2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Welcome Message
As we reflect on the 2024–2025 academic year, we celebrate a year defined by measurable growth, strategic momentum, and meaningful impact. Together, we strengthened the bridge between academic experience and career success — ensuring every Shocker has access to career-connected, real-world learning opportunities.
This year marked significant progress in expanding Applied Learning, deepening employer partnerships, and embedding career readiness earlier in the student journey. From new initiatives to expanded experiential opportunities, our students gained hands-on experience, built professional networks, and developed the confidence to take their next step — whether entering the workforce or continuing their education.
We are especially grateful to our employer partners and Wichita State faculty and staff who collaborate with us to create these opportunities. Your commitment fuels innovation, broadens access, and strengthens our shared mission to prepare students not only for their first job, but for long-term professional success.
The outcomes and stories within this report reflect what is possible when a campus community aligns around a clear purpose: equipping students to thrive and contributing meaningfully to Kansas’ workforce and beyond. Thank you for investing in this work and in the future of our students.
2024 Graduating Class CAREER OUTCOMES
The Class of 2024 includes graduates from Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024, aligning with the traditional academic calendar. This represents a shift from previous reporting cycles, which followed the calendar year. Additionally, the standard data collection period—typically up to six months post-graduation—was shortened for Spring and Summer 2024 graduates due to the transition from Handshake to Shocker Central. 36% of the Class of 2024 completed the survey .
82% Employed in Kansas
Career Outcome Rate
75% Positive
Includes working, continuing education, volunteering and armed services
Top 10 Employers
• Adams Brown
• Ascension
• Bombardier
• HCA Healthcare
• Koch Industries
• Maize Public Schools
• Spirit AeroSystems
• Textron Aviation
• Wichita Public Schools
• Wichita State University
82% of Kansas-employed graduates work in the Wichita Metro area
Top Attended Graduate Schools
1. Wichita State University
2. University of Kansas
3. Washburn University
Industries
• 35% Education & Non-Profit
• 21% Technology & Engineering
• 20% Healthcare & Social Services
• 8% Business & Finance
• 6% Government & Law
• 5% Retail, Hospitality & Tourism
• 3% Arts & Entertainment
• 1% Energy & Environmental
• 1% Marketing, Media & Design
Sample of Fortune 500 Companies that Hired 2024 Shockers
Degrees by Type
• Associates – 207 (5%)
• Bachelors – 2,271 (50%)
• Certificates – 481 (11%)
• Doctoral – 114 (3%)
• Masters – 1,475 – (32%)
• Post Masters – 12 (0%)
Total 4,560
Degrees by College
• Barton School of Business – 686 (15%)
• Cohen Honors College – 5 (0%)
• College of Applied Studies – 686 (15%)
• College of Engineering – 1,394 (31%)
• College of Fine Arts – 231 (5%)
• College of Health Professions – 516 (11%)
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences – 1,042 (23%)
Degrees by Type and College information is from the Wichita State Office of Planning and Analysis.
A Transformational First Year: Shocker Career Accelerator at the Milly
Marcus Annex
During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Shocker Career Accelerator’s first full year inside the Milly Marcus Annex at the Marcus Welcome Center reshaped how students begin their journey at Wichita State University.
By partnering with Admissions, the Shocker Career Accelerator embedded career readiness directly into the recruitment experience— connecting students with employers and Applied Learning opportunities before day one.
2024–2025 By The Numbers
This new model moved career conversations earlier in the student lifecycle through targeted engagement opportunities for prospective and incoming Shockers:
• Summer Applied Learning Employer Showcase –Virtual sessions connected nearly 200 prospective students with community partners including Wichita Public Schools, Boys & Girls Club, and NIAR.
Student Engagements
Student Earnings Generated 8,597 12,328 $39.2M
• Hired Up! Interview Day – Fourteen employers conducted 294 interviews with more than 100 graduating high school seniors and incoming freshmen, providing early access to paid, careerrelevant roles.
• W-S-YOU Mini Career Fair – A growing WSU tradition introducing incoming students and families to on-campus employers and Applied Learning opportunities.
Career Experiences Delivered
Employers Engaged
Applied Learning Fund Students 813 691
For the first time, Shocker Career Accelerator staff met with 1,154 prospective students and guests during campus visits, weaving career exploration into the admissions experience.
Throughout the year, the Shocker Career Accelerator facilitated 8,597 career-focused interactions with current students, prospective students, and alumni— supporting individuals at critical moments in their career journey.
Students participated in 12,328 on-campus jobs, cooperative education roles, internships, and Applied Learning positions—both paid and unpaid—earning approximately $39 .2 million while working with more than 800 employers.
Wichita State University launched the Applied Learning Fund with support from the State of Kansas, expanding access to meaningful, paid, work-based learning experiences with a focus on fields where paid opportunities are limited and where strengthening the Kansas talent pipeline is critical. In its first year, the fund supported 691 students in gaining paid, career-relevant experience through $4 million in Applied Learning Funds from the State of Kansas. These opportunities spanned student teaching, clinical placements, non-profit work, public agencies, and technical roles across the region. Collectively, Shockers contributed more than 300,000 hours of meaningful work at over 300 local worksites.
Applied Learning Highlights
MATTHEW DIXON, PSYCHOLOGY
Applied Learning has played a key role in Dixon’s academic and professional growth at Wichita State University. As one of the first recipients of State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds, Matthew worked with HOPE Services, gaining hands-on experience while earning income that supported his ability to live off campus. In his role, he assisted with events, outreach efforts, and program support, including preparing HOPE kits for individuals in need. The experience strengthened his skills in collaboration, organization, and time management while deepening his interest in counseling and campus mental health work.
LENA CASTRO, TECHNICAL THEATRE
Castro gained valuable leadership and technical experience through an Applied Learning role as Head Electrician and Student Lighting Supervisor with the College of Fine Arts. She translated lighting designs into fully realized stage productions while mentoring practicum students and coordinating fast-paced production schedules. The role strengthened her communication, problem-solving, time management, and team leadership skills, while also providing financial support that helped her manage living expenses. A highlight of her experience was successfully advocating for upgraded lighting equipment, improving resources and retention for future students.
TRAJATA COLBERT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Colbert completed her student teaching in spring 2025 through paid Applied Learning at Wichita Northwest High School and Jefferson Elementary. Supported by the Applied Learning Fund, she gained hands-on experience designing lessons, leading classes, and supporting student assessment without taking on additional student loans. Rotating between elementary and high school settings strengthened her classroom management and instructional skills. A former Wichita State women’s basketball captain, Colbert brought leadership, teamwork, and confidence into her teaching. She is now a full-time, licensed teacher.
LIAM O’CONNOR, EDUCATION MAJOR
Liam is an education major specializing in history and government for grades 6–12 and is currently completing his student teaching experience, which is supported through the Applied Learning Fund. Liam is gaining hands-on classroom experience by taking on the full responsibilities of a teacher, including lesson planning, grading, unit development, instruction, and classroom management. He values the mentorship he receives in the classroom, noting how feedback and guidance have helped him grow as an educator. After graduation, Liam hopes to become a middle school social studies teacher.
Applied Learning
During the 2024-2025 academic year students engaged in
different on-campus jobs, cooperative education positions, internships, and Applied Learning positions. These experiences include both paid and unpaid positions.
JANETT LERMA-REYES, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
$39 .2
Earned by Students Through Applied Learning
Applied Learning Fast Facts
Engaged Employers 813
• From professional connections in virtually every industry to Applied Learning for every major, WSU students have all of the resources they need to build the futures they want.
• Around 96% of Shocker co-op placements are paid (the national average is 47%).
• The Kansas Board of Regents indicates WSU graduates are more likely to be employed in Kansas after graduation and earn more than graduates from other Kansas universities.
• Nearly 74% of WSU students are employed in Kansas within a year of graduation (the highest among state universities).
Lerma-Reyes completed a summer 2025 operations internship at Shuttlewagon, supporting assembly line efficiency, accuracy, and safety at its Kansas City facility. She created detailed instruction manuals, developed lift plans, tracked cycle times, and assisted with fixture design—gaining hands-on experience across operations. Lerma-Reyes prepared through coursework and through LinkedIn Learning sessions at Wichita State University. She also operated Case New Holland equipment, cranes, and forklifts, strengthening technical and teamwork skills while clarifying her goal to be an engaged, shopfloor-focused engineer.
Applied Learning Fund
During Academic Year 2024–2025, the Shocker Career Accelerator facilitated 691 students gaining paid, career-relevant experience thanks to $4 million in Applied Learning Funds from the State of Kansas.
$4M 691 300K 600+
Funded Students Supported Hours Worked Credentials awarded
These opportunities spanned the full spectrum of Applied Learning — from required practicums and clinical placements to non-profit work, student teaching, and technical roles in startups and public agencies, all while furthering the Kansas workforce pipeline.
The impact is remarkable: Shockers contributed more than 300,000 hours of meaningful work at over 300 worksites across the Wichita area. Some of our valued partners include:
Academic Reach
Students supported by the Applied Learning Fund represented seven colleges, reflecting strong cross-campus adoption:
• Barton School of Business – 38
• Cohen Honors College – 1
• College of Applied Studies – 168
• College of Engineering – 53
• College of Fine Arts – 167
• College of Health Professions – 76
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences – 188
The most represented majors included Social Work, Teacher Education, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Performing Arts, Media Arts, Psychology, Graphic Design, Music Education, Art Education, and Exercise Science—highlighting the fund’s flexibility across both professional and creative disciplines.
Applied Learning Fund
APPLIED LEARNING DIGITAL CREDENTIAL
Alongside the launch of the Applied Learning Fund in 2024–2025, Wichita State University introduced the Applied Learning Certificate, a digital credential awarded to students who successfully completed an Applied Learning experience supported by the fund. This credential formally recognizes students’ realworld experience and career-ready skills through a verifiable, portable, and permanent badge.
Issued through LifeJourney by Territorium, the credential can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and job applications, providing employers with validated evidence of Applied Learning outcomes. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Applied Learning Certificate strengthens students’ professional profiles while reinforcing Wichita State’s commitment to workforce-aligned education.
APPLIED LEARNING FUND COMMITTEE
The success of the Applied Learning Fund would not be possible without the leadership and oversight of the Applied Learning Fund Committee. Throughout the year, Mark Bengtson, Bobby Gandu, Cynorra Jackson, and Sara Muzzy met regularly to review applications, award funding, and ensure ongoing compliance with State of Kansas guidelines. Their thoughtful stewardship, crosscampus collaboration, and commitment to student success played a critical role in launching and sustaining this impactful initiative during its inaugural year.
Donna, a graduate student from Garden City, Kansas, is pursuing her Master of Social Work while completing a practicum with United Way of the Plains and working part-time as an Integrated Care Specialist at Comcare Crisis of Sedgwick County. Support from the Applied Learning Fund has been essential to Donna’s journey. The funding has allowed her to focus on hands-on learning without added financial stress, strengthening her professional development and commitment to advocacy. As a Continuum of Care Intern, Donna connects individuals experiencing homelessness to vital services through case conferencing, fieldwork, and collaboration with community partners.
Mark Bengtson
Bobby Gandu
Cynorra Jackson
Sara Muzzy
DONNA TRAN, SOCIAL WORK
Applied Learning Programs
YOUTH EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Youth Educational Services is dedicated to helping students reach their academic goals by providing unparalleled test preparation services, academic counseling, and mentoring.
Impact Overview
• 82 Wichita State students participated
• 80,445 hours of work
• 2,050 elementary students supported
• 58 school districts served
TUTOR (316)
Tutor (316) is dedicated to enhancing children’s literacy and mathematical development. Tutor (316) partners with local elementary schools to support elementary students in their classrooms and after-school programs. Utilizing Federal Work-Study funding, WSU students have an Applied Learning experience that directly impacts the community.
Impact Overview
• 11 Wichita State students participated
• 2,504 hours worked by WSU students
• $37,634 earned in student wages
• 180 elementary students tutored
Partner Schools
• Adams Elementary School
• Washington Accelerated Learning
CAROLYN HENDERSON, MATH EDUCATION
Carolyn creates math worksheets for K-9 students, drawing from her background as a Math Education major. Through her time with Tutor (316), she’s gained a deeper understanding of how students learn math at different levels— and how to teach it.
“I’ve learned quite a bit about how to structure worksheets, draw, and organize elements on a page. I feel more confident using Canva,” she says. Carolyn remembers the joy of creating her first worksheet, and she’s energized by the opportunity to develop new content. She’s excited to carry this experience into her future classroom, where these creative skills will help her connect with students.
Tutor (316) content creators, from left to right, Nyai Jackson, Kelsey Hernandez, Carolyn Henderson, Ian Cook, Teri Killingsworth - Program Manager, and Kendah Ballout.
Forage
Beyond traditional internships, the Shocker Career Accelerator promotes Forage as a powerful resource for students to “test-drive” various career paths in a low-stakes, high-impact environment. These virtual job simulations allow students to work through real-world tasks from top-tier companies, helping them decide if a specific industry or role is the right fit before they even apply.
Our promotional efforts this year led to a significant surge in student engagement:
NEW ENROLLMENTS
representing more than half of the 454 total enrollments tracked since 2020.
SIMULATIONS
Bringing our all-time total to 100 completions . These industry-backed certifications serve as tangible proof of a student’s initiative and career-ready skills.
FACULTY RESOURCE
Forage simulations are an excellent tool to reinforce classroom theory with practical, industry-backed application. We encourage faculty to explore these simulations as a way to provide students with hands-on experience that aligns with their curriculum.
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
The diversity of simulations completed this year reflects the wide-ranging ambitions of our student body. Popular experiences included:
Engineering & Applied Technology: GE Aerospace (Engineering), Siemens Mobility (Industrial Engineering), Walmart USA (Software Engineering), and Johnson & Johnson (Robotics and Controls)
Business & Finance: J.P. Morgan (Investment Banking), PwC and EY (Audit), and Goldman Sachs (Operations).
Computing, Data & Digital Strategy: BCG (GenAI), British Airways (Data Science), Mastercard (Cybersecurity), and Electronic Arts (Software Engineering).
Kansas Micro-Internships
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Wichita State students and recent graduates gained paid, professional experience through the Kansas Micro-Internship program—short-term, skills-based projects designed to fit students’ schedules while delivering immediate value to employers.
Facilitated through Parker Dewey, these typically remote opportunities connected students from eight academic majors with organizations across Kansas and beyond. Participants applied classroom learning to real-world challenges, explored potential career paths, and built professional portfolios—all while earning income.
22
MICRO-INTERNSHIPS
9 Short-term, skills-based projects connecting Shockers with real-world employer needs.
STUDENTS
Students from diverse majors gained hands-on professional experience.
$9,510 Paid opportunities that supported students financially while building career-ready skills. EARNED
MAJORS REPRESENTED
Include Electrical Engineering, International Business, Economics & Finance, Marketing, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Art History.
Students supported 11 employer partners, including non-profits, small businesses, and public agencies, contributing to projects such as market research, marketing strategy, digitization of records, operations manuals, grant writing, housing assessments, and organizational process improvements. Some notable employers include:
Career Ready Student Highlights
BRAYDEN HOANG, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Hoang leveraged Career Ready coaching to prepare for competitive engineering internships, receiving support with resume development, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation. The Shocker Career Accelerator team helped simplify what felt like an intimidating process, building his confidence while providing insight into local engineering opportunities. With strong preparation and encouragement behind him, Hoang secured a Quality Engineering Internship at Spirit AeroSystems, gaining hands-on industry experience while advancing his professional goals.
RENE LUNA, FINANCE
Luna maximized career readiness through global experiences and industry internships, including studying abroad in Germany and interning with organizations such as Textron, Deloitte, and Fidelity. These opportunities strengthened leadership skills and contributed to recognition in Barton’s 25 Under 25. With support from the Shocker Career Accelerator through personalized Career Coaching, resume refinement, and interview preparation, Luna transformed ambitious goals into tangible results and entered the workforce equipped with confidence and professional clarity.
LISA OLDHAM, SOCIAL WORK
Oldham worked closely with Shocker Career Accelerator career coaches to refine her resume, clarify her professional interests, and strengthen her interview skills as she prepared to enter the workforce. Through Career Ready appointments, she gained confidence navigating the job search while receiving personalized feedback and guidance. She valued the supportive rapport built with her career coach, who helped normalize setbacks and reframed them as part of personal and professional growth. Oldham is now a Licensed Master Social Worker at Soma Therapy, where she applies the skills and resilience developed during her career preparation journey.
DEVON ROBINSON, MEDIA ARTS
Robinson worked with Shocker Career Accelerator career coaches to organize his academic and creative experiences into a compelling professional narrative. Through resume refinement and cover letter development, he gained clarity and confidence during his final-semester job search. Career Coaching helped him translate classroom learning into marketable skills. A month after his May 2025 graduation, Devon Robinson landed his dream role working in the creative industry. Now at Hexcode Marketing, a Wichita-based advertising agency, he is a professional Social Media Strategist.
Career Ready Appointments
The Shocker Career Accelerator meets with students and alumni one-on-one to provide Career Coaching in the areas of career exploration, resume building and review, interview prep, LinkedIn profile optimization and job search prep. Students can schedule appointments year-round to meet with certified career coaches or trained student peer advisors in-person or virtually. New this year, prospective students have the opportunity to meet with career coaches during their formal visit to campus, coordinated by Admissions.
APPOINTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
2,057 appointments
1,641 unique students (includes alumni, community and prospective) (15% increase)
302 students attended 2 or more appointments
173 Journey Students
The Journey Students engaged in sustained career development by participating in two or more different individualized coaching appointments throughout the academic year.
Through structured, one-on-one sessions — including career exploration, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, LinkedIn optimization, and job search strategy — these students demonstrated a deeper commitment to their professional growth and readiness.
Sharp Dressed Shockers
718 students participated in our fall and spring JCPenney Suit Up events, offered both in person and online, gaining access to discounted professional attire to prepare confidently for interviews, career fairs, and the workplace.
Career Ready Appointments
APPOINTMENT BREAKDOWN BY TYPE
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Following the relocation to the Milly Marcus Annex of the Marcus Welcome Center in May 2024—a move reflecting the University’s commitment to seamless connections from recruitment through post-graduation career outcomes—the Shocker Career Accelerator began embedding career readiness into the prospective student experience.
Aligned with the University’s vision for a career-focused student experience, the Shocker Career Accelerator team now meets with prospective students during individual campus visits and presents to large groups of campus visitors. The primary goal of this engagement is to introduce the Career Ready Journey, connect WSU programs to students’ longterm career goals through PathwayU, and spotlight Applied Learning experiences. By establishing this connection early, we reinforce WSU’s position as a leader in career-focused education and encourage enrollment by students eager to make a real-world difference.
Prospective Students:
• 1,154 total interactions
• 388 total appointments
• 19 group campus visits
Learning Experiences
We offer a diverse range of interactive and engaging learning experiences designed to equip students with the skills needed for professional success. Our offerings include:
• Classroom and Group Presentations: Various topics customized to meet the unique needs of each classroom and group.
• Workshops and Tabling: Hosted in advance of our many career fairs to help students prep their resumes and elevator pitches.
169
4,420 27% 73%
Learning Experiences Student Interactions
Increase in Student Interactions from last year
Increase in Student Interactions over 2-year period
Demographic Highlights
• 19% First Generation
• 24% Increase in Freshman and Sophomore Learning Experiences
Learning Experiences
CLASSROOM CAREER CHAMPIONS
Classroom learning Experiences
Student Interactions First year seminar partnerships
28% increase
Top 3 Colleges for Classroom Learning Experiences:
• 11 – Barton School of Business School
• 14 – College of Health Professions
• 16 – Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Launching the Career Ready Guide
The Shocker Career Accelerator launched its first Career Ready Guide — a comprehensive resource designed to help students navigate their career journey from exploration to employment.
The guide was developed through a collaborative effort, with content created by Sarah Mathews and layout and design led by Kim Kufahl, in partnership with Momentous Marketing. Momentous Marketing also secured sponsorships that highlight employer partnerships and Applied Learning opportunities across Wichita State University.
Since its launch, the Career Ready Guide has become a cornerstone of student engagement. Printed copies are distributed at career fairs and events, incorporated into classroom instruction by faculty, and actively used by career coaches during one-on-one appointments. A digital
version extends its reach through virtual workshops and online programming, ensuring students can access career readiness resources anytime, anywhere.
Faculty Partnerships
22 Partnerships
439 Student Appointments
Faculty Partnerships represent high-impact, semester-long collaborations that strategically integrate career development into the student experience. While traditionally focused on instructor-led courses, this year saw a significant expansion to include staff and other campus organizations seeking comprehensive career support for their students.
The core commitment involves the partner embedding an assignment or requirement that leverages our resources, such as customized one-onone appointments or event attendance. Reflecting the need for scalable delivery, we also successfully introduced dedicated Blackboard modules to the partnership framework, specifically targeting and enhancing the learning experience for students enrolled in internship and Applied Learning courses. This flexibility allows us to tailor support, ensuring students receive the most relevant and accessible career-readiness resources available.
FACULTY PARTNERS
• Erin Albright, Kaytie Brozek, Anthony Calvert, Nyssa Kerschen, Nancy Krehbiel, Patricia Phillips, Angela Scott – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, LAS Internship Courses, Blackboard Internship Support Modules
• Brian Amos, Alexandra Middlewood, Carolyn Shaw –College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Political Science Internship Courses, Blackboard Internship Support Modules
• Robin Folkerts – College of Applied Studies, Elementary Education, Course Assignment CI 416
• Ashley Forney – Ennovar, Student Employee Professional Development
• Lori Colvin, Deanna Deutscher, Becky Greer, Shari Hatfield, Aaryn Ludens, Kaley Schnack – College of Applied Studies, Teacher Apprentice Program, Course Assignment TAP 607
• Isabel Medina Keiser – Office of Student Accommodation and Testing, Workforce Recruitment Program
• Ambur Miller – College of Health Professions, Dental Hygiene, Course Assignment DH 407
• Jeff Pulaski – College of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Course Assignment ART 354
• Ashley Purdum – College of Health Professions, Communication Science and Disorders, Course Assignment CSD 821
• Sarah Taylor – College of Health Professions, Public Health Sciences, Course Assignment PHS 300 & PHS 494
• Amanda Vanausdall – College of Fine Arts, Music Education, Course Assignment MUSE 405
• Mark Vermillion – College of Applied Studies, Sport and Leadership Studies, Application Requirement for SMGT
Professional Development: Dallas Cowboys Sports Business Panel
Faculty Partnerships
DENTAL HYGIENE SPOTLIGHT
Among the 22 Faculty Partnerships executed this year, the ongoing collaboration with the Dental Hygiene (DH 407) program stands out as a prime example of high-impact curriculum integration. This long-running, high-volume initiative—building on several years of successful collaboration—demonstrates an effective model for bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and professional practice by embedding career readiness into core coursework.
Ambur Miller, the instructor for DH 407, strategically mandates that every student complete a dedicated, in-person Resume Review and Mock Interview appointment over an 8-week period as a required course assignment. By embedding this critical career preparation directly into their curriculum, the program ensures that every graduating dental hygienist not only possesses the required technical expertise but also the refined professional materials and interview composure necessary to secure employment. Commenting on the value of this collaboration, Ambur Miller stated: “Partnering with the Shocker Career Accelerator program prepares the next generation of competent, career-ready, healthcare leaders — Poised for success and empowered to serve, lead and thrive in their careers and communities.”
This well-established, targeted approach sets a compelling precedent for crossdepartmental collaboration, illustrating how faculty can leverage SCA resources to transform abstract career preparation into concrete, graded academic action that yields measurable, positive results for student preparedness.
Learning Experiences
1,475
group experiences 54 student interactions
GROUP LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS
Boys & Girls Club of South Central Kansas, Resume Reviews for Youth of the Year nominees
Through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Kansas, our team supported the Youth of the Year program, which honors young people for their academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
We facilitated an interactive session focused on resume development, helping participants communicate their unique value, experiences, and accomplishments. By guiding students through the process of articulating their strengths, we empowered them to present themselves confidently in their future careers and in the Youth of the Year competition at the local, state, and national levels.
Social Work, Graduate Program
Through interactive sessions with the Social Work Graduate Program, our team provided students the opportunity to self-assess their interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences using PathwayU, a career exploration tool designed to support informed decision-making. These sessions also focused on networking, interviewing, and evaluating job offers. By providing these resources, students were able to align their career paths with their personal and professional goals, and approach the job market with greater clarity and confidence.
Pathway U
In the Shocker Career Accelerator, we believe that professional success is built on a foundation of self-discovery. Our Career Ready Journey begins with students connecting to their purpose. PathwayU serves as the critical first step for career exploration, ensuring that every Shocker’s education is tied to a clear and purposeful professional goal.
Career readiness is a campus-wide responsibility. To support this, we have moved beyond the walls of the SCA to equip the entire university community with the tools to guide students:
37
FACULTY & STAFF EQUIPPED
We conducted specialized training sessions for Admissions Representatives, Academic Advisors, Success Coaches, Faculty, and more. This investment ensures that no matter where a student turns for advice, they receive consistent, purpose-driven guidance.
RECRUITMENT EDGE
By introducing PathwayU to prospective students, we are helping future Shockers identify their fit at WSU before they even enroll. This year we shared these tools with over 1,000 prospective students, making career discovery a powerful driver for University recruitment.
3,375
ACTIVE USERS
Students, prospective students, faculty, staff, and community members are actively engaging in self-discovery.
9,590
ASSESSMENTS COMPLETED
PathwayU boasts four core assessments (Interests, Values, Personality, and Workplace Preferences), providing users with a complete, holistic profile of their career fit. Our students are putting in the work required to pursue their goals with purpose.
62% of users have completed all 4 assessments, providing them with a 360-degree view of their career fit.
Employer Partners
During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Shocker Career Accelerator continued to strengthen its Employer Partner Program— deepening relationships with organizations committed to creating meaningful, real-world opportunities for Wichita State students. Our employer partners—Boys & Girls Club, Fidelity Bank, POET Biofuels, and Wichita Public Schools—continued to provide handson learning experiences that helped students build skills, explore career paths, and make an impact in their communities.
This year, we were excited to welcome Textron Aviation as a new Employer Partner. Through internships and early-career opportunities, Textron Aviation connects students to the forefront of aviation innovation—supporting their professional growth while preparing the next generation of industry leaders.
Together, these partnerships span youth development, financial services, renewable energy, education, and aerospace—creating diverse pathways for students to gain experience and apply what they’re learning in the classroom. These collaborations play a vital role in preparing Shockers for life after graduation by bridging academic learning with professional practice.
We’re proud of the momentum behind this program and look forward to expanding our employer partnerships even further in the year ahead.
wichita.edu/HireAShocker
Shocker Central
In August 2024, we took a bold step in student success and talent pipeline development by launching Shocker Central, powered by 12twenty.
Shocker Central replaces Handshake with a more integrated and tailored experience for Shocker students and alumni. In its first year, the platform has seen incredible adoption. 6,972 unique students logged in to take charge of their career journey.
This high level of engagement led to lots of activity during this debut year.
6,972
UNIQUE STUDENTS
Students logged in to take charge of their career journey.
7,172
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED
Students are not just browsing; they are actively pursuing opportunities.
1,872
RESUME PORTFOLIOS
Nearly 2,000 students have already built out their digital professional presence within the system.
7,213
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
We successfully migrated and grew our job board to include over 7,000 active postings from a network of 1,500+ vetted employers.
1,500+
EMPLOYERS
A robust employer network representing a wide range of industries, aligned to support Wichita State’s diverse majors and provide meaningful Applied Learning experiences for Shockers.
Employer Engagement Highlights
Summer 2024
• Spirit AeroSystems Interns Resume & LinkedIn Workshop — June 29, 2024
Fall 2024
• Career Connections with Fidelity Bank — October 9, 2024
• On-Campus Interviews with Textron, J.B. Hunt, Koch Industries, and OG&E — October 11, 2024
• Shocker Career Accelerator Employer Open House — October 22, 2024
• Kansas Association of Colleges and Employers Virtual Internship Fair — October 23, 2024
• Arista Networks Info Session — October 24, 2024
• Lockheed Martin Info Session — November 4, 2024
• Deloitte Info Session — November 15, 2024
Spring 2025
• National Guard Tabling — January 22, 2025
• ESSDACK/Greenbush Teacher Education Mock InterviewsFebruary 17, 2025
• National Guard Tabling — February 27, 2025
• Hired Up — March 21, 2025
• Deloitte – Finding Your Purpose: Real Talk Panel — March 24, 2025
• Fidelity Bank Career Connections Day — March 25, 2025
• Shocker Career Accelerator and Pando Initiative Roundtable — April 7, 2025
• Lockheed Martin Informational Session — April 10, 2025
• Boeing Internship Virtual Information Session — April 22, 2025
• Shocker Career Accelerator & Ennovar – Train the Trainer — April 30, 2025
• Shocker Career Accelerator Employer Appreciation Mixer — May 13, 2025
• HeartSpring Hackathon Event — May 16, 2025
DAMYIN ALLMOND, AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Damyin is gaining Applied Learning experience as a College Access Mentor at Wichita East High School. Originally from Tuttle, Oklahoma, Damyin is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. Through his mentoring role, Damyin helps students navigate FAFSA completion, college applications, and life after high school. Support from the Applied Learning Fund has played a key role in his journey, easing financial stress and allowing him to focus on both his coursework and Applied Learning.
Career Fairs Overview
On-Campus Job Fair
August 14, 2024
• 748 Students
• 20 Campus Employers
Career Connection Root Beer Kegger
August 28, 2024
• 1,205 Students
• 41 Employers
Fine Arts Career Mixer
September 19, 2024
• 152 Students
• 17 Employers
Engineering & IT Career Fair
October 10, 2024
• 665 Students
• 55 Employers
Fairmount College Career Fair
February 6, 2025
• 130 Students
• 26 Employers
Education Interview Day
March 6, 2025
• 34 Students
• 18 School Districts
Criminal Justice Career Fair
March 4, 2025
• 100 Students
• 30 Employers
Health Professions Career Fair
April 1, 2025
• 84 Students
• 27 Employers
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Career Fair
May 5, 2025
• 61 Students
• 17 Employers
3,179 - Student Attendees 251 - Employer Attendees
Breakdown by College
• 5% Applied Studies
• 12% Business
• 46% Engineering
• 9% Fine Arts
• 7% Health Professions
• 21% Liberal Arts & Sciences
Breakdown by Level
• 29% Freshman
• 14% Sophomore
• 15% Junior
• 22% Senior
• 21% Graduate
Shocker Career Accelerator
1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260 (316) 978-3688
wichita.edu/career
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