FOCUS

Why Should I Participate?

The program includes workshops and site visits to help you:

• Explore a wide variety of occupations and careers
• Foster development of critical career readiness competencies expected by employers
• Cultivate a professional network of mentors and advocates
• Create tools to confidently communicate their knowledge and skills
• Identify affirming work environments
• Compete for vital professional experiences
• Negotiate initial offers to secure salary and benefits

This program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request, please contact careercenter@illinois.edu.

Am I Eligible?

To qualify for this program, you must:

• Currently enrolled on-campus undergraduate student
• Second-year or sophomore student or a first-year transfer student
• First-generation college student (e.g., neither parent has completed a four-year college or university degree)

Selection Process

Approximately 40 applicants will be selected each semester based on a holistic assessment of their need for career development support. Key selection criteria include:

• Quality of current resume
• Previous internship or work experience
• Clarity of career and/or academic major decisions
• Presence and quality of LinkedIn profile
• Alignment between applicant's expectations and the program's objectives and offerings

Class Schedule and Time Commitment

• FOCUS Scholars must attend a weekly in-person class session every week. Days and times for fall semester to come.
• FOCUS Scholars must plan on committing up to 3 hours per week on in-class workshops and assignments designed to support their career development.