Wildcat Works - Career Readiness Program

This program is designed to allow participants to develop and enhance skills within a cohort group of up to 100 participants representing different departments across the university and off-campus. The cohort design allows participants to interact with their supervisor(s), career advisor(s), and instructor(s). It is the goal of the program to create a community of learning where participants can build professional relationships and make a meaningful contribution to their career goals. The curriculum is designed to allow students to assess their career readiness skills in competencies that are needed to lead and transition into the workforce easily after graduation.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness as the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. Wildcat Works has incorporated the eight NACE Core Competencies into its course program model. The eight competencies are:

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Oral & Written Communications
• Teamwork & Leadership
• Professionalism & Work Ethic
• Career & Self Development
• Equity & Inclusion
• Resume, Handshake & Career Development
• Technology

All students must be enrolled full-time during the program and are in good academic and conduct standing. The student must be considered a high potential and have taken steps to learn beyond what is required of them.

To identify high-potential, individuals should consider their performance and potential.

Potential is measured by considering the following dimensions:

1. Motivation to lead, including bringing out the best in others
2. Personal development interest, including receptivity to feedback
3. Adaptability and the ability to deal with complexity and ambiguity
4. Ability to communicate effectively
5. Resilience in the face of obstacles and stress
6. Taking steps to increase their skillset

• Completion of all Canvas course modules, discussion boards, and assignments.
• Participation with the "Learning, Reflecting, & Connecting" module. Wildcat Works has created a structured mentor/supervisor conversion for students and supervisors.
  • The conversation will utilize in-person conversation from “UK Grow”. At two points in the program, we ask students that are participating in the program to schedule a 1-1 meeting with their supervisor. (Wildcat Works Instructor if the student is not employed or their supervisor is not willing to participate).
• Schedule a meeting with a career advisor during the "Resume & Reflection" module to review their newly updated resume. (Career advisor meetings made before Wildcat Works enrollment will not be accepted.)
• Time Commitment to complete the program is flexible as it is based on the student’s ability to complete the core modules and activities. Students previously completed the program between three weeks to three months. Each module will take between 1 to 3 hours each.

To enhance the supervisor supported modules, it is recommended for a student applicant to have the support of their employment supervisor or a mentor (if applicable).

• If time is available during work hours or there seems to be a lull in work activity, but you are wanting the students to have something productive to do… allow students to work online on their modules. If not, that is okay too. We understand not all work environments will allow this.
• Participate in the "Learning, Reflecting, & Connecting”, Supervisor Meeting with the student.
• Participate in our end-of-program assessment. We want to hear from you if the program worked well if you saw an improvement in your student, or things you feel could improve the program.

A student can request enrollment. Or a student can be referred to the program by either a faculty member, career advisor, academic advisor, or employment supervisor.

Students must schedule a 1-1 meeting with the Wildcat Works instructor through Handshake appointments. The Stuckert Career Center’s appointment type that a student will choose is “Wildcat Works”.

All applicants will be notified via email within five workings days of receipt of the application regarding the status of their application. The program instructor(s) will review the application and select participants for the program based on a 1-1 meeting, the high potential status of the applicant, academic GPA, academic and conduct standing.

Please contact:

• Donna Gabbard, Wildcat Works Instructor by emailing expblue@uky.edu.
• Students are welcome to schedule an appointment through Handshake by choosing the appointment type "Wildcat Works- Stuckert Career Center".