Davenport's "Employment Guarantee" putting the money where the mouth is

Davenport University's recent announcement of its innovative 'Employment Guarantee' for accounting students is generating a buzz in the region. And it is just the beginning.  

Executive Director of Career Services Shelley Lowe says the accounting program, which she describes initially as a "pilot program," will be the first of several student guarantees that will position Davenport as a leader in professional and career education. "We are putting the money where our mouth is," she says. "We are  confident we are preparing students and programs that are in high demand."

The innovative "Guarantee" will provide additional semesters of education for accounting graduates unable to find employment in their field of study within six months of graduation. Davenport is one of only a handful of schools in the country that have similar programs.  

To be eligible, students have to meet several criteria laid out by the program, such as maintaining a 3.0 GPA in their major and overall, and internship and other experiential learning experiences. Qualified graduates unable to find employment may receive up to three additional semesters up to 48 credits total of instruction tuition-free, with students responsible for fees and books. The additional courses, worth up to $30,000, should help most students obtain a second major.

Lowe says she expects the program to spread to other colleges and programs beyond accounting such as nursing and technology. She says future roll-outs will be based on ongoing market analysis, and says Davenport is focused on educating current and future students about the program and the eligibility criteria. The core message: "Start preparing now. Start planning."  

Lowe highly recommends that students who want to get a head start in participating in this program should find as many experiential opportunities as possible. Her advice includes encouragement to "volunteer or get an internship" and "start building a professional network."

To learn more about the "Employment Guarantee," including the qualifications, visit the site here.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor