CSU Talent Hub Expands Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students

Cleveland State University has launched the CSU Talent Hub, a university wide initiative designed to expand experiential learning opportunities for students and support their career success after graduation.

The program focuses on career readiness by connecting students to local businesses across multiple industries. 

Janine Kaiser, executive director of the Talent Hub, said the goal is to deepen connections between students and local businesses across a range of industries through experiential learning opportunities like internships, co-ops and industry-driven projects. 

“The more experiences, comfort and confidence you have, the more that shows as you begin searching for a job after graduation,” said Kaiser.

Beyond creating opportunities, the Talent Hub is intentionally building these experiences into the curriculum. The goal is to introduce career awareness and exploration during students’ first and second years so that, by their third year in their intended program, they are ready to gain field experience through an internship or co-op.

Kaiser emphasizes the importance of connecting early because it builds a skill set that prepares students for the real world. The Talent Hub serves as a steppingstone for students to gain valuable skills, recognize their competencies and begin building a resume. 

“It’s increasingly competitive to enter the workforce,” said Kaiser. “So, the more we can do to help students have experiences that are part of the real workforce, the more ready you will be as you leave and graduate”.

The Talent Hub is planning several pathways for students. Michele Heath, DBA, faculty director of the Talent Hub, is piloting a zero-credit internship option that allows students who complete an internship to have it recorded on their transcripts. 

“We are building internships both on campus and off campus, and that is a great way for students to gain those opportunities,” said Heath.

The Talent Hub will also offer courses on relationship building and workplace etiquette, so students know what to expect before they walk into their first internship.

“There are things that are unwritten that employers want you to adhere to that we want students to be aware of,” said Heath.

In response to President Laura Bloomberg’s new university vision, Cleveland State United, the Talent Hub aims to provide students with more real-world connections. Its goal is to help students thrive, access a wide range of opportunities and unleash their creativity. 

“The biggest thing for us is providing every student an experiential learning opportunity at Cleveland State University,” said Heath. “That is the vision that President Bloomberg has stated.”

Students can visit the Talent Hub on the second floor in Rhodes Tower or visit the Office of Career Development and Exploration in Berkman Hall 116 for more information, or sign up to hear more about experiential learning opportunities.