Pathways to ExCEL
Pathways to ExCEL
Welcome to Pathways to ExCEL.
UTEP wants all undergraduates to prosper in this college environment and succeed academically.
ExCEL stands for:
- Education
- Experience
- Community Involvement
- Eye to the future
- Leadership
By following the Pathways to Excel, you will not only enhance your résumé but improve your chances of getting into graduate school and becoming a standout candidate to employers. Click on the corresponding tabs to get started on ExCEL.
One of the most important parts of learning to “excel” is your education. Get the most out of your college career by maintaining a high GPA, choosing quality classes, developing skills and becoming an engaged student.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Keep in mind that recruiters prefer a 3.0 and above. Start maintaining or improving your grades as soon as possible.
- Remember that most graduate school programs, including the UTEP Graduate School prefer a high GPA.
Active Learning
- Engage in active learning and choose classes that enhance your skills, not just because they will be an easy A. Choose activities and opportunities that help you develop skills, such as public speaking , computer literacy, languages , ethics and advanced research in your major.
Honors Programs
- Consider applying to honors programs such as the University Honors Program (UHP) or a college specific program, such as the Liberal Arts Honors Program for a richer, more intense and more challenging academic experience. UHP is dedicated to providing guidance and support for academic success, personal and professional growth and leadership development to honors students.
Training/Leadership Programs
Apply to programs such as the:
- Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI) which is designed to help UTEP students understand the legal profession and gain entrance to law school.
- Leadership Programs - The Student Engagement & Leadership Center (SELC) prides itself in promoting leadership development opportunities for students on campus.
Research Opportunities
- Get to know major professors for networking and research opportunities . Building valuable relationships with your professors is vital. They are important resources that can provide a wealth of information regarding your college career and your career path.
Student Success
- UTEP wants all undergraduates to thrive in the college environment and succeed academically. Check out some of the Student Success Initiatives you may want to take part in.
You can’t have a well-rounded résumé without experience, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get a job. Experience can come from many different sources and activities.
Student Part-Time Employment
- Students can look for on and off campus jobs by utilizing Job Mine .
A part time job will:
- Introduce you to a career or area of interest you may want to pursue after graduation
- Earn you the experience that employers and graduate programs are looking for
- Teach you transferable skills, such as time management and leadership, that you’ll use wherever you go
Internships, Co-Ops and Practicums
- These provide experience beyond the traditional classroom, to provide stronger engagement, give students an opportunity to apply their academic learning in the real world, and bring real world experience back to the classroom. Combine academic knowledge with professional experience by becoming a part of the University Career Center’s Internship Program
Study Abroad/Study Away
- Study abroad allows students to experience a richer appreciation and understanding of other cultures. It also teaches respect for other views and perspectives, increased independence and confidence, and valuable life skills needed to become competent and engaged global citizens. Learn about global society and intercultural skills through the Study Abroad Office (SAO) . Check out the SAO Facebook to connect to like-minded students.
Capstone Experiences
- Capstone experiences are designed to provide comprehensive guidance for the transition to life after college and will vary by discipline area. They may include the completion of independent research, professional projects, or other signature work to showcase career or graduate-school readiness.
Volunteering is key to becoming a candidate that excels. Look into different programs offered on and off-campus to see how you can start giving back.
There are over 200 Registered Student Organizations.
These organizations can be found in Mine Tracker under the following categories.
- Special Interest
- Social
- Service
- School/Community Spirit
- Religious/Spiritual
- Recreational
- Professional
- International
- Honorary
- Greek
- Graduate
- Governing(SGA)
- Advocacy
- Academic/Professional
Become a part of the biggest volunteer event on campus!
Interested in service-learning? Connect with UTEP’s Center for Community Engagement
Enhance your education and contribute to the public good through community-based initiatives. Learn more about the Center for Community Engagement's programs, such as the Community Work-Study Program . Click the CUE to get connected.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. Check out UTEP’s career counseling and advising resources to establish your personal and career goals.
Career Counseling and Major Exploration
- Career Assessment/Counseling at the Counseling and Psychological Services will get you started on choosing a major.
- The Choices 360 puts you through a series of tests to discover your strengths and suggested careers.
- Find out What Can I Do With This Major? to see what could be in your future.
Career Advising
- Schedule a Peer Career Advising session to find out how to plan your way to your dream job.
- Mining Majors offers a look at internships, organizations and related occupations tailored to your major.
- Come check out our Career Fairs for an opportunity to speak directly to recruiters and practice your communication skills.
Employers On Campus
- Stay on top of Campus Visits and Information Sessions and get an inside scoop on what professionals in your industry are looking for.
Informational Interviews
- An informational interview is a meeting to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you. Get the inside scoop on careers by scheduling an informational interview with a mentor, professor or professional.
Gaining leadership experience gets you a step closer to excelling. Research what student organizations or programs you can join to improve your leadership skills.
Leadership Programs & Events