Opportunities Outside the Classroom
At UTC, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We are committed to hands-on opportunities that allow students to apply what they learn in real-world settings through internships, research, service projects, study abroad, leadership roles and more.
These experiences help students build confidence, independence, and essential skills such as collaboration and problem solving. They often clarify career goals, spark new interests and create lasting memories that shape who students become during and after college.
You play an important role in this growth. Encourage your student to focus on progress over perfection, explore campus resources, build meaningful connections and take ownership of their decisions. There are many opportunities at UTC for students to develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and engage with the world beyond campus.
Personal and Professional Development
Professional development is an important part of the student experience at UTC. As students explore their academic interests, they are also building the skills and confidence needed for life after graduation. Through guidance from faculty, campus resources and hands-on learning experiences, students begin to understand how their education connects to future careers.
Encourage your student to take advantage of opportunities that help them develop professionally throughout their time at UTC. Meeting with career advisors, practicing interview skills, building a strong resume and connecting with professionals in their field can help students feel more prepared and confident as they begin planning for their next steps after college.
Leadership Development
Leadership development opportunities can also play an important role in preparing students for life after graduation. Taking on a leadership role in a student organization or participating in leadership workshops allows students to build skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. These experiences help students practice working with others, managing responsibilities, and leading projects. These are valuable skills that translate directly to the workplace and can help students stand out as they begin their careers.
Global Opportunities
Global learning opportunities give students the chance to expand their perspectives and better understand the world around them. At UTC, students can engage with global cultures and ideas both on campus and beyond, gaining experiences that encourage curiosity, adaptability and cross-cultural understanding.
Experiences that expose students to new cultures often help them grow in independence and confidence while developing skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s global workforce. Whether through international programs or intercultural experiences on campus, these opportunities allow students to broaden their worldview and bring new perspectives back to their academic and personal journeys.
Support on Campus
- Career Connections
Career Connections is available to help students with individual career counseling, developing job search strategies, preparing resumes, honing interview skills, and obtaining professional headshots. Career Connections uses Handshake to post employment opportunities and special events, including career fairs. Encourage your student to use Career Connections often and come by for a visit the next time you're on campus. To learn more about the resources available to your student, check out the Career Connections website.
- Handshake
Handshake is the one stop shop for all things career! Students can schedule a career counseling appointment, find jobs/internships, and find career related events!
- UTC Graduate School
If your student is looking to advance their career or take the next step in their education, UTC’s Graduate School is the right place for them. The graduate school at UTC offers a wide range of master’s, doctoral, and specialist programs to prepare your student for the career of their choice. UTC’s Graduate School has a small student-to-faculty ratio that gives students a better opportunity to receive enriching learning experiences, one-on-one mentorship, and personalized support.
- ThinkAchieve
ThinkAchieve is a UTC program that promotes hands-on experience for students beyond the classroom. Experiential learning helps students in connecting theory and practice through creative endeavors, intercultural experiences, leadership and service-learning opportunities, internships and research. The University facilitates a variety of experiential learning opportunities each semester including service projects, mentorships, internships and more
- Center for Global Education
The UTC Center for Global Education supports international students, visiting international scholars, English language learners and Mocs interested in study abroad. The center also promotes cultural exchange and international cooperation at UTC through special events and campus initiatives throughout the year. The center houses three offices: Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Office of Study Abroad, and the English as a Second Language Institute.
- Leadership Programs: Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community
Leadership programs of the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community (CSLEC) exist to help UTC students discover and strengthen their capacity to lead, both on campus and beyond. Our programs are designed to connect your student with meaningful opportunities to grow their skills, make an impact, and engage with the greater Chattanooga community and its leaders.