UTEP’s Career-Readiness Institute Prepares Students for Successful Futures
Last Updated on February 07, 2022 at 12:00 AM
Originally published February 07, 2022
By Laura L. Acosta
UTEP Communications
Students at The University of Texas at El Paso can earn up to $400 and gain valuable insight into job and internship opportunities at UTEP’s Employer-led Professional Development Institute, or EPDI, that begins Feb. 10 and 11, 2022.
EPDI is a paid, virtual 6-week program hosted by the University Career Center for undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines who are interested in sharpening their professional skills. The institute will kick off with one-hour workshops starting at 3 p.m. via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 10, and at noon on Zoom and in person at UTEP’s Union Cinema on Friday, Feb. 11. Students who have previously participated in the EPDI are not eligible to take part in this year’s institute.
“The Employer-Led Professional Development Institute provides UTEP students with connections to industry experts who are committed to enhancing the work skills of our students,” said Betsy Castro-Duarte, director of the University Career Center. “This partnership allows UTEP students to earn while they grow and learn.”
Career-readiness workshops will be led by local and regional employers such as ADP, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin, who will share insight into what they are looking for in new hires. The program aims to help participants gain an edge over the competition in securing full-time employment or internships. Other participating employers include, Simplicity Esports, LinkedIn, Target, Peace Corps, NASA, KFOX14, Texas Instruments, Honeywell, ServiceNow, Synchrony, Halliburton and the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation.
Eighteen workshops will be offered from Feb. 16 to April 1, 2022, on a variety of topics, including career mapping, building your brand, in person and digital job interviews and more.
Over 600 students have registered for the spring semester’s 2022 EPDI kick-off sessions.
Participants will be required to attend eight workshops of their choice and complete a resume review with the Career Center to receive a $200 award. Students can earn an additional $200 if they participate in three institute engagement activities.
A total of 644 students have completed the program since it started in the fall 2020 semester.
Castro said the feedback she has received from past participants has been positive. Students have lauded the institute’s professional development activities, including the presentations from prospective employers and the Career Center’s resume review and career advising services.
To sign up for the Spring 2022 cohort, click here and enroll in one of the kickoff sessions. Students who sign up for a kickoff session are automatically enrolled into a cohort. Students interested in the program need only attend one kickoff session.
