Leveraging University of Delaware Talent

Navigating the path to recruitment success for Delaware businesses

BY R. LYNN EPPS

EMPLOYERS SEEKING INTERNS and entry-level talent often face the daunting challenge of sifting through countless résumés to find the right fit. This is where the University of Delaware Career Center (UDCC) steps in.

The University of Delaware fosters postgraduate student success by building upon foundations of workforce development and life design enriched by expertise, research, innovation, and opportunity for exploration. The academic credentials of our newest students each year continue to rise. With the highest test scores and cumulative grade point averages in the last five years, last year’s class of new students at the University of Delaware (UD) has demonstrated their academic excellence. Our students are well-rounded, eager to learn, and poised to make meaningful contributions to the workforce, making UD an ideal partner for your recruitment and hiring goals.

Providing unwavering support to both students and employers is crucial for fostering a diverse workforce. But how does this translate into recruitment and retention strategies that align with the needs of your business and the broader economic landscape of Delaware?

The UDCC has a team of experienced employer liaisons who specialize in various industries and often serve as your initial points of contact, career coaches who collaborate with students and faculty, and an events team dedicated to facilitating recruitment and engagement opportunities. Additionally, individual colleges such as the Lerner School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate College have career teams that work with students and foster connections with employers. These initiatives not only support existing relationships between employers and faculty, but also enhance them through the resources provided by the UDCC.

Acknowledging the significant challenges inherent in nurturing the talent pipeline within our state, here are actionable steps that employers in Delaware and beyond can take to bolster their recruitment and hiring endeavors:

1. Expand access to job opportunities and internships for a diverse pool of candidates by leveraging UD’s Handshake platform.

2. Align hiring practices with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals through guidance from UD’s Career Access and Mobility Initiative Team.

3. Increase brand visibility on campus through participation in UD programs like Job Shadow, micro-internships, career fairs and networking events, and increase digital brand presence via Handshake.

4. Incorporate paid internship positions into budget planning discussions.

5. Engage with initiatives like the Delaware State Chamber’s Intern Delaware program to contribute to the development of a supportive community for young talent.

No matter the objectives of your early talent recruitment efforts, the University of Delaware and the UDCC stand ready to assist you in devising tailored strategies and fostering meaningful engagement. For more information on how we can support your recruitment needs, reach out to hireahen@udel.edu to connect with an employer liaison and explore the initiatives outlined above.

R. Lynn Epps is director of career connections and experiences (CCE) at the University of Delaware Career Center.