UNF’s industry partnerships fuel student success and career growth
The University of North Florida is experiencing a surge in industry engagement, with more companies than ever recruiting top talent on campus and collaborating on workforce development programs.
From startups to Fortune 500 companies, employers are investing in long-term partnerships through mentorships, classroom collaborations and sponsored events. Over the past year, 1,476 employers recruited on-campus a record 19% increase over 2024.
With UNF guaranteeing experiential learning for every incoming student beginning this fall, momentum continues to build: more than 685 employers participated in UNF recruiting events, including career fairs this fall, a 10% increase over fall 2024.
“This past year UNF has seen record employer engagement with our students, with new companies joining established partners seeking our Ospreys for career and internship roles,” said Scott Curry, senior director of industry engagement with Career Services. “This fall, 93.7% of employers attending recruiting events told us that they expect to hire an Osprey, a record high showcasing UNF student career readiness at these events and the strong demand for UNF talent.”
The successful “Employer of the Day” initiative has become a breakout hit, with 129 employers visiting campus to connect with students. Employers give high marks to Career Fairs, while student participation has soared, with more than 3,400 registrants — an increase from 2,700 over Fall 2024.
The landmark year has been so successful that Career Services staff have presented at three conferences, sharing how other universities can build similar programs.
The UNF Guarantee
Student success isn’t just a goal at UNF, it’s a promise backed by a powerful network of industry partners who believe in the potential of higher education.
Recognized as the No. 1 talent provider in the region, UNF launched a new strategic engagement initiative “Soaring Together Corporate Partnership Program” earlier this summer, aimed at making it easier for companies to do business with UNF while providing students with opportunities to succeed.
With Jacksonville’s business community rapidly expanding, the new program reinforces UNF’s role as the premier source for career-ready graduates across all fields.
A growing number of companies have joined UNF’s Soaring Together initiative, including PIVOT CPAs, W.W. Gay, Corporate Traffic Logistics, Stellar, and Miller Electric Company. Their involvement ranges from funding scholarships or research initiatives to offering internships or career pathways.
Earlier this summer, JEA, the city’s public utility, and Miller Electric Company joined forces with UNF to create the Educational Microgrid for Enhancing Renewable Growth and Education — EMERGE.
Dr. James Fletcher, associate professor in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction and director of the Clean and Renewable Energy Lab at UNF, said the program prepares students for the clean and renewable energy sector, particularly early career electricians looking at high-demand jobs.
“This training helps equip the next generation of energy leaders with hands-on experience in microgrid systems and renewable technologies,” said Fletcher. “By the end of the program, we’ve not only given the students a sense of empowerment to reduce carbon footprints, but we’ve enhanced their careers and created new jobs.”
A competitive career edge
Many of these kinds of hands-on experiences lead directly to job offers, giving students a head start in launching their careers.
Nina Fisher, a UNF senior majoring in business management with a minor in entrepreneurship, is on track to graduate in spring 2026.
The 21-year-old Tallahassee native has worked as a part-time student assistant in Career Services since she was a freshman. That opportunity played a pivotal role in shaping her college experience and preparing her for life after graduation.
“UNF has been an incredible resource throughout my college journey,” said Fisher. “When I arrived as a freshman, I was shy but full of ambition. The support I received from Career Services helped me transform that ambition into action. They encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and because of their guidance, I completed two internships and worked with a local business owner starting my freshman year.”
Fisher's time with Career Services led to a prestigious internship with Bank of America in New York City — an experience that ultimately led to a full-time job offer after she graduates next spring.
“I was volunteering at one of UNF’s Career Fairs when I struck up a conversation with representatives from Bank of America,” she explained. “Even though I wasn’t majoring in finance or accounting, I asked if they had any part-time internship opportunities. They encouraged me to apply, and after interviewing the very next day, I was offered a Global Analyst summer internship the following week.”
Meeting workforce needs
UNF doesn’t just open doors for students; it helps local industries meet their workforce needs.
UNF’s longstanding partnership with Clay County Schools benefits college and K-12 students, said Kevin Leary, Clay County’s supervisor of personnel with Clay County Schools.
“We are always looking to build a pipeline for future educators,” said Leary. “Our education interns gain valuable field experience to help better prepare them for when they take over their own classroom.”
This fall, Brooks Rehabilitation gave a gift that is helping expand UNF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program within the Brooks College of Health, which will help address the growing demand for skilled physical therapists in the region and reinforce a shared commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
This year, UNF MedNexus and HCA Healthcare formed a partnership to offer students a pathway to healthcare careers by removing financial and access barriers while addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals. Students get hands-on training and mentorship, as well as tuition reimbursement, helping set them up for long-term, meaningful careers in healthcare.
Dun & Bradstreet, which relocated its global headquarters to Jacksonville in 2021, also sees UNF as a key partner in enhancing its early talent program.
“Collaborating with UNF allows us to build strong connections with local talent and create impactful opportunities for students and our organization alike,” said Megan Lawson, Dun & Bradstreet’s university recruiter.
Lawson said UNF helps Dun & Bradstreet connect with talent across a variety of disciplines.
“(UNF staff) actively seek and incorporate our feedback to enhance programs and resources available to students, making this partnership both collaborative and future focused,” Lawson said. “Together, we’re building a vibrant, local talent network that aligns with our business needs and values.”
A leader in lifelong learning
UNF’s Professional and Lifelong Learning program also plays a vital role in bridging education and workforce development by partnering with businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to meet real-world needs.
PLL offers noncredit and certificate programs that span professional development, corporate training, personal enrichment, and graduate school preparation. These programs help learners of all ages and backgrounds gain practical skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
“We’re focused on aligning our programs with high-demand sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, healthcare and logistics, and on offering flexible learning options that meet people where they are — online, in person or through employer partnerships,” said Jessica Murray, director of PLL.
PLL’s programs, which include delivering Continuing Education Unit-bearing certificates and digital badges, reflect the evolving demands of the workforce.
“PLL also works closely with CareerSource Northeast Florida, the JAX Chamber and JAXUSA Partnership to identify in-demand skills and emerging growth sectors, aligning our offerings with the region’s economic priorities and UNF’s mission to serve Northeast Florida,” Murray said.
Never-ending opportunities
For UNF students, the University’s partnerships with industry leaders lead to never-ending opportunities.
"When I first started at UNF, I never imagined how quickly classroom concepts would come to life,” said Fisher, the Career Services intern. “Through my internship, I’ve gained hands-on experience that’s challenged me, inspired me, and confirmed that I’m on the right path. Every day, I see how the skills I learned in my courses directly apply to real-world projects.”