Union County Review

Kean University has launched the Cougar Career Collaborative, a new initiative aimed at enhancing career development opportunities for its students. This program is designed to strengthen the relationship between the university and employers across various industries.

The initiative is led by Kean’s Office of Career Services and aims to support career readiness for the university's diverse student population while providing employers with the opportunity to invest in Kean students. The university is actively seeking additional partners to join this program.

“This new initiative recognizes that Kean University has what employers are looking for – talented, prepared students who bring both the skills and diversity that employers need to the workforce,” stated Felice Vazquez, special counsel to the president and senior vice president of planning at Kean University.

The Cougar Career Collaborative offers recruitment events, internships, and professional development activities tailored to connect students with potential future employers. Business partners have opportunities to participate in exclusive campus events, career fairs, and mentorship programs. Depending on their sponsorship level, they may also serve as guest speakers, sponsor networking events, and feature prominently in digital and social media promotions.

“Kean is strengthening its network of corporate partners, which enhances the University’s reputation as a hub for workforce development and talent acquisition,” said John Raue, assistant vice president of strategic initiatives in the Office of the President. “These partnerships contribute to the growth of our career services programming, allowing us to offer a wider variety of professional development opportunities for students, and positioning Kean as a leader in connecting higher education with industry needs.”

The Career Collaborative began rolling out in late summer and has already seen early success. Initial sponsorship was secured from two charter school networks: Foundation Academy and Uncommon Schools. Both organizations engaged with students through Kean's Work-Earn-Live-Learn (WELL) program over the summer. This program combines paid work with mentorship and learning opportunities to help students gain practical skills while supporting their academic growth.

Foundation Academy also sponsored a networking breakfast during Kean’s Fall Career Fair.

Kaii Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Kean University and associate manager for talent recruitment at Uncommon Schools in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. She remarked that it "is a testament to Kean’s commitment to student success" by investing in students and sharing post-graduation opportunities offered by Uncommon Schools.

Employers interested in joining can contact Kean University's Office of Career Services at career@kean.edu for more information about sponsorship opportunities and upcoming events.