New Identity Emphasizes Career Readiness and Employer Engagement

Alabama A&M University is giving one of its most student-centered offices a new name to better reflect its expanding role in preparing Bulldogs for life after graduation.

Recently approved by the University Board of Trustees, the Office of Career and Workforce Development replaces the former Career Development Services, signaling a broader mission that extends beyond traditional career counseling to include workforce readiness, employer partnerships, experiential learning and long-term career success.

“The name change is meaningful because it better reflects who we are, the work we do, and the direction we are heading as a University,” said director Karla Miller. “The new name, Office of Career and Workforce Development, communicates that the department is not only here to provide traditional career services but also to prepare students for long-term success in the workforce through intentional programming, employer engagement, experiential learning, and career readiness development.”

The office is one of the first resources available to incoming students. Every first-time freshman who registers for classes is automatically enrolled in Handshake, the University’s career management platform, giving students immediate access to career coaching, internship opportunities, employer events and professional development resources. University leaders encourage students to begin building career skills early rather than waiting until their senior year.

That early engagement is producing measurable results. During the 2025-26 academic year, the office served 2,636 students, hosted 102 career programs and events, engaged 279 employers, supported 501 internships and recorded 353 job placements. Staff also tracked career outcomes for 778 graduating students, underscoring the office's growing impact on student success.

Over the years, the department has evolved from a traditional placement office into a comprehensive career and workforce development hub. Students now have access to career coaching, résumé reviews, mock interviews, internship and cooperative education support, networking events, leadership development programs and workshops designed to strengthen workplace skills.

The office also continues to expand partnerships with leading employers in aerospace, defense, energy, transportation, construction, technology and public service. Organizations including Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Southern Company, Honda, Norfolk Southern, Brasfield & Gorrie, Turner Construction, Mars and Teach For America provide students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experience.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 academic year, the office plans to strengthen employer engagement, expand internship and job-shadowing opportunities, enhance career readiness programming and continue developing strategic workforce partnerships that align with industry needs. The office also is exploring new technology and innovation tools to help students navigate career planning and workforce preparation.

For Miller, the new name represents more than a rebranding effort. It reflects the University’s continued investment in helping students build meaningful careers and preparing graduates to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.

“This name change is more than a new title; it reflects the continued evolution of the office and the University's commitment to student success,” said Miller. “As Alabama A&M continues to prepare students for leadership and impact, the Office of Career and Workforce Development will remain focused on creating opportunities, building partnerships, and helping students thrive in college, career, and the workforce.”