Student Employment Pathways program bolsters students' confidence and career readiness

In fall 2025, 12 students completed Student Pathways for Career Readiness — the newest Career Center initiative aimed at increasing students' confidence, strengthening resumes and developing career-ready skills through interactive programming.

During the semester-long program, on-campus student employees engaged with their supervisors and peers in discussions on career and self-development, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership and communication. The program encourages students to reflect critically on their skill sets and feel empowered as career-ready individuals.

"We want all Wildcats to be prepared for life beyond K-State before they reach graduation," said Kerri Keller, director of the Career Center. "This new program was designed to be an opportunity for students to reflect on the skills they've gained through on-campus employment so that they're confident in what they bring to the table when entering a career."

Developing authentic experiences

The program followed K-State's three-pronged Applied Learning Experience framework: purposeful experience, active engagement and critical reflection, encouraging students to think holistically about their on-campus employment.

"The program used the applied learning experience model to ensure students gained authentic, real-world knowledge useful throughout their professional lives," said Wyatt Abbott, Career Center intern and project lead. "The participants took ownership over their involvement to make meaning of the experience and apply it to their unique goals."

Participants included students working with the Academic Achievement Center, Housing and Dining Services, the K-State Student Union, the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, the Career Center, the Office of Student Support and Accountability, the Pre-Professional Exploratory Advising Center, Recreational Service. K-State Libraries also participated as a specially invited unit. Throughout the program, students discussed transferable skills and knowledge, communication, supervisory relationships, workplace belonging and accomplishments.

"This program helped me identify skills that I didn't know I already had," said Ana Valldeperas, program participant and senior in advertising and public relations. "As a social media assistant in the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, I knew I was gaining relevant skills in problem-solving, creativity and digital literacy. Through the discussions and reflections in this program, I gained more confidence in my communication and interpersonal skills."

Going beyond the job description

Ethan Spindler, a chemical engineering and biological engineering major, never expected that his on-campus job would become much more than a paycheck.

"When I first came to K-state, I got a job at Kramer Dining Center," said Spindler. "I saw the job as just a way to build up some money while I was learning. I soon realized that Kramer would become an escape from the stresses of school. It would become the place where I would meet friends and build relationships that I didn't think I would find when I first came to K-State."

Working at Kramer not only gave Spindler an outlet for de-stressing but also a way to build essential life and leadership skills.

"Kramer offers me a chance to problem solve, learn, instruct others, communicate with others who don't necessarily communicate the way I do, and practice food safety and sanitation skills on a daily basis," Spindler said. "These are skills that I didn't realize I was getting until I participated in the Student Pathways to Employment program. Every week, I would have to write down what skills I was doing, and every week, I would check these boxes. This program really helped me quantify how much Kramer was offering."

Leading from start to finish

The Student Pathways to Employment program was funded through an Applied Learning Experiences grant and run by a student seeking to gain his own applied learning experience.

Wyatt Abbott, Career Center intern and senior in psychology, led the new initiative from the beginning.

"One of my career goals is to continue working for a mission-driven organization. I know that will require strong communication and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to stay organized and complete complex projects," said Abbott.

From advertising and moderating to tracking progress and engagement, Abbott gained both a participant experience and experience pushing his leadership capabilities.

"Leading this program not only allowed me to help other Wildcats feel more prepared, but helped my confidence, too. I'm more comfortable leading group discussions, asking thought-provoking questions and assessing project outcomes — skills that I know will be necessary after graduation," said Abbott.

A positive force for Kansans

Students come to K-State expecting a valuable education that will support their future career goals.

"Employers want to hire people who can work as a part of a team, think creatively to solve problems and communicate effectively," said Keller. "K-State sets students up for success by providing opportunities beyond the classroom, where they can apply the knowledge they gain in their courses to everyday life, including the workforce."

The program's impacts are already in effect.

"I know I will use all of the skills gained in my on-campus job in my future career," said Spindler. "I have loved my time working at Kramer and loved participating in the program. I can't recommend students having access to and taking part in both of these opportunities enough."

— Submitted by Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs