Competition for top talent has never been so heightened, and employers across industries are struggling to fill vacancies. Connecting with college and university students can help you build your talent pipeline for your organization and your industry.
Why should employers engage with students? Here are some compelling reasons:
- Cost-effective talent acquisition: Engaging with students through special projects or internship opportunities can be a cost-effective way to attract and retain top talent. This can be especially true for smaller companies that may not have the resources to compete with larger organizations for experienced workers. By giving students an opportunity to creatively and innovatively solve real-world problems, companies/organizations can focus on other important aspects of their business while providing value.
- Positive brand reputation: Companies that engage with students can improve their brand reputation by demonstrating their commitment to supporting the next generation of workers. This can also help companies build relationships with academic institutions in unique ways, which can be a valuable resource for recruiting top talent in the future. A presence on campus and in virtual spaces with students can also help students understand your organization’s culture and career possibilities.
- Access to a pool of diverse and innovative talent: College and university students bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and a diverse range of experiences to the table. This can be particularly beneficial for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in the years to come.
- Improved employee retention: By providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience and build their professional network, companies can help students develop a strong foundation for their future careers. This can lead to improved employee retention rates, as students who have had positive experiences with a company are more likely to consider working there in the future.
- Better employee performance: Research shows that students who complete internships are more likely to perform better in their first job than those who do not. Additionally, students who work part-time while in school are more likely to perform better in their future careers than those who do not.
As San Antonio’s largest university, UTSA should be high on your list of resources for talent development. This is not just about filling immediate vacancies but building a talent pipeline for your organization and your industry. This is an opportunity to help build our community’s workforce without expending many resources or sacrificing productivity. There are multiple ways for your organization to plug in and access the talent at UTSA.
