Lindner Career Services honored with national award

Career services center recognized for partnerships, innovation

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business’ Career Services Center was recently awarded the Exemplary Career Center Program in Education, Government or Business award by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) for its innovative work in supporting students in their career development journeys.

The award recognizes a career services center or program that exemplifies innovative and effective strategies and initiatives for career development. 

The NCDA selection committee were “deeply impressed” by Lindner Career Services. They praised the many partnerships forged by Career Services with both internal and external partners, including top employers, which set it apart from a crowded and fierce pool of nominees. 

“An award like this lets others know about the great work we’re doing,” said Kevin J. Hardy, assistant dean and Karen Bennett Hoeb Director of Cooperative Education. “When we talk to other career services staff at conferences, they often ask what it is that we think we do best or what sets us apart. And it truly is our unique model of building relationships to best connect students and employers.” 

Kevin J. Hardy professional headshot

Kevin J. Hardy, assistant dean and Karen Bennett Hoeb Director of Cooperative Education

Nominees were evaluated based on several criteria including: mission, vision and values; collaborative pursuits; program implementation and development; overcoming challenges; and plans for future growth.

Keith Sun, director of experiential learning, cited the center’s motto of a career coach for every major, as a key differentiator. Lindner Career Services embraces a holistic approach to connecting students and employers by building long-term partnerships and providing a personable, customer service-oriented experience.

“I think this gives credit to our staff and to the work we do and the relationships we’ve built,” said Sun. “We go out of our way to serve students and employers, and we hope to continue to encourage them to work with, us and hopefully this recognition helps with that.”

Career services staff member reviews student's resume with female student in Lindner Hall classroom

Students receive resume support at Lindner Career Service's Resupalooza event ahead of the career fair.

Career Services’ staff earned high praise from the selection committee. They highlighted the team’s ability to prioritize relationship building, support one another and invest in themselves and the Lindner community to further students’ success. Staff wear many hats teaching career development courses, networking with employers, presenting at conferences and supporting a diverse array of students.

With the support of career services, more than 1,300 students co-oped during the 2021-22 academic year, with students earning an average of $19 an hour. In 2022, students achieved a job placement rate of 92% three months after graduation for undergraduate students and a placement rate of 96% for graduate students. 

Featured image at top: The Lindner Career Services team at the start of the 2022-23 academic year. Photo/Danielle Lawrence

Linking top, diverse talent with top employers

Together with faculty, staff, industry professionals and UC alumni, Lindner Career Services enhances the professional acumen of Lindner students and fosters mutually beneficial relationships with employers. Get to know Career Services by connecting with a career coach or exploring the many resources available for students and employers.

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