Launching Successful Professionals
Once Scholars are enrolled in upper-level coursework within their college major, the Scholar Career Development team supports them in getting the skills, connections and experience needed to launch their dream career or post-baccalaureate education program. All Opportunity Scholars have access to a career network through both their campus career center and WSOS Career Development. Scholars in their third year or beyond of undergraduate studies are invited to connect. Our Career Development team can be reached at placement@waopportunityscholarship.org
Skills that Shine Mentorship Program (StS)
All third year Scholars participate in the StS program. We believe in the value mentorship brings to our Scholars during their undergraduate years – especially Scholars in their third year of study who are in critical need of exposure to the working world. Through StS, Scholars are paired with experienced industry mentors working across a variety of fields. Mentors are highly influential to their mentees, providing helpful anecdotes, advice and encouragement. After completion of the StS program, mentees will have:
- The confidence and skills to network and interview with professionals;
- An influential experience with a caring industry practitioner; and
- A professional, adaptable resume and targeted cover letter.
When Scholars reach their third year, they will receive an invitation from the team to sign up for StS by selecting an industry mentor on our online Skills that Shine Matching Platform. Once matched, Scholars receive access to the online StS curriculum.
We believe in the power of mentorship. To ensure Scholars access the invaluable benefits of an industry mentorship, Scholars enrolled in StS are expected to:
- Complete Unit 1 as described in the StS online curriculum by December 1.
- Module 1 includes: matching and meeting with an industry mentor and preparing a tailored resume and cover letter. The resume and cover letter should be uploaded to the Scholar Portal by the deadline (12/1).
- Complete Unit 2 as described in the StS curriculum by May 1.
- Module 2 includes: meeting with an industry mentor and performing a mock interview.
- The Skills that Shine Mentorship Program Survey should be completed by the deadline (5/1).
Career Development: Ongoing Support
All fourth- and fifth-year Scholars are invited to participate in career development programming which provides them with ongoing case management support.
The Career Development team curates great opportunities for learning and networking for Scholars by:
- Increasing Scholars’ awareness of employer-focused events in their field of study;
- Connecting Scholars with available internships and jobs across the state of Washington; and
- Hosting WSOS-exclusive trainings and providing career readiness resources.
Recommendations for Career-Launching Success
Our past Scholars are the proof: these offerings are invaluable. To best access Career Development supports, all fourth and fifth year Scholars are encouraged to:
- Be an active reader of emails sent from our team. These emails are often targeted based on field of study and can include key opportunities for career development.
- Reach out via placement@waopportunityscholarship.org with any questions or concerns regarding WSOS programming.
- Join the WSOS-exclusive Scholar and Alumni LinkedIn group. By joining the group, Scholars can grow their professional network, hear first about internship and job opportunities and learn more about professional development opportunities in their field of study.