The T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center celebrated the one-year anniversary of its renovated space on October 25.
The center renovated existing space in the UCCS University Center with a philanthropic gift from T. Rowe Price, a global management investment firm.
With new space, the center was able to add several valuable components, such as the Innovation Lounge that can fit up to 25 people and is used for interview practice, presentations, networking, event hosting and much more. Smaller meeting rooms were added as well, allowing for a more intimate setting for those who need a private space to study, conduct virtual interviews, host small meetings and other needs.
The center also opened an area for “Clyde’s Closet,” a wardrobe-supply program that allows students to take and keep seven articles of professional clothing per semester. These help students prepare for job interviews, career fairs or any other necessities. Clyde’s Closet relies on donations, so consider giving your unneeded professional clothing items.
The gift from T. Rowe Price also allowed the center to host more events, such as career fairs, meet and greets, panels and other career functions. One upcoming event is their “Donuts & Pre-Health Q&A” on Oct. 25, where students can ask questions and meet the Pre-Health Career Coach Sarah Fillman.
Beyond the Innovation Lounge and Clyde’s Closet, the center helps students in many other ways. Between career advising, resume and cover letter assistance, help with finding or changing majors and scholarship applications, interview preparation and more, the coaches at the center want to aid prospective students to freshman year and on.
“Whatever phase, stage and age of career somebody is in, we’re here to help,” said Brie Escobedo, Career Exploration Coach.
That help is also available post-graduation, as UCCS alumni can use the center and its resources as well. Graduates can attend virtual career fairs and make appointments with coaches for interview practice. They can also use the online resource, Handshake, to connect with local employers and discover jobs.
The center’s resources don’t end there. Along with students and alumni, staff and faculty at UCCS can use the services provided. Tips on writing recommendation letters or ways to incorporate career development into teaching curriculum are available, and the center occasionally holds Career Influencer Training Programs. These workshops “supply faculty/staff with light career theory, major/career exploration tools, and career-readiness resources to better understand and support students.”
On top of the many services already available, Escobedo and Fillman are constantly looking for additional ways to help those using the center. One of these ways was a “speed resume” event they hosted last year, where students could come for fifteen minutes and get quick feedback and help on resumes.
“It was so successful. Just fifteen minutes, and it’s low key, low pressure, they know it’s going to be fast,” said Fillman.
Other areas the coaches hope to develop for the future are specializations, like Fillman with Pre-Health, and partnerships with local employers. Though they’ve managed to increase partnerships already via a diversity grant with the Empty Stocking Fund, in which students are paired with local nonprofits for internship opportunities, they plan to continue expanding in similar ways.
“Specializations and employer relations would be ideal,” said Escobedo.
Not only has T. Rowe Price contributed with the renovation, the company funds a fellowship for students. The T. Rowe Price Fellowship is a mentorship opportunity for the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences and College of Business juniors and seniors. Students participate in mentorship activities and receive a $1,000 scholarship.
“Not only have they provided money for the space, but they continue to prioritize UCCS student development and career readiness,” Escobedo said, acknowledging the difference T. Rowe Price has made for the center and students.
“We are so thankful for the space. It was a game changer,” added Fillman.
You can learn more about the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center online.