{"id":25,"date":"2026-06-29T14:35:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T18:35:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:27:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T16:27:30","slug":"career-connected-experiences","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/career-connected-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"Career-Connected Experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-content\/themes\/flintblock\/assets\/images\/sidewalk-art.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 95%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 95%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-1\">Career-Connected Experiences<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-a651bd7d wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/faculty-externship\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Faculty Externship<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/career-connected-experiences\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Career-Connected Experiences<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/progress-metrics\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Progress Metrics<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/steering-committee\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Steering Committee<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isSubmenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Steering Committee submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/committee-charge\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Committee Charge<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/data-collection\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Data Collection<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/employer-engagement\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Employer Engagement<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/implementation-timeline\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Implementation Timeline<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/curriculum-to-careers-series\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Curriculum to Careers Series<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UM-Flint is expanding opportunities for students to participate in meaningful, career-connected experiences that prepare them for the evolving workforce. These experiences include internships, co-ops, applied research, community-based projects, and micro-internships that provide real-world context to academic learning. By integrating these experiences into academic programs, students build the practical skills, networks and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Types of Career-Connected Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Internships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Internships provide structured, supervised work experiences related to your field of study. Whether paid or for academic credit, internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while building your resume and expanding your professional network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Co-ops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cooperative education (co-op) programs alternate periods of academic study with full-time employment in your field. Co-ops typically span multiple semesters and offer deeper immersion in a workplace, giving you extended hands-on experience and often leading to full-time job offers after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Applied Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work alongside faculty on research projects that address real-world challenges. Applied research experiences help you develop critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills while contributing to meaningful discoveries in your discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Community-Based Projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engage with local organizations and communities through service-learning and project-based collaborations. These experiences connect your academic work to community needs, helping you develop leadership skills while making a positive impact in the Flint region and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Micro-Internships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short-term, project-based professional assignments allow you to gain experience quickly and explore different career paths. Micro-internships typically last a few weeks and focus on completing a specific deliverable for an employer\u2014perfect for students with busy schedules or those looking to test out a new field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Why Career-Connected Experiences Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase earning potential:\u00a0Students with career-connected experiences often secure higher starting salaries and faster career advancement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build practical skills:\u00a0Translate academic knowledge into the workplace competencies employers seek.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand your network:\u00a0Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who can support your career journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarify your career path:\u00a0Explore industries and roles to discover what aligns with your interests and strengths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen your resume:\u00a0Stand out to employers with demonstrated experience in your field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UM-Flint is expanding opportunities for students to participate in meaningful, career-connected experiences that prepare them for the evolving workforce. These experiences include internships, co-ops, applied research, community-based projects, and micro-internships that provide real-world context to academic learning. By integrating these experiences into academic programs, students build the practical skills, networks and confidence needed to succeed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":139,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions\/139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/quality-initiative\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}