UT San Antonio’s university-wide approach to connecting students with career preparation and hands-on learning has earned national recognition, highlighting years of work to embed career readiness throughout the student experience.
Earlier this year, the university received the Career Leadership Collective’s Career Ecosystem Excellence Award, which recognizes institutions that integrate career learning across campus and provide equitable access to career services.
The university’s emphasis on career-engaged learning took root in 2019, when the Classroom to Career Initiative paved the way for Bold Careers, the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan for the 2020-2025 accreditation cycle. Together, these efforts sparked a university-wide focus on experiential learning, uniting faculty, staff and community partners around a shared commitment to career readiness.
Due to these efforts, participation in experiential learning among graduates increased from 28% in 2021-22 to 70% in 2025-26, putting the university on track to achieve its goal of having 75% of bachelor’s degree students complete at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduation by 2028.
Across the university, students are participating regularly in career-focused events, undergraduate research, internships, leadership opportunities, community engagement and other experiential learning activities that are giving them the experiences, skills and professional connections needed to be successful in their careers and graduate education.
Career Center events connect students with employers and opportunities
The Career Center serves as the university’s central hub for career exploration, professional development and employer engagement, offering a wide range of resources and services to support students and alumni throughout the year.
This month, students and alumni connected directly with a variety of employers at two large-scale career expos. Companies including Cintas, Dell Technologies, Frost Bank, H-E-B, Leidos, Marathon Petroleum, the National Security Agency, Omni Hotels, Teach for America, Toyota, Union Pacific, United Health Group, USAA and We Insure Inc. came to the expos to recruit UT San Antonio students for competitive internships and full-time employment.
“Many of our students work part-time, and so they already have work experience,” said Mario Vela, assistant vice provost for career-engaged learning and director of the Career Center.
Vela explained that the university has evolved significantly, putting career-engaged learning at the forefront. This includes embedding career readiness throughout the student experience, including how students are prepared to meet with employers.
“What employers consistently tell us is that Roadrunners stand out because they come ready to contribute,” Vela said. “Our students bring a strong work ethic, resilience and drive, and the Career Center is intentional about helping them communicate those strengths, from how they present themselves on a resume to how they engage with employers. That combination of talent and career readiness is why employers continue to come back to UT San Antonio.”
Roadrunners interested in pursuing a legal career can attend the Law School Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to visit with representatives from law schools across the country.
In addition to major events, the Career Center offers many ways for students and alumni to get career preparation assistance. Career Labs and drop-in hours are offered Monday through Thursday throughout the semester, with both in-person and virtual options available.
Drop-in hours provide on-demand access to career consultants, while Career Labs are hands-on, interactive workshops focused on career exploration, personal brand and networking, resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and internship and job search strategies. Career consultants are also available daily for one-on-one in-person and virtual appointments.
New this fall: ’Runner Career Closet
Students preparing for career expos, interviews and other professional occasions can also take advantage of the new ’Runner Career Closet, a low-cost professional clothing rental service. Powered by MyCareerCloset, students can connect with personal styling specialists and get professional outfits delivered directly to them.
The new resource expands the university’s efforts to support career readiness by reducing financial barriers that can prevent students from fully participating in career-building experiences.
A university-wide commitment to career-engaged learning
Career readiness extends well beyond the Career Center. Across the university, students can gain hands-on experience through programs and opportunities offered by the Najim Center, Office of Undergraduate Research, Institute for Law and Public Affairs, Health Professions Office, Center for Civic and Community-Engaged Leadership, and many other areas.
Together, these programs help students build professional skills, expand their networks and apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Students are also encouraged to connect with their college’s Student Success Center, where they can access academic support, mentoring, experiential learning opportunities and guidance tailored to their educational and career goals.
A model for student success
Last year, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities named the university the recipient of its inaugural Excellence in Student Success Award, citing UT San Antonio’s coordinated support model, career readiness efforts and commitment to experiential learning.
Whether through research, internships, leadership programs, community engagement or career-focused events and resources, UT San Antonio is preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
