At the University of Central Florida, on-campus jobs are more than a paycheck for students — they’re a launchpad for key career skills.

In today’s job market, according to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2025 survey, 64.8% of employers use skills-based hiring practices for entry-level roles — with more than half using them consistently. This growing emphasis on real-world capabilities means institutions must go beyond classroom learning to prepare students for life after graduation.

At UCF, on-campus employment plays a vital role in the student experience. In Summer 2025, 3,193 undergraduate student employees make up the working learner population.

1 in 4 UCF working learners are first-generation college students.
1 in 3 UCF working learners are from low-income backgrounds.
While many of these jobs offer convenience and financial support, an opportunity exists to better provide structured opportunities for working learners to engage in reflection and mentorship conversations with their UCF supervisors that support career development. That’s where UCF Work+ steps in.

(UCF working learner data – retrieved from UCF Institutional Knowledge Management, May 12, 2025)

What is UCF Work+?

UCF Work+ is an innovative, university-driven initiative designed in collaboration with the Center for Higher Education Innovation and the Work+Collective to bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on, career-focused work experience. It equips supervisors of student employees with the tools and resources to create enriching, career-oriented opportunities for their students.

Work+ is specifically aimed at supervisors of working learners—students who are balancing academic responsibilities with part-time employment at UCF. Through the Work+ framework, supervisors play a pivotal role in helping students connect their day-to-day tasks with their broader career goals, ensuring that their student employment experiences become more than just jobs. Instead, these experiences transform into valuable opportunities for professional growth and development.

Work+ is grounded in:

• Integration of NACE Core Career Competencies like communication, critical thinking, and professionalism
• Supervisor resources that support the professional development of those who supervisor working learners and mentorship tools
• Intentional design of career-oriented on-campus work experiences

Why Work+ Matters

According to the 2023–2024 UCF First Destination Survey, nearly 48% of UCF undergraduates seeking employment after graduation were still searching or had not yet started their job hunt.

Work+ bridges the gap in career readiness by transforming on-campus jobs into meaningful career development opportunities. From the moment students apply to their roles to the celebration of their next journey, Work+ ensures every step along the way is a valuable core career competency learning experience.

Studies support this approach: Graduates with work-integrated learning report higher incomes, greater job satisfaction, and stronger belief that their education was worth the cost (Strada, 2022).

What Sets Work+ Apart at UCF

UCF Work+ is a strategic, UCF-tailored framework. Features include:

• Integration with UCF Workday Learning
• Flexible, personalized supervisor sessions delivered in department office locations through the Work+ Booking Page
• Communities of Practice for peer supervisor collaboration and support

From Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, 67 UCF supervisors were onboarded through completion of the pilot Work+ Supervisor Foundations learning pathway. These supervisors oversee a total of 460 UCF working learners, which accounts for 12% of all UCF working learners!

“I gained deeper insight into the application and incorporation of NACE competencies into the student learner experience… and how we can help students focus their efforts for career development.” — Work+ Advisory Board Supervisor

“I plan to ensure that our office’s posted job applications for any working learner roles will align with the NACE competencies as a result of participating in Work+ Supervisor Foundations.” — UCF Supervisor

I definitely can see this training growing with UCF supervisors and becoming such an integral resource for supervisors.” — UCF Supervisor

Looking Ahead

Meaningful student employment has the power to transform lives. Through Work+, Career Services is not only meeting students where they are — it’s preparing them for where they’re going.

Learn more or contact us at ucfworkplus@ucf.edu.