Albany State University (ASU) has hired 70 students through the Student Employment and Experiential Learning (SEEL) program funded by Title III and coordinated by ASU Career Services. This cutting-edge program allows students to work and gain valuable employment experience on campus.

“We believe that providing our students with a hand-up, not a handout, is beneficial when it helps them land positions within their career fields. We're excited about this opportunity and are elated at how professionally the students presented themselves. We know that they're going to do an exceptional job while gaining work experience here on the campus of Albany State University,” said Dr. Julie Francis-Pettway, Director of Career Services. Pettway also stated that “this initiative could not be possible without the help of her hard-working staff.” 

This program is tailored for full-time sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking an associate or bachelor's degree. Students must have a minimum of 2.7 GPA and be in good standing with the University. Unlike typical student employment, SEEL focuses on professional development aligned with students' major and career aspirations.

On Thursday, January 19, the Office of Career Services held a Student Employment and Experiential Learning Fair. Students had the opportunity to interview all participating departments they were interested in working with. Seventy students were hired on-site at the event. Employment opportunities may include human resources, admissions, marketing and communications, student engagement, student affairs, event planning, athletics, recreation, and business.

Jaleah Bristow, a senior accounting major, attended the student employment fair. “This fair helped me because I was struggling to find hands-on experience in my field. This gave me the perfect chance to stay on campus and get that in-person, real-life connection with people in my career field.”

Josiah Taylor, a sophomore majoring in mass communications with a concentration in public relations, feels the event lets students be their best selves, saying, “The SEEL internship fair is a great place for students to come out and get internship experience. I'm glad that ASU has made this event come to life because it gives us a chance to go out, get the feel for our interests, and interview for jobs.”

The program will allow students to earn income without leaving ASU's campus, apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a real work environment, and gain valuable experience to add to their resume.

With the SEEL Program initiative and the ongoing federal work-study, over 300 students are employed on the ASU campus for Spring 2024.