UA Career Center Unveils First Career Champion Sponsors

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Lockheed Martin, alliantgroup and The University of Alabama’s College of Continuing Studies were honored as the first participants in the UA Career Center’s Career Champion program at a Dec. 11 ceremony at the Ferguson Student Center.

The three sponsors were each recognized with a plaque on the new Champions Wall displayed at the entrance to the UA Career Center.

“Having these organizations sponsor our program means they are truly committed to the career development of our students,” said Melinda King, UA assistant vice president for student life and executive director of the Career Center. “When we approached them, we shared that we want to make certain that all students at The University of Alabama have the ability to pursue their career dreams.”

The Career Champion program was created in May with the assistance of UA’s Division of Advancement. The program provides organizations the opportunity to have a visible presence at the UA Career Center while providing resources to be used for student programming and activities.

“Our goal is to utilize these resources to make certain we meet our students where they are in their career journey and provide them with the appropriate level of resources and support,” said King.

Aside from being recognized on the Champions Wall, Career Champion sponsors will receive a booth at UA’s Career Fair, company logo on UA Career Center printed materials, priority reservation for on-campus recruiting interview rooms following career fairs and more.

The Career Center will use funding to develop and implement programs for underserved students. Research conducted by the center shows that underserved students have increased probability of a positive career outcome by engaging with the UA Career Center earlier and more often than other students.

The Career Center provides UA students and alumni with guidance in selecting a major, planning a career, developing job-search strategies and more.

For more information about Career Champion sponsorship, contact Melinda King (mjking@ua.edu or 205-348-4904).