Faculty
Faculty play a pivotal role in preparing students for successful careers, and we’re here to support you in that mission. The University Career Center offers a range of resources to help you integrate career readiness into your curriculum, empowering students to confidently transition from classroom to career.
Our Assistant Director of Career Readiness, Jennifer Lynch, is available to collaborate with you on incorporating career-focused assignments, activities, and learning outcomes into your syllabi. Together, we can equip students with the skills and insights they need to thrive in today’s workforce. In addition to the resources below, here is our Faculty Guide to Enhancing Your Students’ Career Readiness.
Integrating Career Readiness Competencies
Integrating career readiness competencies into classrooms is essential for equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. By embedding competencies such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability into the curriculum, educators can create engaging learning experiences that connect academic content to real-world applications. This approach not only enhances students’ understanding of their subject matter but also prepares them to navigate the complexities of today’s job market.
Competency Mapping
Here is an example of how to align learning objectives, assignments, activities and assessments with the NACE Career Competencies. Being intentionally transparent with skills students will build will aid students in articulating their competency development to future employers.
Career Readiness Presentations
Faculty can schedule a career readiness presentation for their classes! A member of the Career Development Team will come to your classroom to give a presentation on the desired career readiness topic. To schedule a career readiness presentation, please submit a request form.
It is recommended to request your presentation as early as possible, as our schedule tends to fill up quickly!
Career Readiness Assignments
Enhance your students’ career readiness by incorporating our eLearning assignments into your courses. These ready-made assignments cover career exploration, networking, self-marketing, and more.
Resources For Your Students
Handshake: Your students can schedule appointments with any member of our Career Development team for personalized career guidance through Handshake.
Interstride: Interstride is an online platform designed to support international students and alumni in their career development by providing resources such as job postings, networking opportunities, and guidance on work authorization and immigration. It helps users navigate the job market and enhance their professional skills while fostering a global community.
Career Resource Library: The University Career Center maintains a library of career resources about a wide range of topics for students and alumni. Information is provided in both a summarized, quick guide as well as an in-depth exploration of an area in career preparedness.
Pathway to Professionalism Digital Badge Program: Students can increase their professional skills and gain a UTD digital badge as they develop job-ready competencies by completing activities and attending career events. They can gain the chance to attend an exclusive completion celebration event, plus early access to our Career Fair.
Challenge Cards: Challenge Cards (SparkPath) is a resource that helps students identify and explore real-world challenges they are passionate about, guiding them toward creating extraordinary careers. Go to app.mysparkpath.com and click “Sign Up” to create a student account with your UTD email and insert the unique code (utdallas2024).
Riipen
Riipen connects your course with real employers through short-term, project-based work. Students apply academic knowledge to real challenges, boosting engagement and career readiness—with minimal changes to your syllabus.
Why Faculty Use Riipen
- Boost engagement – Bring concepts to life with industry-led projects
- Support learning outcomes – Reinforce collaboration, critical thinking, and applied skills
- Expand industry connection – Build partnerships for future classes and guest lectures
- Add career-relevant value – Offer resume-ready experiences to students
- Low lift, high impact – No major course redesign needed
Common Project Types
- Data Analysis – Analyze real datasets using Excel, Python, or Tableau
- Market Research – Evaluate new markets or customer segments
- UX/UI Design – Improve digital usability with testing and feedback
- Sustainability – Recommend eco-friendly or CSR initiatives
- Software Development – Build tools, features, or prototypes
What’s in It for Students?
- Apply classroom learning to real-world problems
- Gain teamwork, communication, and project management skills
- Build networks with real employers
- Graduate with portfolio-ready projects
- Stay motivated through meaningful, career-connected work
Interested in Using Riipen?
Contact experientiallearning@utdallas.edu or schedule a time to chat with us.
