Professional Supports

Personal Supports

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

““One Million Degrees is the mortar between the two bricks – an education and a job.””

Bridget Gainer 
Vice President, Global Public Affairs
Aon

One Million Degrees understands that in order to help our scholars build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities, we need to provide support that goes far beyond academics. One Million Degrees Scholars participate in a professional development and career readiness curriculum, which consists of two components that are essential to scholar success with community college and beyond:

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL COACHING

Each scholar is matched—either individually or in a small group—with a volunteer coach, who is typically a professional in the scholar’s field of study.  Scholars and coaches meet on a monthly basis at OMD-led Scholar Development Sessions and communicate regularly outside of these workshops.

Coaches help scholars navigate personal challenges, offer professional guidance, and support and encourage our scholars on their paths to their degrees. Coaches are supported with ongoing training by One Million Degrees.

Interested in coaching a scholar? Check out our coaching opportunities today.

Career exploration plan

Each semester scholars choose two career-related activities to complete. This creates an opportunity for scholars to become prepared and immersed in their field of interest regardless of where they are in their career path.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

OMD Scholars engage in monthly workshops and experiential events that address career readiness, exploring industries and different company cultures, networking, and professional communication and etiquette.

Scholars also partake in hands-on events, putting what they learn into practice:

Speed networking

“It’s Who You Know” Speed Networking events help scholars build communication skills and prepare for future networking events, internships, and job interviews. Scholars are able to engage in conversation, explore areas of interest, and exchange contact information with industry professionals.

career fair

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One Million Degrees collaborates with community partners Genesys Works and America Needs You to host the annual #FutureWorkforce Job and Internship Fair. Corporate partners including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Grainger, Rush University Medical Center, S&C Electric Company, and Zebra have attended to network with and recruit OMD Scholars and Alumni.

interview preparation WORKSHOPS

One Million Degrees’ Focusing and Honing My Strengths workshop focuses on identifying soft-skills and interview preparation basics and strategies, which scholars then put into practice during mock interviews with professionals. Scholars spend time reflecting on their strengths and areas for growth in the interview process, and learn about resources available to them.

If you are a corporate partner and are looking for ways to connect with our scholar and alumni communities, please contact [email protected] to speak with a workforce development staff member.