The University of Indianapolis has expanded its partnership with Ascend Indiana in the hopes of getting more students connected and placed with future employers in the state of Indiana.
Ascend Indiana is a nonprofit organization which aims to connect talent with potential employers throughout the state with the hopes of making Indiana a better place, according to its website. Senior Director of Engagement for Ascend Destiny Luczka said a large focal point for the network is to help college students.
“We focus statewide on helping talent find meaningful opportunities within the state of Indiana with the different employers that are here,” Luczka said. “Both from small, mid and large size, employers or partners. The focus of our work is predominately to help college students find meaningful internships while they’re in school and in jobs once they graduate.”
Luczka said Ascend has worked in tandem with various universities for years, wanting to share the value of what they do with others. She said these partnerships are a vital part of the company’s foundation as it is crucial to reach its target demographic.
“Once they [students] see value in it, they go tell their friends about it and then more people sign up for the platform,” Luczka said. “Our presence on campus over the years helped us build that brand for students to know of the network.”
UIndy students can join Ascend by going to to its website and creating an account or go to the Professional Edge Center to learn more. Vice President for Corporate and Community Strategies at the Professional Edge Center Andy Kocher said the partnership between UIndy and Ascend has existed for years, but they recently came to a new agreement that increases the advantages for students.
“We have expanded that partnership through the new agreement that will continue to provide students opportunities to access the Ascend network for free,” Kocher said. “In addition to the fantastic resources at the Professional Edge Center, it’ll also allow for a representative from Ascend to come to campus and provide coaching alongside our Professional Edge coaches.”
Senior Director of the Professional Edge Center Kirk Bryans said something that sets Ascend apart from other job platforms is they advocate on behalf of students. He said the students themselves still need to work to earn the position once Ascend sets up the opportunity, they just aid in getting them to that point.
“They have a list of employers that offer internships and full-time jobs here in Indiana,” Bryans said. “Any student that signs up in their network and they will present opportunities to that student.”
Bryans said another addition this expansion has added is Ascend can now reach out to students with opportunities they think they might fit. He said the process has become more involved overall, with Ascend and UIndy more ready than ever to help students.
“Now, Ascend will be able to reach out to students under our direction and advertise some of the opportunities that they have,” Bryans said. “In the past, it’s been kind of passive. A student would have to sign up and then get some information from them. We’re going to be more proactive with Ascend.”For more information students can make an appointment with their Professional Edge career coach or go to AscendIndiana.com.
