The Career Launch Internship Prep Program (CLIPP) made significant strides in empowering first-generation college students to take charge of their career paths this year. Designed to guide students from their first year through senior year, the program served 18 participants, with 88% identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). This donor-funded initiative to support internship access for traditionally underrepresented students was developed in partnership with Career Launch.
One of the most impressive outcomes of the program was the shift in students’ attitudes toward networking and relationship building. Before joining CLIPP, 58% of participants hesitated to proactively build professional relationships until they needed a job.
However, after completing the program, this reluctance dropped dramatically to just 10%. This remarkable change demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in enhancing students’ confidence and their ability to navigate the professional world.
As part of their learning, students engaged in an eight-step framework that encouraged them to conduct career conversations with industry professionals. These conversations helped participants explore various career paths, develop internal advocates and mentors, and even secure interviews for internships and jobs within the hidden job market. The program’s structure emphasized learning through repetition, using a combination of videos, workbooks, and group sessions. By the end of CLIPP, students were expected to complete at least two career conversations, a goal that many exceeded.
100%
of students reported greater confidence in understanding how to create relationships with professionals from scratch.
The results speak for themselves: ten CLIPP participants successfully landed summer internships or full-time jobs. Victor Guerra Lopez ‘24 was hired by admissions, while Cesar Soria ‘24 joined the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). Alisa Rodela ‘24 secured a position at PentAir Water in Wisconsin, and Kevin Nguyen ‘25 obtained a summer internship at PowerStrength Training Systems. Other notable placements include Nancy Murillo ‘25 at MAPSCORPS, Jesus Perez ‘25 at El Concilio, and Vanessa Barroco ‘25 at Girls Who Code.
A participant from the post-survey highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “Career Launch has doubled my confidence in my career readiness, professional image, and networking skills.” This testimonial encapsulates the essence of CLIPP, reflecting its success in not only preparing students for their careers but also in instilling a sense of self-assuredness that will serve them well beyond their college years.
Our new colleague Alejandro Alaniz ‘18, ran the CLIPP program this year. He said, “I’m thrilled with the incredible growth and achievements we’ve seen from this year’s CLIPP cohort. Their dedication and passion have truly set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see the next group take on new challenges and continue building on this momentum!”. The Career Launch Internship Prep Program continues to pave the way for first-generation college students, ensuring they are well-equipped to explore their career options and build meaningful professional relationships. With its comprehensive approach, the program stands as a testament to the power of proactive career development and mentorship.