We here at the University of Connecticut Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Enterprise, a global leader in mobility solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to enhance career development opportunities for our students, and advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals. As part of this partnership, Enterprise has sponsored this year’s DE&I Internship Program, consisting of 7 Affinity Community Working Learners who are among the initial cohort of our newly developed Work+ program. These Interns will work closely with our different affinity communities on campus.
Enterprise’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce aligns seamlessly with our objectives at the Center. Katherine Pandolfi, a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of reaching a broad spectrum of students.
“We want to build standing relationships with various organizations on the UConn campus to reach a wider population of students… By engaging with students across different majors and identities, we aim to diversify our workforce and bring in fresh perspectives.”
A key component of this partnership is the focus on mentorship and professional development. The Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills aims to provide our students with valuable support that goes beyond traditional career services. Students will have the opportunity to connect with professionals through hands-on learning and mentorship, which will help them navigate their career paths, prepare for interviews, and enhance their LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
According to Katherine, Enterprise has looked to employ UConn students over the years, offering a range of career paths that cater to various interests and skills. From management roles, to positions in accounting and business, to technical and engineering roles, students will gain exposure to different career opportunities and be able to explore the best fit for their aspirations. Enterprise’s structured training programs, including comprehensive management training, will ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers. This includes monthly courses, coaching from experienced managers, and cross-departmental learning opportunities.
The partnership also highlights Enterprise’s commitment to DE&I initiatives. Through its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as the Black Enterprise Action Team, EnterPride (LGBTQ+ group), and Women in Leadership, Enterprise supports diverse communities and offers students the chance to engage with these supportive networks. This initiative is not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering an inclusive environment and creating meaningful connections.
To ensure the partnership’s success, Enterprise is committed to gathering feedback from students and continuously assessing the impact of the collaboration. This dynamic approach allows us to make necessary adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the partnership remains relevant and beneficial to all parties involved.
Beyond immediate benefits, this partnership aims to create a lasting impact. Enterprise will utilize its contacts and communication channels at UConn to promote collaboration widely. This includes engaging with various student organizations and clubs to ensure that the benefits of the partnership reach as many students as possible.
The collaboration between Enterprise and the Career Center represents a significant advancement in integrating career development with DEI initiatives. It provides our students with the tools and support they need to succeed beyond graduation, while also allowing Enterprise to invest in a diverse talent pool and contribute to a more inclusive future.
As we embark on this promising partnership, we are excited about the opportunities it will bring for our students and look forward to its continued success and impact. Together, Enterprise and the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills are setting a new standard for how educational institutions and businesses can work together to foster career growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
If you are looking for relevant content, aimed at supporting students’ career and personal development, please check out our 14 affinity communities.
Each page has 5-6 sections with resources tailored to the specific community, including but not limited to featured articles, upcoming events, videos, student organizations, professional organizations, and more! We know that students may identify with multiple affinities and encourage you to explore more than one community to ensure that you can find content that matches your lived experiences.
Finally, we know that the information provided is not an exhaustive list, so for more, please contact our office via email at career@uconn.edu or call (860) 486-3013.
