Students hired before their graduation had the opportunity to have professional headshots taken in the University Center on Nov. 2 and 3. Any student who was hired, interning or moving on to graduate school could have their pictures taken by UW-W photographer Craig Schreiner.

“It is really about highlighting them,” UW-W Marketing Manager Chris Lindeke said. “Shining a light on their achievements while they’ve been here at university.”

Student headshots were posted on the UW-W Facebook page with a small list of achievements and a small biography. The post also allowed the students to recognize staff, students and organizations that helped them during their time on campus.

UW-Whitewater reports that nearly 98% of students are hired, or otherwise placed, within a year of graduation. Lindeke reports that the Hired Before Graduation program takes photos of nearly 300 students per year. Since the program is optional, they only represent a small portion of the graduating class. 

Still, Lindeke states that it helps highlight one of UW-Whitewater’s strengths.

“[It] shows those [prospective] students in their areas like, ‘hey, you can come to UW-Whitewater and be successful,’” Lindeke said.

Overall, students do believe that UW-Whitewater prepares them for the job market. Jaden Nickelsen, a graduating UW-W student, was hired as a land protection specialist with the Lake Geneva Conservancy.

“I already had my internship that led to that full-time job,” Nickelsen said. “I already [made] so many connections with people.”