2023-2024
“Historic. A roller coaster of emotions and a lot of pastries.”
A LETTER FROM KATIE ABBY
Words uttered by Olympic Gold Medalist Phil Kim following this summer’s Paris Olympics encapsulate my feelings about academic year 2023-24. U Career Success and the people we serve enjoyed some very big wins during a year of emotional highs and lows, filled with a lot of pastries consumed in both comfort and joy.
Over the past two years, U Career Success has been steadily expanding its services to all colleges at the University of Utah. Today, we are proud to have embedded coaching and partnerships in all but the professional schools. I wish to thank our colleagues in each school and program for their enthusiastic welcome and ongoing support.
We have learned so much in two years of scaling. Each college comprises its own world with unique strengths, curriculum and cultures. It has been a most rewarding professional challenge to listen and learn from each, creating programs consistent with U Career Success’s engagement model while respectful of the changing needs of the college.
We continually strive to boost each U student’s sense of belonging on our campus. Together with our University colleagues, we have navigated statewide changes in approach; however, our work and mission persist. We seek, and have always sought, better long-term professional outcomes for each and every U student. We have quickly adapted to changes while continuing to provide the lift and support needed by so many. The results, once again: the strongest career outcomes in our state. During the shift, pastries seemed to be our best comfort. A lot of pastries.
And then there were the highs. Oh, the highs! We celebrated substantial improvements in career outcomes in every college on campus! Salaries improved dramatically in most areas. We saw record attendance at almost every event we hosted. We were greeted with widespread enthusiasm for our innovative menu of career services and professional development mentoring. And, yes. We celebrated with pastries.
As we exit the 2023-24 academic year, I want to thank each of our partners. There are many. We express gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, employers, and community partners with whom we have the privilege of working. The companies and organizations we collaborate with daily provide a lifeline of student opportunity while U student and alumni talent expand their possibilities for growth and reach. My personal thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Entering the new academic year, I’m filled with both hope and trepidation as we face the task of providing exemplary support to 35,000+ students. No matter what mountains we must climb, U Career Success remains fiercely committed to helping our students achieve incredible career outcomes. We are resolute in our desire to provide talent and resources to businesses which in turn elevate our state’s economy and quality of life for all our citizens. We know that we have the right team in the right place at the right time to overcome any and all obstacles.
Success is in our name and in our hearts, as we rejoice with each student as they succeed beyond expectations. When they do, oh yes, bring on the pastries!
Warmly,
Katie Hoffman-Abby Vice President, U Career Success | Assistant Dean, David Eccles School of Business
CAMPUS-WIDE CREATING SUCCESS
U Career Success is dedicated to empowering students for the future. Offering a wide range of innovative resources, we connect students and recent alumni to the experiences that lead to lifelong career development and success.
Making College Worth It
As questions about the value of a college degree continue to be raised, the University of Utah is responding with action. U Career Success offers more than a job board—we’re a partner helping students create the futures they want. Our career coaches work one-to-one with students to craft personalized career plans tailored to their unique goals, strengths, and needs. We also collaborate with over 1,500 employers, building a strong reputation for our talented and well-prepared students. These partnerships open doors to job opportunities and networking connections for students that are unmatched outside the university setting.
Aiming High
Career success is a cornerstone of the U’s strategic vision. A key pillar of President Randall’s 2030 strategic plan is this ambitious goal: achieve a 90% job placement rate for all students within six months of their graduations. Reaching this milestone will create a ripple effect of positive change, benefiting the families, communities, and industries connected to more than 31,500 students.
Reaching this goal will require a collaborative effort that goes beyond students and their career coaches. It calls for support from teachers, advisors, department administrators, family members, and others who play a role in guiding and empowering students on their journey.
Reaching Every Student
U Career Success has extended its reach to nearly every college on campus, ensuring we connect with all students and alumni. For each partner college, we create a comprehensive strategy that includes dedicated career coaches for every major, professional development workshops, and employers who are ready to network with students. The strategy involves a “pod,” or team, from our office that includes career coaching staff, a Corporate & Community Relationship Manager, and effective marketing support.
We collaborate closely with college leadership to identify tailored opportunities that support their students, embedding career coaches into the daily operations of each college. Every student is matched with a career coach who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of their chosen major or industry and provides personalized guidance each step of the way on topics like career exploration, personal branding, and internship applications.
No U graduate should leave school without the negotiation skills they can learn in a job offer workshop!
New College Partnerships 2024 College of Engineering (expanded from Department of Chemical Engineering)
College of Social & Behavioral Science (expanded from three departments: Criminology, Political Science, and Sociology)
College of Architecture and Planning College of Health
Graduate School
CAREER ENGAGEMENT AT THE U
We Come to U
We’re committed to connecting with students across campus by hosting and attending events in a wide variety of locations.
From our center in the Garff Building to the Union, Sutton and Crocker science buildings, Alumni House, and the Merrill and Warnock engineering buildings—even up the hill in the Peterson Heritage Center—we strive to meet students where they live, work, and study.
This spring, we’re excited to host several events in the brand-new Impact & Prosperity Epicenter.
A Career Success Intern talks with a student during an event on Union Plaza.
Career Success Interns promote upcoming job fairs in front of the Campus Store.
A Corporate and Community Engagement Relationship Manager talks with a student at a career fair in the Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building.
Coaches and interns talk with students in Gardner Commons during New Student Orientation.
THE U DIFFERENCE
Holistic Support
Our efforts to help students are not limited to their career goals. We work closely with academic advisors and student success coaches to holistically ensure students have a strong support system throughout their college journey. Career coaches connect with academic advisors and student success coaches to build and maintain a strong foundation committed to uplifting every student.
Starting Day One
Programming designed for first- and secondyear students helps them start their career journey early, setting them up for greater success. Our dedicated Early Career Exploration coaches specialize in guiding students through career exploration, creating their first resumes, and building foundational career skills. These coaches connect with students during new student orientation, ensuring they learn about our resources right from the start.
Our new Career Jumpstart program takes an innovative approach by gamifying early career activities. Students participate in events, workshops, and skill-building tasks, earning rewards as they progress through different levels. Additionally, we partner with the Office of Alumni Relations to host networking activities that connect early students with alumni mentors, enabling the creation of valuable relationships and career insights.
STUDENTS HAVE A COMPLETE SUPPORT TEAM
Student Success Coach
Academic Advisor
Career Coach
Uniquely Experienced
U students stand out because they have unique opportunities to gain real-world experience. We provide and promote a variety of experiential learning opportunities across campus. From helping fund unpaid internships for students through Step Up or working with local businesses to create career opportunities that are impactful to both the student and company with the
Experiential
Learning Programs and Opportunities for U
• Community Champions
• Step Up Internships
• Crimson Projects
• The Hinckley Institute
Community Champions program, we strive to have accessible opportunities for every major. In addition to programs for internships, we also offer on-site company visits, on-campus networking events, panels, workshops, and much more.
Students
• Utah Service Corps
• Goff Strategic Leadership Center
• Ivory Experiences
• Learn and Earn
• Kahlert Initiative on Technology
• Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
• Adobe Creative Commons
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
11,887
21
141
686
63,015
8,921 275
3,768
9 517
344 5.14%
STUDENT SUCCESS
Analysis of outcomes for undergraduate program graduates during the 2023-24 academic year , excluding nursing and medicine programs. As of December 5, 2024.
64%
Campus-Wide Outcome Rate
Graduates who reported securing employment or continuing their education.
79%
Campus-Wide Knowledge Rate
The percentage of graduates with reported postgraduation outcomes.
$62,608
Campus-Wide Average Salary
The average base salary (excluding bonuses and commissions) reported by employed graduates.
College of Architecture and Planning Undergrad Students
CA+P students are among the brightest and most visionary individuals I have had the privilege to know. Their passion for thinking beyond conventional boundaries sets them apart. They excel in seamlessly integrating functionality and aesthetics, combining creative ingenuity with sharp analytical skills to create truly exceptional work.
-College of Architecture & Planning Career Coach
David Eccles School of Business Undergrad Students
My career coach was a huge help in getting everything put together and prepping me for my interview, and I’m confident I wouldn’t have received an offer without his help. I found out this week that I got the internship with the FDIC that I had been preparing for!
-Intermediate Business Senior
COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
35% 53% $52,332
96%
94%
David Eccles School of Business Graduate Students*
I can feel the difference—I’m way more confident, better prepared, and way less nervous.
-Master of Science in Business Analytics graduate
*Includes: MAcc, MRED, MSF, MSBA, MSIS, MSCM
School for Cultural & Social Transformation Undergrad Students
Transform students embody their school’s mission of turning powerful ideas into meaningful action. They make an impact by putting their analytical skills to work where it matters most. Transform alumni now lead programs at community organizations, work in college access, and provide behavioral health support – living out their dream of creating positive change in society.
-School for Cultural & Social Transformation Career Coach
John & Marcia Price College of Engineering Undergrad Students
I find my career coach’s help and input invaluable! They are really helping me understand how to address the right audience for my resume.
College of Fine Arts
Undergrad Students
My career coach is very invested in making sure all of the needs of their students are met. I’m very glad I got to talk to them and feel very confident moving forward.
-Art, Painting and Drawing Senior
College of Health Undergrad Students
My career coach was AWESOME. So knowledgeable and helpful, as well as responding to my follow-up emails in a very timely manner.
-Health Promotion and Education Junior
$49,268
College of Humanities Undergrad Students
My greatest joy as a Communication Coach for the College of Humanities was hearing that a student I was working with for eight months landed an interview with the College of Social Work’s Marketing and Communication Department at the University of Utah. Her perseverance and crystalclear professional identity made her an ideal candidate, and the role was hers!
-Department of Communication Career Coach
$57,406
College of Science Undergrad Students
My career coach was great! I wish I had known about this resource sooner in my academic career.
-Chemistry PhD Candidate
60% 79%
$59,098 Average Salary Knowledge Rate Outcome Rate
College of Social & Behavioral Science Undergrad Students
From one-on-one meetings to mock interviews, my career coach provided personalized guidance that truly made a difference in my journey. Their support and encouragement were invaluable in helping me gain confidence and land the right job.
-Political Science Senior
College of Education Undergrad Students
64% 79%
$58,879 Average Salary Knowledge Rate Outcome Rate
College of Social Work Undergrad Students
63% 73% 69% 83%
$51,429 Average Salary Average Salary Knowledge Rate Knowledge Rate Outcome Rate Outcome Rate
$57,198
CONNECTING STUDENTS & EMPLOYERS
A key driver of our success is strong partnerships with corporate and community organizations eager to hire U students. Collaborating with recruiters from a wide range of industries benefits both employers and students. Companies gain direct access to exceptional talent for internships and full-time positions, while they help to shape the future workforce and enhance their brand presence on campus. Students, in turn, gain valuable insights into recruiting processes and industry hiring trends, along with connections to exciting career opportunities. There’s nothing more satisfying than when we get the message, “I got the job!”
“Our partnership with U Career Success has been great! We have worked with other schools and just haven’t gotten the traction we like to see with students. U Career Success has really done a great job of getting our company in front of the students and clubs where we can highlight our company and opportunities we have available. Thank you to the team at U Career Success!”
Tom Lillywhite
Regional Manager, HR & Development | Old Dominion Freight
“The U Career Services Staff have been great to work with. They are proactive communicators, plan productive events, and have helped connect us with qualified candidates. Thank you for all you do!”
Cole Tsonis
Program Manager | E&J Gallo Winery
Strategic Growth
Over the past year, our Corporate and Community Engagement team has achieved impressive milestones, driving stronger connections between employers and U students. Demand for our talented students continues to grow, with more employers actively engaging in hiring efforts. We’ve deepened relationships with major employers like Google and Disney, leading to increased on-campus engagement. Additionally, we’ve increased employerhosted events, such as info sessions, tabling, and club networking opportunities, by 22% – providing students with more chances to connect with potential employers.
Top Ten Employers Hiring U Grads
BREAKING NEWS
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, we opened our doors to the community to celebrate the official Grand Re-Opening of the U Career Success Center. Although we’ve been actively expanding across campus as U Career Success since the launch of a Presidential Initiative in January 2023, this event served as our formal introduction to the campus and broader community—a declaration that “we’re here for you.”
Spread the Word
We jump at every chance we get to share with the public what we do and how students can benefit by focusing on their career development.
your
and achieve
Our Career Closet, a free resource for students, is an especially popular subject for stories.
Building Career Confidence: The U’s Career Closet Daily Utah Chronicle, 9/18/2023
How U Students Can Increase the Value of Their Education Daily Utah Chronicle, 10/21/2024
‘Hire’
success team
your personal best @theU, 8/22/2024
Student career closet looking for donations Good Things Utah, 5/30/2024
Dickson: Career success for the ‘Happy Warrior’ KSL News Radio, 10/29/2024
Recent U grads listen up, you’re invited to a Career Fair Good Things Utah, 5/14/24
The University of Utah’s Career Closet redesigns professional attire for students Utah Business, 7/1/2024
Is College Still Worth It? University of Utah Magazine, Fall 2024
Creating bright career futures campus wide @theU, 1/25/2024
HEY U!
This year, our student-run Hey U podcast has achieved remarkable success, expanding its reach across campus by featuring a diverse range of guests—including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry professionals—from various majors and industries. Under the leadership of new team lead Diego Alvarez , the team has grown from four
to six members and nearly doubled its episode production. Diego has excelled at creating a welcoming environment for both guests and team members, ensuring everyone feels confident while interviewing, hosting, and editing the podcast.
Podcast Stats | 2023-2024 Academic Year consumption hours of episodes plays episodes published
13
Notable Guests
Robert “RoJo” Johnson
Former NFL Player and Utah Ute, Career Coach
April Ollivier
Student Success Coach at the U
Jen Swindler, CFP and Brennon Bowen , CFP
Financial Planners
Jordan Howe
3,578
20+
Founder of Arcade Advertising Agency, U Professor
Abby Paulson
U of U Gymnast
Jennifer Robinson
Chief of Staff at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
James Davie
Station Manager at PBS Utah
Nick Goins
City Manager at Sherwin Williams
Mark Paul
Exec Dir. of the U of U Health Center for Medical Innovation
Melanie Jones
Utah Business Editor-in-Chief
Podcaster and Marketing junior Diego Alvarez