UTSA Prioritizes “Career Ready” Graduates Through Experiential Learning
San Antonio, TX – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is doubling down on its commitment to preparing students for success after graduation, embedding hands-on learning and real-world experience into the core of the student journey. The university’s focus isn’t just on academic knowledge, but on equipping graduates with the practical skills and adaptability demanded by today’s rapidly evolving job market.
“Career readiness is a defining feature of the UT San Antonio experience,” explains Heather Shipley, UT San Antonio provost and senior executive vice president for academic affairs. ”By embedding hands-on opportunities across the student journey,we empower Roadrunners to see the connection between their studies and their future,building a foundation for lifelong success.”
Beyond the Classroom: A Multifaceted Approach
UTSA’s experiential learning program is remarkably diverse. Students are actively encouraged to pursue internships with prominent companies,engage in cutting-edge undergraduate research alongside faculty,take on valuable on-campus employment roles,participate in transformative study abroad programs,and contribute to the community through service-based partnerships.
These experiences aren’t simply resume builders; they’re designed to deepen academic understanding and foster critical skills. Students learn to lead,collaborate,and solve complex problems in dynamic environments – qualities highly sought after by employers. The program also allows students to explore potential career paths and discover their passions.
Showcasing Student Success: The “Career Ready Roadrunners” Series
To highlight the impact of these initiatives, the Division of Academic Affairs has launched “Career Ready Roadrunners,” a compelling video series showcasing student experiences. Each video features a UTSA student demonstrating how they’ve leveraged university resources to translate classroom learning into practical application and prepare for their future careers.
Student Spotlight: Elias Flores‘ Journey
One such student is Elias Flores, an Information Systems major and Honors College student.flores credits UTSA with providing the “room to grow” he needed to develop his skills. From utilizing the career Center to participating in the Najim Center’s Global Summer Institute and completing an internship at Marathon Petroleum, Flores found a clear path toward a career in business analytics or consulting.
“Looking back, every experience played a role in getting me here,” Flores said, anticipating his graduation in 2026. “UTSA gave me room to grow, the support to take risks and the confidence to move forward with purpose.”
UTSA’s commitment to experiential learning is clearly paying dividends, positioning its graduates for success in a competitive global landscape. The university’s proactive approach ensures that Roadrunners aren’t just earning degrees – they’re building futures.
Keywords: UTSA, University of Texas at San Antonio, career Readiness, Experiential Learning, Internships, Study Abroad, Higher Education, Student Success, San antonio, Texas, Workforce Development.
