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Work hard, play well
June 17, 2025
A co-op at Lego shows one University of Cincinnati student that innovative design starts with a spirit of play.
Building What's
Next
The world of work is changing at warp speed. AI, automation and shifting global markets are rewriting what skills matter — and fast. At the University of Cincinnati, we don’t wait for disruption. We design for it.
For more than a century, UC has partnered with industry to integrate education and real-world work into a single talent pipeline. Today, that model powers one of the most advanced workforce and innovation ecosystems in the country. It connects students, employers, startups, and global brands to build what’s next together.
Why UC
at SXSW?
SXSW is where leaders shape the future of work, innovation, and entrepreneurship. UC belongs in that conversation.
As Workplace Track sponsor, UC is demonstrating a scalable model for workforce development and industry partnership on a global stage.
We built the original talent pipeline.
UC built the prototype for integrating education with industry. We called our prototype cooperative education – or co-op. Over 100 years later, we’ve proven that co-op prepares talent that is ready on day one.
Today, UC’s co-op system connects 1,700+ employer partners with students across 14 colleges and 200+ majors, creating a steady pipeline of adaptable, skilled, work-ready talent.
For employers, co-op delivers:
- A low-risk, high-return hiring mode
- Pre-vetted talent trained in your real workflows
- Flexible staffing for projects, seasonal needs, and growth
- A proven path from co-op to full-time hire
Many employers convert co-op students to full-time hires, creating a low-risk, high-return hiring strategy. Co-ops offer flexible, cost-effective talent for seasonal needs, special projects, or expanded team capacity.
We built a unique innovation ecosystem.
UC is more than a research university. It is a strategically designed innovation engine.
At the center is the 1819 Innovation Hub, where startups, corporate partners, researchers and students come together to move ideas from concept to market. From applied R&D and prototyping to workforce pilots and product development, UC makes innovation practical, fast, and scalable.
Our partners do not just sponsor projects. They build alongside the next generation of talent.
Meet
generation
next
Our students become your talent — prepared to contribute immediately on day one. UC students don’t simulate work. They do the work.
- They lead projects inside Fortune 500 companies.
- They contribute in research labs and startups.
- They graduate with multiple semesters of professional experience.
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UC student over the moon about NASA co-op
April 22, 2025
Not everyone who works at NASA is an astronaut. UC information technology student Colin Mallot hones his cybersecurity skills interning for the federal space agency, thanks to the Scholarship for Service funded by the National Science Foundation.
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UC cybersecurity student thrives as Royal Caribbean co-op
September 4, 2025
Matthew Price's co-op with Royal Caribbean showcases cybersecurity's role in travel and UC's co-op impact, highlighting his leadership and innovative solutions.
Follow Along
Not in Austin? You’re still part of what’s next.
We’re sharing insights from the SXSW Workplace Track — including future-of-work perspectives, innovation highlights, and partner voices.
Follow along for real-time content and post-event takeaways.