Employer Recruitment Guide

UW-Stout Polytechnic Employers Guide for Recruitment & Engagement

UWStout.edu/Career-Services LEARN MORE

Table of Contents Director's Welcome...........................2 UW-Stout Polytechnic at a Glance........3 2026–2027 Events............................3 Career Success Highlights..................4 About Career Services........................5 Recruitment Process...........................6 Partnership Program...........................7 Cooperative Education & Internship Program.............................8 Career-Ready Students.......................9 Recruiting & Hiring International Students.......................10 Other Ways to Engage.......................11 Academic Programs..........................12 Student Organizations......................13 Employer Recognition.......................14 Blaze's Professional Closet.................15 Contact Information..........................16 Awards & Recognition Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award (Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents) Grow, Persist, Succeed Program (2025) Cooperative Education Student Achievement Award (Cooperative Education & Internship Assoc.) Award Recipients: Stewards of Place Award (American Association of State Colleges and Universities) Cooperative Education & Internship Program (2024) Innovation Award (Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers) Grow, Persist, Succeed Program (2022) Chevron Innovation Award (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Art & Design Week (2020) • Julia Hellquist (2024) • Ryan Knudtson (2019)

Hire a Blue Devil!

Thank you for your interest in recruiting at Wisconsin's Polytechnic University!

UW-Stout Polytechnic's Career Services has a long history of working with organizations that value the academic and applied learning focus that our university is built upon. We are committed to utilizing current and best practices throughout our programming efforts, recruitment and networking events, and cross-campus collaborations to ensure our students are career-ready. Throughout this guide, you will see the impacts our office has made both statewide and nationally, the future opportunities your organization has to connect with our talented students, and the necessary information to help your company have a value-added, successful recruitment relationship with UW-Stout Polytechnic. I encourage you to connect with our Employer Relations team regarding the information shared in the following pages, questions you may have, or ideas you'd like to collaborate on. We look forward to working with you to connect with our students and alumni.

Regards, Bryan Barts

Director of Career Services UW-Stout Polytechnic (715) 232-1469 bartsb@uwstout.edu

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2026/2027

UW-Stout Polytechnic at a Glance

The Polytechnic Blend

Fall Semester

Applied Learning & Research

Interdisciplinary Academics

Career Conference Registration Opens on July 1

• Incorporates technology and project-based learning to contextualize and enhance knowledge. • Reinforces career-focused outcomes through progressive, practical experiences.

• Develops critical thinking , complex problem solving , communication and leadership skills. • Introduces students to a variety of academic disciplines and applications.

First Day of Classes September 2

Career Conference Week September 21–24

Only 3% of U.S. Universities are considered polytechnics Our Polytechnic Peers

Fall Break November 25–29

Commencement December 19

UW-Stout Polytechnic

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Spring Semester

Michigan Technological University

MIT

Ferris State University

Cal Poly Humboldt

Colorado School of Mines

New York City College of Technology

Career Conference Registration Opens on January 5

Pennsylvania College of Technology

California Institute of Technology

Virginia Tech

Missouri University of Science and Technology

First Day of Classes January 25

Georgia Tech

Utah Tech

Cal Poly

Louisiana Tech University

Florida Tech

Career Conference Week February 22–25

7,061 2025 Fall Enrollment

33% First-Generation College Students

Spring Break March 13–21

Human Sciences Day April 7

Triple Threat Graduates Academic Degree + Experiential Learning + Professional Credential/License

Academics & Learning

Portfolio Review Day April 9

99% of Classes Taught by Faculty & Academic Staff • Teaching Faculty & Staff: 400 • Student/Faculty Radio: 18:1 • Average Lecture Class: 23 • Average Lab Section: 18

Commencement May 15

All dates subject to change

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Applied Learning & Research

Business & Industry Collaboration

Career-Focused Experiences

3x Labs & Studios Labs and studios outnumber traditional classrooms by 3:1. UW's Only

1,000 Internship Placements In paid and unpaid positions across the U.S. 700+ Industry Partners From research to industry-sponsored projects, students work with top employers before graduation.

99% Employed Or continuing education within six months of

graduation for 15 years. 125+ Fortune 500 Employers Over the last five years proves our graduates are in high demand with leading employers.

Laptop+ Campus Laptop, industry-standard software, and more—all included in tuition.

170+ Academic Programs

59K Average Starting Salary

Undergraduate Majors & Minors, Graduate Degrees, and Certificates 21 Varsity Sports NCAA DIII (WIAC) | NCGA | NACE

One of highest average starting salaries among Universities of Wisconsin graduates.

$306.2M in Annual Economic Impact 4,609 Jobs Supported

Menomonie, WI

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About Career Services Mission

Our mission is to educate, engage, and empower students and alumni in navigating career and professional development through employer and faculty/staff partnerships. Vision Our vision is to continue to be a leader in: • Providing centralized career resources, services, and technologies • Integrating applied and experiential learning • Providing data to support informed career decisions • Implementing high impact practices to address changing career needs for all stakeholders • Building and nurturing strategic relationships to enhance opportunities for students • Ultimately ensuring students successful transition from college to career Values Inclusion & Diversity: We affirm and possess a commitment to inclusive excellence by serving as a comprehensive career resource for all stakeholders. We welcome and embrace the strengths individuals offer as a result of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/sex, marital status, disability, US veteran status, and socio-economic status.

Collaborative and Community Partnerships: We affirm and possess a commitment to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with university partners, employers, faculty and academic departments, and student organizations to enhance and increase applied learning and professional employment opportunities for students. Technology: We affirm and possess a commitment to utilize current technology across our operations, services, and resources to support student career and professional development, ultimately connecting students and employers. Professional & Ethical Practices: We affirm and possess a commitment to adhere and promote the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principles for Ethical Professional Practice to guide and serve our employers, students, and faculty. Applied Learning: We affirm and possess a commitment to student’s career readiness and professional development through the Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP). Our CEIP program is a high impact practice that serves as a catalyst for students to gain career-related experiences. Customer Service: We affirm and possess a commitment to excellent customer service, expressed through knowledge, expertise, and accountability to our stakeholders. 5

Recruiting Career-Ready Students Need Top Talent? Hire a Blue Devil.

Employers want to hire the best candidates. Students want to obtain the best opportunities. We're here to bridge that gap. Below are four stages of recruitment at UW-Stout Polytechnic.

Connect

Recruit

Engage

Elevate

Create an employer account on Handshake + Build relationships with faculty/ staff & student organizations + Follow UW-Stout Polytechnic on social media

Post positions on Handshake + Conduct on-campus interviews + Attend Fall & Spring Career Conferences

Attend on-campus events, student organization meetings, & present in classrooms + Participate in the Cooperative Education & Internship Program + Host a job shadow experience

Join the Career Services Partnership Program + Give towards career development through the Stout University Foundation + Participate in Program Advisory Committees

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Partnership Program Elevate Your Recruitment Strategy

Being a partner provides you the benefit of closely collaborating with Career Services to identify your strategic focus for your recruitment at Stout and to build deep connections on campus.

Annual Term: July 1–June 30 | Deadline for Partnerships: September 1

Government / Nonprofit | $800 Inclusions: • Complimentary registration fee at fall and spring Career Conferences (1 table / 2 reps) • Company logo showcased on Career Services Partnerships Wall • Sponsorship level & logo displayed on Career Services website • Current jobs/internships highlighted in Handshake • Partnership recognition at career events and programs • Partnership recognition in Career Success Guide Silver | $1,500 Inclusions: • Complimentary registration fee at fall and spring Career Conferences (1 table / 2 reps) • Company logo showcased on Career Services Partnerships Wall • Sponsorship level & logo displayed on Career Services website • Current jobs/internships highlighted in Handshake • Partnership recognition at career events and programs • Partnership recognition in Career Success Guide Gold | $3,000 Inclusions: • Complimentary registration fee at fall and spring Career Conferences (1 table / 2 reps) • Company logo showcased on Career Services Partnerships Wall • Sponsorship level & logo displayed on Career Services website • Current jobs/internships highlighted in Handshake • Partnership recognition at career events and programs • Partnership recognition in Career Success Guide • Participate in Career Services events/giveaways (i.e. Blue Devil Prep for Success, Etiquette Dinner, Career Closet, etc.) • Promote company event/job posting in Handshake to your target students via direct email (2 per semester)

Platinum | $6,000 Inclusions: • Complimentary registration fee at fall and spring Career Conferences (2 tables / 4 reps) • Company logo showcased on Career Services Partnerships Wall • Sponsorship level & logo displayed on Career Services website • Current jobs/internships highlighted in Handshake • Partnership recognition at career events and programs • Partnership recognition in Career Success Guide • Participate in Career Services events/giveaways (i.e. Blue Devil Prep for Success, Etiquette Dinner, Career Closet, etc.) • Promote company event/job posting in Handshake to your target students via direct email (3 per semester) • Student employee success stories highlighted on Career Services website • Choose preferred booth location at career events • Reserved no-cost, on-campus individual interview space/ room during Career Conference • One specialized event on campus, supporting organizational recruitment interest/needs

Support a Signature Event Sponsor initiatives like Portfolio Review Day or Human Sciences Day and help strengthen the connections between UW-Stout Polytechnic students and industry.

Investment: Up to $1,000.

Get more information & discuss next steps Contact our Employer Relations Manager, Kellie Horzewski. Call (715) 232-2178 or email horzewskik@uwstout.edu.

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Cooperative Education & Internship Program Applied Learning Experiences This two-time national award-winning program integrates career-related work experience with academic coursework. It is centrally coordinated through the Career Services office in cooperation with the academic departments of the university.

Benefits of Hiring a Student • Trained, motivated workers • Students with special skills for projects • Qualified students to meet needs for increased business or seasonal demands • Improved access to special populations • Develop a pipeline of qualified candidates building a pipeline to potential professional employees • Decreased cost of recruitment and training • Improved employee retention • Exposure to a talented pipeline of students who are eager and ready to learn while bringing, enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, energy, and value into the company

The Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) supports the university's polytechnic designation by providing students the opportunity to experience an active and applied focus on learning their professional field. The success of the program is based on a framework of collaborative partnerships between employers, students, and the university. Responsibility of the Site Supervisor • Provide a supervised work experience • Provide a position description • Select student through your own hiring process • Supervise and evaluate on-site performance of student

Co-Op Course (SUBJ-X49)

Field Experience Course (SUBJ-X98 OR SUBJ-X97)

Work experience is at least 8 weeks and students enroll in Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Terms

Students do major-related work within the guidelines of their Academic Program

Earn 1 credit per term - course enrollment must be concurrent with work experience

Students work in positions located on-campus, off-campus, in-state, out-of-state, and internationally

Paid (W-2 only)

Unpaid & Paid (i.e. W-2, 10-99, Stipend)

32 hours per week / 320+ hours per term

Weekly hours vary / 80+ hours per term

Full-time student status awarded

Student status determined by enrolled credits

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Career Readiness in Action Blue Devils are Career-Ready Across industries and academic majors, site supervisors rate UW-Stout Polytechnic co-op and internship students highly in the application of nationally recognized career-readiness skills.*

81% Career & Self Development

86% Communication

84% Critical Thinking

79% Equity & Inclusion

77% Leadership

88% Professionalism

86% Teamwork

87% Technology

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* Ratings are based on a 4-point scale: 1=Emerging Knowledge, 2=Understanding, 3=Early Application, 4=Advanced Application. "Proficiency" represents the percentage of students rated 3 or 4 by site supervisors on the final CEIP performance evaluation.

UW-Stout Polytechnic is a diverse campus community with international students pursuing degrees and participating in exchanges, representing numerous nationalities. Don't let the complexities of the work visa process hinder your organization from hiring some of the best and brightest talent studying in America, and right here at UW-Stout Polytechnic! Recruiting & Hiring International Students Hiring International Talent

International Student Employment Obtaining permission for international students to work in the U.S. is not as difficult as many employers think! Most international students are in the U.S. on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 and J-1) and are eligible to accept employment under certain conditions. Fortunately, there is little paperwork and no expense for an employer who hires F-1 or J-1 students. All paperwork is handled by the students, the university, and in some circumstances, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Office of International Education If you have interest in employing an international student on our J-1 visa program or are unsure about a student’s unique circumstances/eligibility to accept employment, we are here to assist. The Office of International Education can be reached by phone at (715) 232-2132 or e-mail at globaled@uwstout.edu.

F-1 Curricular Practical Training Degree seeking students are authorized by the university's Office of International Education and Career Services and allows students to engage in paid or unpaid internships (cooperative education or field experience). The approval process must be completed prior to engaging in employment and is typically completed within three to five days of submission. F-1 Practical Training Degree-seeking F-1 students who desire Optional Practical Training (OPT) must be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) based on a recommendation from the University’s Office of International Education. Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT employment, directly related to their field of study and commensurate for each degree level. Most engage in post-completion OPT, allowing students to remain in the U.S. in valid F-1 status while engaging in post graduation employment. Students who obtain degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of OPT, totaling 36 months of post completion employment. On average, it takes the USCIS three to five months to process an OPT request. We strongly encourage graduating students to apply for authorization three months prior to completing their degree programs.

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Other Ways to Engage

It has been said that UW-Stout Polytechnic is a city within a city. With a variety of events, programs, organizations, and more, it's easy to see why.

Portfolio Review Day

Human Sciences Day

Job Shadow Program

Share your experience, give valuable feedback on students' portfolios, and network with faculty and undergraduate students in our School of Art & Design. This NACE/Chevron award-winning event occurs each spring semester.

Engage in purposeful career conver sations with students and alumni and help them explore career opportunities in nonprofit, government, public and private companies, and graduate school. This event occurs each spring semester.

Share knowledge with students about your company, position, industry, and career path. Each one-day experience (in-person or virtual) is scheduled at the discretion of the employer during Summer and/or Winter Breaks.

If you are interested in a particular program, we can provide you with contact information to connect with program directors and faculty. Classroom presentations are at the discretion of the faculty member. Faculty & Classroom Connections

Student Organizations

All academic programs have dedicated advisory committees that advise and assist on multiple matters related to curriculum, students, industry trends, and more. Committees meet once each semester or more frequently as needed. Program Advisory Committees

Many of our 150+ student organizations welcome employers to present at their meetings and events. This is a great way to connect with a target group of students who may be interested in your organization or industry.

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Explore our Programs Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Polytechnic institutions are career-focused, technology-driven universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees based in applied learning and research. As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic, we are uniquely positioned to make students career-ready. Undergraduate Career Clusters & Degrees Graduate & Advanced Degrees Art, Design & Graphics Human & Social Sciences Master's Degrees

B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media B.S. Arts Administration & Entrepreneurship B.S. Fashion Design & Development B.S. Game & Media Studies B.F.A. Game Design & Development B.S. Graphic Communications B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media B.F.A. Illustration B.F.A. Industrial & Product Design B.F.A. Interior Design B.F.A. Studio Art B.S. Video Production B.S. Construction Management B.S. Golf Enterprise Management B.S. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management B.S. Management & Leadership B.S. Real Estate Property Management B.S. Supply Chain Management B.S. Art Education B.S. Career, Technical Education & Training B.S. Early Childhood Education B.S. Family & Consumer Sciences Education B.S. Marketing & Business Education B.S. Special Education B.S. Technology Education Education B.S. Automation Leadership B.S. Business Administration Business & Management

B.S. Applied Social Science B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation B.S. Dietetics B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness B.S. Human Development & Family Studies B.S. Psychology B.S. Rehabilitation Services B.S. Business Information Technology B.S. Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering B.S. Computer Science B.S. Cybersecurity B.S. Digital Marketing Technology B.S. Professional & Technical Communication B.S. Applied Math & Computer Science B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology B.S. Biology B.S. Chemistry B.S. Computer & Electrical Engineering Science, Engineering & Math Information Technology & Communications

M.F.A. Design M.S. Applied Computer Science M.S. Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology M.S. Career & Technical Education M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. Education M.S. Food Science & Technology M.S. Healthcare Administration M.S. Human Resources M.S. Manufacturing Engineering M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics M.S. Operations & Supply Management M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling M.S. Risk Control & Safety Management M.S. School Counseling

M.S. Sustainable Management P.S.M. Conservation Biology

Advanced Degrees

Ed.D. Career & Technical Education Leadership M.S.Ed. & Ed.S. School Psychology

B.S. Engineering Technology B.S. Environmental Science B.S. Food Science & Technology B.S. Manufacturing Engineering B.S. Mechanical Engineering B.S. Packaging B.S. Physics B.S. Plastics Engineering

Scan to view all programs, minors, and certificates.

Online Delivery Option Hybrid

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Connect on Campus

Student Organizations Engage with over 150 student organizations, several of which invite employers to participate in their meetings or events. It's a great way to connect with a specific group of students that are interested in your organization/industry!

Art, Design & Graphics

• Hmong Stout Student Organization • International Club • Latinos Unidos • Native American Student Organization • Neurodiversity Club • Veterans Club • Art Education Association • Early Childhood Association • Marketing & Business Education Association • Student Council for Exceptional Children • Technology & Engineering Education Collegiate Association Education • Collegiate 4-H Club of UW-Stout Polytechnic • College Republicans • College Democrats • Mission Ready Club • Stout Student Association (SSA) Governance & Leadership

• Coding Club • Cyber@Stout • Women in Cybersecurity • Women in Information Technology & Security • An-Bu Anime Club • Blue Devil Productions • Film Society • Hooplah Zine & Illustration Club • Pepper Magazine • Stoutonia • Video Production Club • Aerospace Club • American Fisheries Society • American Foundry Society • Blue Devil Robotics • Chemistry Club • Food Science Club • Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers • Packaging Association • Pre-Health Society • Society of Automotive Engineers - BAJA Chapter • Society of Manufacturing Engineers Media & Entertainment Science & Engineering

• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) • Comix Club • Fashion & Retail Association • Fine Arts Association • Industrial Designers Society of America • International Game Developers Association • Print Club • Photography & Film Club • Stout Typographical Society • STEAM Club • Student Interior Design Organization • Tea Time Animation Club • American Marketing Association • APICS Association for Supply Chain Management • DECA • Club Managers Association of America • Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals • Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International • Institute of Real Estate Management • Investment Club • National Association of Catering & Events • Student Construction Association • Women in Construction Business & Management

Honors Groups

• Phi Upsilon Omicron - Tau Chapter (Family & Consumer Sciences) • Psi Chi (Psychology) • Sigma Lambda Chi (Construction)

• Society of Plastics Engineers • Society of Women Engineers • STEAM Club

Human & Social Sciences

• Students for Abolition • GROWW at Stout • Habitat for Humanity • Service Club • Stout Students for Life • Turning Point - Stout Chapter Civic Engagement & Service

• Mental Health Organization at UW-Stout Polytechnic • Philosophy Club • Stout Association of Family & Consumer Sciences • Stout Student Affiliates in School Psychology • Stout Student Dietetic Association

Sustainability & Environment

• Ducks Unlimited • Natural Areas

Scan for contact information & full list of organizations.

Cultural & Identity

• Asian Student Association • Black Student Union • Chinese Culture Association • Gender & Sexuality Alliance

IT & Communications

• Artificial Intelligence Club • AWS Cloud Club

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Employees and interns of Market & Johnson pose with the Employer of the Year award.

Building Collaboration: Market & Johnson honored as UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Employer of the Year

Since its founding in 1948, Market & Johnson has grown to employ 350 and to operate in nine states, where it specializes in a wide range of construction sectors, including industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, commercial, municipal and educational. Last summer, 10 of 12 Market & Johnson interns came from UW-Stout Polytechnic, while this summer seven of 11 are Blue Devils, said Heather Kretz, Market & Johnson’s employee and organizational development manager. While most of these students are working toward construction management degrees, others are pursuing careers in other fields, such as human resources and information technology, she said. Market & Johnson President and CEO Kevin Renley accepted the Employer of the Year award at a May 20 ceremony at UW-Stout Polytechnic. He was joined by 10 other Market & Johnson owners, employees and interns at the event, which was part of the 2025 Polytechnic Summit hosted by UW-Stout Polytechnic.

General contracting firm has created career pipeline for UW-Stout Polytechnic interns, graduates

From interns to owners, University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic students and alumni are essential to Market & Johnson, one of the region’s most prominent construction management and general contracting firms. Eau Claire-based Market & Johnson’s extensive engagement with UW-Stout Polytechnic—including hiring students for co-ops and internships, taking part in Construction Career Fairs and supporting the Women in Construction campus organization—has earned the company the university’s 2025 Employer of the Year award. “Overall, it’s an organization that recognizes the value of a polytechnic education, and its impact on their business and their goals,” said Bryan Barts, UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Career Services director. “They have put the right people in place to be strategic in building that relationship.”

Scan to keep reading the full article or visit www.uwstout.edu/about-us/news-center/building collaboration-market-johnson-honored-uw-stouts employer-year

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Thank you! 2025–2026 Partnership Program Platinum

Give Students the Confidence to Show Up. Help Blue Devils put their best foot forward at interviews, career fairs, networking events, and other professional occasions. We are collecting gently used donations for Blaze’s Professional Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students who may not have access to business attire. Gently Used • Must be modern or bought within the last 5-6 years and clean • Basic colors preferred: black, white, brown, gray, navy, light or simple patterns • All sizes and brands are welcome • No stains, rips, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc.

Gold

Acceptable Donations • Suit coats/blazers • Dress pants/slacks • Skirts • Button-down shirts & blouses • Ties/scarves • Belts & accessories • Dress shoes

Silver

How to Donate Bring your donation to the UW-Stout Polytechnic Career Services office: 103 Administration Building 712 S. Broadway St. Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm

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Contact Us Main Office

uwstout.edu/career-services careerservices@uwstout.edu (715) 232-1601 Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm

Additional Resources & Ways to Recruit

Scan for more employer resources and ways to connect with students and alumni. Hire a Blue Devil!