidate.

麻豆精品 S In Person
Feb. 24, 12:30 麻豆精品 S 1:30 p.m.

Take this time to learn about what to expect and ease your nerves by preparing your Elevator Pitch, Get ready to talk with Employers, and learn some tips to make your time at the event a success. Preference to attendees that register in advance as the room can only fit up to 60 people.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Limited quantities available. You must check in on time and attend the entire presentation.

麻豆精品 S In Person
Feb. 25, 10 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

麻豆精品 S In Person & Virtual
Feb. 25, 2 麻豆精品 S3 p.m.

Explore strategies for communicating your goals, setting boundaries and handling pressure or disagreements in healthy ways. Learn more at bit.ly/UCFhandshake.

麻豆精品 S In Person
Feb. 26, 10 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

麻豆精品 S In Person
March 3, 10 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– In Person
March 4, 9 a.m. 麻豆精品 S noon and 1 麻豆精品 S 4 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

麻豆精品 S In Person
March 4, 10:30 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 1:30 p.m.

This event is for Rosen College of Hospitality Management students only. A leadership workshop will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Darden Auditorium, followed by opportunities to meet with recruiters from noon 麻豆精品 S 1:30 p.m. in the Rosen Courtyard. Registration for the leadership workshop is required.

– Virtual
March 5, 10 a.m. 麻豆精品 S 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be available to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Spring 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Information regarding pick-up will be sent to attendees at the conclusion of the virtual session. Limited quantities available.

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U.S. Department of Education Taps UCF to Lead Civil Discourse in Florida /news/u-s-department-of-education-taps-ucf-to-lead-civil-discourse-in-florida/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:22:35 +0000 /news/?p=150500 UCF receives a four-year, $3.4 million grant as part of the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education to enhance communications skills among Florida students to better prepare them for the workforce.

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UCF is the only institution in the state of Florida selected to address the U.S. Department of Education 麻豆精品 S檚 civil discourse priority as part of its Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education initiative.

The department from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Following a record number of applicants, UCF was among the honorees with a four-year $3.4 million grant for our proposal 麻豆精品 S Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model 麻豆精品 S which seeks to protect and promote civil discourse on campuses.

麻豆精品 S淭he future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don 麻豆精品 S檛 always agree. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement

麻豆精品 S淭he future demands graduates who can collaborate effectively, navigate complex conversations and lead with integrity within varied professional environments, even when they don 麻豆精品 S檛 always agree, 麻豆精品 S says Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement and CIVIC principal investigator. 麻豆精品 S淭his grant allows us to prepare students not just academically, but to be thoughtful citizens and professionals. By integrating civil discourse skills throughout curricular and co-curricular experiences, we are helping students develop the communication and critical thinking skills that employers, communities and our democracy depend on. 麻豆精品 S

What is the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)?

FIPSE is a discretionary grant initiative that supports innovative projects to address urgent national needs in postsecondary education. The funds awarded from this specific program competition empower institutions to develop and scale solutions that improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity and align education with workforce demands.

In November, the Department of Education announced four FY 2025 competition priorities focused on expanding innovative teaching and student success initiatives, promoting civil discourse on campuses, advancing accreditation reform, and building capacity for high 麻豆精品 S憅uality, workforce 麻豆精品 S慳ligned short 麻豆精品 S憈erm academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

While UCF was Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 lone representative selected for the civil discourse priority, the state saw Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University, and its Commission for Public Higher Education, Inc. earn grants in accreditation. Hillsborough Community College earned funding for AI.

Two male students and two female students sit at a table with microphones on a stage and a screen projection of the Ginsburg Center in the background.
Several students participate in the 2024 Student Success Conference panel: 麻豆精品 S淒ifferent Journeys, Different Views: Student Perspectives on the Value of Education.”

What is civil discourse?

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 defines civil discourse as constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding, be productive and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national and global topics/issues.

麻豆精品 S淐ivil discourse is about understanding the other person 麻豆精品 S檚 viewpoint so you can come together to make thoughtful decisions in spite of having different viewpoints, 麻豆精品 S Guzm谩n says.

Guzm谩n says she often hears students today are hesitant to share their own perspectives. She hopes that through this intentional framework, students will begin to feel more confident engaging civilly with those around them.

麻豆精品 S淲hether students are in the classroom or just having a conversation with a peer, we want them to have the skillset and emotional intelligence needed for constructive conversations, 麻豆精品 S Guzm谩n says. 麻豆精品 S淭hey should still be able to walk away and respectfully say, 麻豆精品 S業 still don 麻豆精品 S檛 agree with you, but let 麻豆精品 S檚 go get a burger and fries afterward. 麻豆精品 S Too often, we 麻豆精品 S檝e seen relationships fracture because the skill of civil discourse has been lost. 麻豆精品 S

How will UCF use these funds?

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 priority with this $3.4 million grant is to intentionally embed civil discourse and constructive communication skills into the everyday experience at the university through four main strategies.

Brunette woman with her hair in a ponytail, black glasses and a white business coat smiles
Haley Winston 麻豆精品 S17贰诲顿听serves as UCF’s Director of Civil Discourse.

Strategy 1: Faculty Learning Communities

The first strategy is geared toward . UCF Director of Civil Discourse and Engagement Haley Winston 麻豆精品 S17贰诲顿 and a faculty fellow, yet to be named, will partner to create a curriculum to offer paid learning experiences via faculty learning communities each semester and a track at the Summer Faculty Development Institute. This curriculum will inform faculty on strategies and methodologies for building civil discourse opportunities into their classes. There are also plans to develop and implement civil discourse modules in new faculty orientation.

Eventually, 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 course catalogue will recognize classes 麻豆精品 S much like it does now with service-learning courses 麻豆精品 S with a civil discourse designation.

Strategies 2 and 3: Student Orientation and Training

Two additional strategies are student-focused. One will collaborate with 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 to include civil discourse modules at orientation.

麻豆精品 S淔rom the very start of a student 麻豆精品 S檚 journey at UCF, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way, 麻豆精品 S Guzm谩n says.

The other will partner with to offer civil discourse training for both student employee onboarding training as well as a supervisor-specific training via its , preparing students to carry on these skills into the workforce after graduation.

Strategy 4: Mini-grants for Learning Opportunities

The fourth strategy is geared toward expanding co-curricular opportunities through the UCF Ginsburg Center 麻豆精品 S Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement. Mini-grants will be offered to units and colleges who want to offer learning opportunities within their department or classrooms.

麻豆精品 S淭his grant builds on work already underway at UCF and allows us to scale it intentionally. 麻豆精品 S
麻豆精品 S Andrea Guzm谩n

麻豆精品 S淭his grant builds on work already underway at UCF and allows us to scale it intentionally. It also enables the development of a pilot program designed to be replicated across the state university system, 麻豆精品 S Guzm谩n says. 麻豆精品 S淭he reason we are choosing to bolster programs like orientation and faculty learning communities are because these are existing infrastructures that almost every institution will have and can seamlessly incorporate. 麻豆精品 S

Six male and femal students sit at a round table
麻豆精品 S淔rom the very start of a student 麻豆精品 S檚 journey at UCF, we set the expectation that we are an institution where people can express their views freely and constructively, in a respectful way, 麻豆精品 S Andrea Guzm谩n says.

What happens next?

The funding takes effect immediately. UCF will invite faculty applications for the faculty fellow position during the Spring 2026 semester, with the appointment beginning in August.

鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 will also organize an internal implementation team to confirm year-one priorities, which includes aligning timelines, refining deliverables and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the work.

麻豆精品 S淲ith every project we implement, we think about scale and long-term impact. The goal is always for meaningful, transformative work to live on beyond the grant, 麻豆精品 S says Cyndia Morales Mu帽iz 麻豆精品 S13EdD, senior director of grant initiatives and partnerships, and CIVIC project director.

In addition to Mu帽iz, Guzm谩n and Winston, the project includes activity coordinators Joel Cramer, interim vice provost for Faculty Excellence; Chanda Torres 麻豆精品 S98 麻豆精品 S00MA 麻豆精品 S08EdD, assistant vice president of the Dixon Career Development Center; and Ryan Goodwin, assistant vice president for Strategic Initiatives.

In years three and four of the grant, UCF will develop and host two symposiums for Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 State University System institutions and state colleges to share implementation strategies and lessons learned, providing a model that can be replicated at their own campuses.

麻豆精品 S淭his is yet another example of UCF leading the way to best serve our students and faculty and we look forward to getting started, 麻豆精品 S Mu帽iz says.

 

Note: 100% of 鲍颁贵 麻豆精品 S檚 Civil Interactions and Viewpoints for Interpersonal Competence (CIVIC): A Campuswide Model is being financed with this federal funding and 0% of the program is being financed with non-federal funding.

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2024 Student Success Conference Several students participate in the 2024 Student Success Conference panel: 麻豆精品 S淒ifferent Journeys, Different Views: Student Perspectives on the Value of Education." Haley Winston_UCF_Civil Discourse Haley Winston Civil Discourse-ucf-students
6 Reasons Why Career Fairs Still Matter in the LinkedIn Era /news/6-reasons-why-career-fairs-still-matter-in-the-linkedin-era/ /news/6-reasons-why-career-fairs-still-matter-in-the-linkedin-era/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:42:52 +0000 /news/?p=70895 In today 麻豆精品 S檚 digital world, most people turn to the internet to find a job. It 麻豆精品 S檚 as easy as type, click and submit. While technology has made it easier to find and apply for jobs, it has also created a competitive, cluttered and chaotic environment that makes it hard to stand out and even harder to break through. Although career fairs may seem like an outdated job search method, Sheila Vargas, a career development coordinator for Rosen College, says they still have a place in the modern job market and here 麻豆精品 S檚 why:

  1. You can interview the company before they interview you.

Sometimes, your impression of what it would be like to work at a particular company differs from reality, so going to a career fair is a golden opportunity to talk to employees, learn about the culture and ask questions about open positions. This insight can help you decide if that company is actually the right fit for you and will help you achieve your career goals.

  1. You get valuable face time with people who can directly impact the success of your application.

Quite often, the people staffing a career fair booth on behalf of a company are human resources or recruiting professionals. These individuals are the gatekeepers to the job you want. They get scores of e-mails every day, so meeting them in person is a rare chance to make a memorable impression and establish a connection that can eventually get you in the door.

  1. It 麻豆精品 S檚 a great chance to practice your interview skills.

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Some companies are household names, but the vast majority don 麻豆精品 S檛 enjoy the same level of brand recognition, which makes it challenging to reach qualified job candidates. Career fairs are a valuable platform for employers to educate people about their organizations and increase brand awareness. If you 麻豆精品 S檙e new to the area and beginning your job search, it 麻豆精品 S檚 also a convenient way to learn about the local job market and research employers.

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If you 麻豆精品 S檝e already applied to a position, but haven 麻豆精品 S檛 received a response or want to know the status of your application, you can inquire about it at a career fair. In some cases, company representatives may even offer to look up your application on the spot and provide feedback. At the very least, you can get an actual person 麻豆精品 S檚 contact information and follow up later via e-mail.

  1. Build connections now that can pay off later.

The company you 麻豆精品 S檙e interested in working for might not have any positions for you now, but circumstances change and weeks, months or even years down the road, something could become available. Remember to be patient because a connection you make at a career fair can pay off if you keep in touch and show genuine interest in the organization.

Rosen College 麻豆精品 S檚 Career and Experiential Learning Fair is on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UCF Rosen College courtyard. Leading organizations from the hospitality and tourism industry visit the campus every semester to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management. Rosen College students plan and execute the career fair as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.

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Hospitality Employers Seek Students for Jobs, Internships at Rosen College Career Fair /news/hospitality-employers-seek-students-for-jobs-internships-at-rosen-college-career-fair/ Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:50:58 +0000 /news/?p=68991 On Thursday, Oct. 22, 69 employers were on hand for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management Fall 2015 Career & Experiential Learning Fair. Over 780 students had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from top hospitality and tourism companies to learn about full-time, part-time and internship opportunities.

In addition to meeting employers, students could visit the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from UCF alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Fall 2015 Career Fair theme was inspired by The Beatles, anchored by the tagline, 麻豆精品 S淚magine All the Possibilities, 麻豆精品 S encouraging students to dream big about their futures and pursue their career goals.

Employers who participated in the Fall 2015 Career Fair include:

  • 4R Restaurant Group
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  • Bags
  • Blueridge Restaurant Group
  • Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
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  • Calypso Cay Resort
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  • 颁丑颈濒颈 麻豆精品 S檚
  • Club Med
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
  • Cullasaja Club
  • Diamond Resorts International
  • Dignity Memorial
  • Drury Hotels
  • Ecolab
  • Edibles by Ethel, Events and Catering
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels
  • Enterprise Rent-a-car
  • EtourandTravel (Festiva Resort Group)
  • Expedia Inc.
  • Florida Hospital Medical Group
  • Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World
  • Gartner
  • Hello! Florida Destination Management
  • Hilton Grand Vacations
  • Hilton Worldwide
  • Hilton Worldwide Table #2
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations
  • Hotel Management Services
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Jason 麻豆精品 S檚 Deli
  • LEGOLAND Florida
  • Levy Restaurants
  • Loews Hotels- Resorts
  • Manor Vail Lodge
  • Marriott International
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  • Melia Orlando Suite Hotel
  • Miller 麻豆精品 S檚 Ale House Restaurants
  • Morgans Hotel Group
  • Ocean Properties, LTD.
  • Olive Garden Italian Kitchen
  • Orlando Health
  • Premier Beverage
  • PSAV
  • Radisson Resort Orlando- Celebration
  • Reunion Resort
  • Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
  • Rosen Hotels and Resorts
  • Rusty Pelican and Whiskey Joe 麻豆精品 S檚/ Specialty Restaurants Corporation
  • Shake Shack
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sprinkles Cupcakes
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Booth 2
  • StaySky Resort Management
  • The Breakers Palm Beach
  • The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
  • The Omni Orlando Resorta at Champions Gate
  • Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex
  • Tony Roma 麻豆精品 S檚
  • Towne Park
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  • Visit Orlando
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  • Learn more about participating in Rosen College 麻豆精品 S檚 next Career Fair.

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    Experience the Rosen College Career Fair in Less Than 30 Seconds /news/experience-rosen-college-career-fair-timelapse/ Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:58:52 +0000 /news/?p=64626 On Thursday, Feb. 26, 610 students had the opportunity to meet 72 different employers at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management Spring 2015 Career & Experiential Learning Fair. Leading organizations from the hospitality and tourism industry visited the campus to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management.

    Students also visited the Career Fair Ready Room to get advice from UCF alumni, check their appearance, practice their elevator speech and take a professional photo for LinkedIn.

    Rosen College students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as part of a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu. The Spring 2015 Career Fair theme was nature and growth, anchored by the tagline, 麻豆精品 S淏ranch Out, Get Rooted, 麻豆精品 S encouraging students to branch out and meet new employers, and get rooted in a new career.

    Employers who participated in the Spring 2015 Career Fair include:

  • 4R Smokehouse
  • ABC Companies
  • Alys Beach
  • Aramark
  • Bluegreen Vacations
  • Booking.com
  • Brown Distributing Company
  • Capitol Services Inc. Florida
  • Caribe Royale Orlando
  • Centerplate (at the Orange County Convention Center)
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
  • Crayola Experience
  • CULINAIRE Distinctive Dining and Hospitality Management
  • Darden
  • Diamond Resorts International
  • Dignity Memorial
  • Disney Internships and Programs
  • Disney Meetings & Events
  • DNC Parks and Resorts at KSC, Inc.
  • Doubletree by Hilton at Seaworld
  • Drury Hotels
  • Ecolab
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • F&G Hospitality Consulting
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando
  • Greystar
  • Hilton Worldwide/ Hilton Grand Vacations
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • J. Alexander’s Restaurants
  • Jason’s Deli
  • Kessler Collection
  • Landry’s Restaurants
  • Legoland Florida
  • Levy Restaurants at the Amway Center, Citrus Bowl
  • Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
  • Marriott International
  • Marriott Vacations Worldwide
  • MasterCorp, Inc.
  • Meadow Brook Club
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • Miller’s Ale House
  • Nickelodeon Suites Resort
  • Nordstrom
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn
  • Old Edwards Hospitality Group
  • Omni Hotels & Resorts
  • Panera Bread
  • Pappas Restaurants
  • Picerne Real Estate Group
  • Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
  • PSAV Presentation Services
  • Republic National Distributing Company
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts
  • Seaworld Orlando
  • Sixt Rent a Car
  • Sonny’s BBQ
  • South Seas Island Resort
  • Sprinkles Cupcakes
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  • Starwood Vacation Ownership
  • Target
  • The Breakers
  • Tijuana Flats
  • Tourico Holidays
  • Universal Orlando Resort
  • Visit Orlando
  • Wawa Inc.
  • Wyndham Vacation Ownership
  • For more information about participating in Rosen College’s next Career Fair, visit hospitality.ucf.edu/careerfair.

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    Over 60 Employers Talk Jobs, Internships with Hospitality Students /news/60-employers-talk-jobs-internships-hospitality-students/ Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:38:41 +0000 /news/?p=57731 UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management hosted the Spring 2014 Career Fair on Thursday, Feb. 27. Over 60 employers from the hospitality and tourism industry were on hand to discuss full-time, part-time and internship opportunities with students majoring in hospitality management, restaurant management and event management.

    “This is an incredible opportunity for employers to connect with a highly-targeted audience of students who are truly invested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry,” said Bradley Loomis, assistant director of employer relations for UCF Career Services at Rosen College.

    Students plan and execute the Career Fair every semester as a class project, handling every aspect of the event, including the theme, decor, marketing, promotion and lunch menu.聽 The Spring 2014 Career Fair was safari-themed, anchored by the tagline,聽 “Where Your Adventure Begins.” In addition to applying the skills and techniques learned in class to a real-life event, students get an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the industry’s top companies.

    麻豆精品 S淭he students have the opportunity to network, practice their elevator speech and become connected to industry professionals all under one roof,” said , an instructor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who teaches the Event Management class in which students plan and execute the Career Fair. “It 麻豆精品 S檚 almost like a one-stop shop of employers that, to my knowledge, 聽the students would not be able to get otherwise. 麻豆精品 S

    Employers who attended the Spring 2014 Career Fair include:

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    Kessler Collection

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    Old Edwards Inn and Spa

    Orange Lake Reosrts

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    Ovations Food Services

    Panera Bread

    Picerne Real Estate Group

    PSAV Presentation Services

    Republic National Distributing Company

    Rosen Hotels & Resorts

    SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

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    South Seas Island Resort

    Starwood Hotels and Resorts

    staySky Resort Management

    Target Stores

    The Breakers Palm Beach

    The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott

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    Transtar Transportation Group

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    Universal Orlando Resort

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