Graduates of The University of Texas at Arlington will have a critical advantage over their job-seeking competition as the University's new Career Development Center begins serving their needs in a revolutionary way.
"Where talent meets opportunity" is the guiding principal of UTA's new state-of-the-art facility that officially opened its doors Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the E. H. Hereford University Center, 300 W. First St.
Venturing far beyond conventional employment advising programs long a staple of universities, the UTA Career Development Center is engaging students at the earliest possible moment, as freshmen, helping them identify their interests and talents, possible professions associated with those abilities, the right classes to take and mastery of important workforce-related skills during their time at UTA.
"The Career Development Center will be transformational not only for our students, but also for our alumni, since it will serve both," UTA President Vistasp Karbhari said. "We will ensure that our graduates are not just the best prepared in their fields, but are the most sought after by all employers."
He added: "UTA alumni will add extensive value as mentors, guides and resources for career advancement in the tradition of the elite Ivy Leagues. No longer are we going to sit back and say 'someone does it better.' They're going to look at us and say 'we need to catch up with UTA.'"
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams called the facility a game-changer and noted the growth and quality of prominent new faculty hires. Referencing several new improvement projects in downtown Arlington, he called UTA a major catalyst behind development.
Mayor Williams, president of Arlington-based Graham Associates, Inc. - an award-winning engineering and planning firm, said he has hired many UTA graduates and that it has made a difference because of their work ethic and the skills with which they are equipped when they leave UTA.
"They are ready to go to work and they are well-rounded," Williams said. "I'm excited about how this facility will help dreams come true for students of UTA and also the dreams of businesses as they get great young talent to help build their companies."
The largest employers of UTA graduates nationwide, are: Lockheed Martin, Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White Health, AT&T, Tarrant County College, Bank of America, American Airlines, Fidelity Investments, the Dallas Independent School District, and IBM. In planning the center, UTA sought the advice and guidance of many area corporations and businesses to determine what they look for in potential recruits for their respective industries and advise the University on how to equip graduates with a complete suite of professional characteristics to make them attractive employment candidates.
The center is part of a $6 million renovation project at the University Center, made possible in part by the Amon G. Carter Foundation, Bell Helicopter, Follett, Oncor Electric Delivery, Texas Trust Credit Union, Utley Group, Wells Fargo, XTO Energy and other generous supporters. Additional participation by companies and individuals committed to building the next generation of workforce and community leaders in partnership with UTA is welcomed.
Alumni also are welcomed to explore the center and engage in mentoring and internship opportunities. The UTA Career Development Center is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 817-272-2932 to schedule an appointment with a career consultant or visit www.uta.edu/careers/ for more information.
Click here to read more about the new Career Development Center.
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