New Cougar Career Collaborative Initiative Boosts Student Career Opportunities

Kean University is expanding career development opportunities for students through a new initiative, the Cougar Career Collaborative, designed to strengthen partnerships between the University and employers.

Led by Kean’s Office of Career Services, the Collaborative partners with businesses across various industries, supporting career readiness for Kean’s diverse student population and giving employers the chance to invest in Kean students. The University is actively seeking additional partners to join the program.

“This new initiative recognizes that Kean University has what employers are looking for – talented, prepared students who bring both the skills and diversity that employers need to the workforce,” said Felice Vazquez, special counsel to the president and senior vice president of planning at Kean University.

The Cougar Career Collaborative offers tailored recruitment events, internships and professional development activities that connect students with potential future employers. Business partners in the program have opportunities to participate in exclusive campus events, career fairs and mentorship programs. Based on their sponsorship level, business partners may be able to serve as guest speakers, sponsor networking events, and feature prominently in digital and social media promotions. 

The initiative’s new approach to employer engagement benefits Kean students through increased access to internships and mentorship programs, and direct interaction with potential future employers.

“Kean is strengthening its network of corporate partners, which enhances the University’s reputation as a hub for workforce development and talent acquisition,” said John Raue, assistant vice president of strategic initiatives in the Office of the President. “These partnerships contribute to the growth of our career services programming, allowing us to offer a wider variety of professional development opportunities for students, and positioning Kean as a leader in connecting higher education with industry needs.”

The Career Collaborative began its rollout in late summer and is already seeing early success. Kean secured initial sponsorship from two charter school networks – Foundation Academy and Uncommon Schools – both of which engaged with students in the University’s Work-Earn-Live-Learn (WELL) program over the summer. The WELL program offers students hands-on career experience by combining paid work, mentorship and learning opportunities to help them gain practical skills while supporting their academic growth. 

The partners also participated in Kean’s Fall Career Fair, and Foundation Academy sponsored a networking breakfast for employers.

Kaii Johnson is a 2015 Kean graduate and Uncommon Schools’ associate manager for talent recruitment in New Jersey. She recalled the vital support she received from Kean Career Services as a student, and said the Collaborative "is a testament to Kean’s commitment to student success." 

"By working with the Collaborative, we are investing in Kean students and sharing the great opportunities that Uncommon Schools has to offer them post-graduation," she said. "As a sponsor at the Career Fair and having our marketing materials shared, we found that more students were interested in engaging with our talent recruitment team. Students can see that Uncommon Schools wants to be a part of their success."

Employers interested in joining the Cougar Career Collaborative are encouraged to contact the Office of Career Services at career@kean.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and upcoming events.