First-Generation Career Readiness Education Abroad Program
Explore First: Careers, Cultures, and Connections - Summer 2023
Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections is an integrated global learning experience with curricular and co-curricular elements, focused on career readiness with meaningful connections between academic attainment and post-graduation success. The program is designed and implemented intentionally to equip and empower First-Generation students, designated as such by neither parent or guardian having completed a 4-year degree. It is aimed at significantly impacting the academic success (retention, graduation, and beyond) of UK’s First-Generation students. 27% of undergraduate students at UK are First-Generation or “First-Gen” students.
For the first year, in June and July 2023 selected First-Gen students in four cohorts of 15 are participating in a 3-week education abroad program while earning 3 credit hours of UK coursework (EXP 396) in either London, UK or Dublin, Ireland.
Background
The curricular components and learning outcomes are based on National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, and the overall program will be formulated and managed by staff experts in UK’s Education Abroad & Exchanges (EA) in collaboration with colleagues in Student Success, including the Stuckert Career Center and the office of First-Generation Student Services.
This new program introduces career readiness within a global context to put students and their educational experience at the forefront. Students will develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, independence, and self-efficacy. Students will also enhance their cross-cultural competence, personal growth, and social responsibility. Students will also be exposed to work culture and career settings in these locations.
NACE Career Readiness Competencies
- Career and Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity and Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Employers
Working with key corporate partners, the program connects students with organizations that have a global presence and employ UK graduates. The type of activities and opportunities that we are seeking from employer partners will vary based on availability and capacity, most likely in half-day or day-long visits.
Employer Partners for Summer 2023:
- Abbey Capital
- Accenture
- Alltech
- Compass Group
- Diageo
- Gray Construction
- Greystar
- Handshake UK
- Hubspot
- Neuberger Berman
Sample activities include:
-
company site visits
-
resume reviews
-
panel discussions (themes could include: working on multicultural teams; market trends; key skills for job seekers; career paths; professional etiquette etc.)
-
speed networking with students and employees
-
job-shadowing
-
informational interviews
For more information please contact Niamh Larson (niamh.minion@uky.edu), Executive Director of Education Abroad and Exchanges.
Get Involved
Are you an employer interested in making an impact on UK's First-Gen students?Support Explore First
Make a gift to support First-Gen students studying abroad at UK