Gifts to The Career Center contribute to...
Empower Student Career Success Through The Career Center
The Career Center is committed to equipping students with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to achieve their career goals. Through innovative programs and personalized support, we help students navigate their career paths, secure internships and jobs, and build a foundation for long-term success. Your generosity enables us to provide critical resources to students at every stage of their professional journey.
When you make a gift to support the Career Center this Orange & Blue Week, you can choose from 3 areas to support.
1. The Career Certificate – International Students (CC-I): Enhancing Global Career Competitiveness
The CC-I program is a nationally recognized 9-week career development initiative that helps international students strengthen their job search, networking, and career management skills. By increasing confidence and equipping students with lifelong professional skills, CC-I ensures international students can successfully pursue internships and jobs. Since 2012, this program has helped hundreds of students become more competitive in the global job market. Your donation helps expand access to this vital program.
- $200 allows an additional student to participate in CC-I
- $100 funds four 1:1 coaching sessions with a peer mentor for international students
- $100 supports a workshop for 40 international students
2. Strengthening Career Services for All Students
The Career Center provides essential services that support students in their career exploration and professional development. From resume reviews to mock interviews and professional headshots, we offer tools that prepare students for the next step in their careers. Your support enhances these services, ensuring students have access to high-quality career guidance and resources.
- $50 funds headshots for 75 students at the Professional Portrait Lab
- $1,200 helps purchase a backdrop pulley system for personalized professional portraits
- $3,000 contributes to upgrading the headshot room for a more professional experience
- $50 supports a personal statement review for medical school applicants
- $50 funds a mock interview for a student preparing for a job or internship
3. The FOCUS Scholars Program
FOCUS is an intensive semester-long program created to aid in eliminating the gap in post-graduation outcomes and starting salaries between underrepresented, first-generation students and their peers to positively impact career trajectories, earnings potential, and economic security for years to come.
Your gift will support the peer-mentoring component of the FOCUS program where first-generation students support each other as they explore, prepare for, and pursue their career goals and professional aspirations.
Your small gift will have an incredible impact on first-generation students!
One recent FOCUS scholar said, “I know I needed a kickstart in my career journey, and FOCUS gave me the tools and knowledge to navigate the professional world like a pro. It’s been a real game-changer – a semester long career development initiative tailored to empower first-gen students like me. As a first-gen college student, I found myself navigating unfamiliar territory in terms of career development. Through FOCUS, I’ve not only strengthened my interviewing skills but also gained the confidence to navigate the professional world with purpose and determination.
Make an Impact Today
Your generosity fuels student success and strengthens career opportunities for all Illinois students. Join us in empowering students to take charge of their futures by making a gift to the Career Center today.