Preparing students to succeed beyond graduation is central to the mission of The University of Texas at San Antonio.
By fostering an environment rooted in hands-on learning and real-world application, the university is working to ensure students graduate with academic knowledge and the practical experience needed to excel in today’s evolving workforce.
“Career readiness is a defining feature of the UT San Antonio experience,” said 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.”
Internships and study abroad
Experiential learning at UT San Antonio takes many forms. Students gain career-shaping skills through internships with leading employers, undergraduate research alongside faculty, on-campus employment, global study abroad opportunities and service-based community partnerships.
Such opportunities are expected to deepen academic learning and empower students to apply knowledge in dynamic settings where they can lead, collaborate and solve problems. In this way, students can build the adaptability and confidence that employers seek while also exploring various career paths aligned with their passions.
To capture and share these experiences, the Division of Academic Affairs produces student stories through a video series that highlights the many ways students are engaging with the resources and opportunities available to them.
Every video in the “Career Ready Roadrunners” series features a Roadrunner who is translating his or her classroom education into practical experiences, showing how they’ve taken advantage of the resources and opportunities the university offers to prepare them for the future.
‘Room to grow’
Information systems major and Honors College student Elias Flores began building career skills early in college, from working at the Career Center to studying abroad through the Najim Center’s Global Summer Institute.
In a video featuring Flores, he talks about those hands-on experiences, including an internship at Marathon Petroleum, and how these opportunities helped shape his path toward a career in business analytics or consulting.
“Looking back, every experience played a role in getting me here,” said Flores, who is poised to graduate in 2026. “UTSA gave me room to grow, the support to take risks and the confidence to move forward with purpose.”
