THE KIMBERLY AND JAMES HILL
CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Your future. Our promise.
FROM OUTSTANDING STUDENTS TO REMARKABLE PROFESSIONALS
Congratulations to these recent graduates who are already establishing impressive careers.
Vanessa Bello Finance
Commercial Banking Analyst, Citigroup Inc.
Kaitlyn Caul
Therapeutic Recreation Activity Therapist, Oasis Behavioral Health
Edward Ortega Communication Talent Acquisition Partner HR, FedEx Ground
Kelsey Deck Exercise Science Pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, High Point University
Andrea De la Cruz Business Legal Assistant, Immigration Law Office of Moises L. Barraza, LLC
Nicole Hernandez Nursing Pediatric ICU Nurse, Lurie Children’s Hospital
Israel Herrera Computer Science Associate Software Developer, ALDI USA
Maria Montoya Business Administration
Data System Analyst, Addison Group
Edward Ouille Health Science Research Technician, Rush University Medical Center
Marco Antonio Olivera Secondary Education/History History Teacher, Harlem High School
Savanna Di Costanzo
Communication Editorial Assistant, Quintessence Publishing USA
Victor Rafael
Accounting Accounts Receivable Processor, American Guardian Warranty Services
Taryn Sauerland
English Category Management Associate in Sports Medicine, School Health Corporation
Jerome Bizimana
Social Work Group Facilitator and Case Specialist, World Relief
SUPPORT FOR MEANINGFUL AND SUCCESSFUL CAREERS
Purpose. Preparation. Progress.
These are the principles that drive students’ discovery and determine direction for their future. At Aurora University, faculty, staff, and coaches partner together to ensure students understand the dynamic connection between academic, extra-curricular, and career plans. This work begins at the Hill Center for Student Success during each student’s first year on campus. Quickly, students view the Hill Center for Student Success as the place for career planning, internships, and on-campus student employment.
Employer partners and alumni play vital roles in this effort, too. Through the center, employer partners and dedicated alumni assist students as they explore career fields and job opportunities, and they help students build a quality professional network. Thanks to our partners, students feel supported and empowered as they develop purposeful career plans.
It’s this personalized, one-on-one approach that inspires students to succeed. Through further exploration and conversation, Career Services professionals and colleagues from across campus help students identify their skills, interests, and aspirations.
Students are at the center of AU’s mission; the Hill Center for Student Success reflects this unwavering commitment.
Center for Student Success Fast Facts
1,174 students had at least one individualized appointment with a Career Services staff member.
50+ workshops and programs were offered to students.
More than 600 firstyear students attended career workshops.
1,800+ students visited the Hill Center for Student Success this academic year.
380 students employed in positions across campus this year.
435 students attended the fall and spring AU Career Fairs.
1,019 students and recent graduate resumes reviewed and polished.
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMMING
Career Conversations with Alumni
These events provide an opportunity for students to connect with and learn directly from alumni about individual careers and internship and employment opportunities.
Career Fairs
More than 120 employers and over 400 students attended the AU Career Fairs in October 2022 and April 2023. These events will be held each semester, so students can network with employers and learn of internship and full-time job opportunities.
Career Preparation Workshops
The Hill Center for Student Success hosts job search and career-related in-person and virtual workshops for academic classes, student organizations, and athletic teams.
Conversations with Employers
Employers visit campus to share information with students about different employment opportunities within their organizations.
Employer Partnerships
Employers regularly report high satisfaction with AU graduates. In fact, AU often receives word of career opportunities before companies publicly post available positions.
Free Professional Photos
Each semester, students are invited to have their photo taken for professional purposes, including LinkedIn profiles.
Internships
Internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities and help students to confirm potential career interests.
Launching Your Career Course
In this three-week course, students explore career paths, identify strengths and skills, develop an elevator speech about themselves, search for a job or internship, and gain financial literacy skills and knowledge.
On-Campus Student Employment
AU is committed to offering meaningful employment opportunities for students on campus, providing learning opportunities and skill development that will help students transition into their future careers.
Spartan Attic
The Hill Center for Student Success houses a free professional-clothing closet, which provides students with new and gently used clothing for jobs, internships, graduate school interviews, and classroom presentations.
2022 GRADUATES OFF TO A GREAT START
Of the students with known experiential learning opportunities, 70.6% of graduates participated in internships, clinicals, practicums, etc. during their time at AU.
Overall, 84% of AU graduates secured next steps, including employment (57%), continuing education (25%), and military/volunteer service/other (2%).
Of the 25% of graduates who reported continuing education as a next step, 81% are doing so at AU.
$51,083 is the average salary for those employed full time.
Top industries for employment: Accounting, Commercial Banking, Education, Healthcare, Insurance, Law Enforcement, Marketing, Retail, and Social Work.
Top employers: Advocate Healthcare, Amazon, Association for Individual Development, Edward-Elmhurst Heath, Northwestern Medicine, Plainfield School District 202, Rush Copley Medical Center, Target Corporation, West Aurora School District 129, and Woodstock Community Unit School District 200.
Commitment to Diversifying the Workforce in Illinois
88% of all AU graduates secured full-time employment in the state of Illinois, including:
100% of Asian American graduates
100% of Black or African American graduates
95.5% of graduates who received MAP grant
92.1% of Hispanic or Latino graduates
92.6% of first-generation graduates
Figures are compiled from data representing 81.2% of the Class of 2022 (July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022).
Figures are based on information self-reported by students, collected from the National Student Clearinghouse, and student LinkedIn profiles. Last updated May 2023. Graduates may appear in multiple categories.
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