Students at Career Fair connecting with media employers

About the SOAR Program

The college experience isn't confined to a classroom. Through the SOAR program, CCIM acknowledges this and provides opportunities for students' social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellectual growth.

It also provides an opportunity for CCIM alumni, industry professionals, and community members to connect with and support the success of students in our college. 

VIEW THE CCIM SOAR HANDBOOK

CCIM SOAR Courses and the CCIM Signature Experience

Starting in their first year, SOAR allows undergraduate students to engage with industry professionals, career coaches, academic advisors, success champions, community leaders, and mentors who will help motivate and inspire success in the classroom and beyond.

Students who enroll in the CCIM Signature Experience through our LLC will be enrolled in an additional class that further delves into the topics explored in our SOAR courses.

First-Year Course | 1 Credit Hour

In addition to other CCIM LLC-related amenities, students who enroll in the CCIM Signature experience will receive further guidance in navigating campus physically, academically, and socially in CCIM 299X.

Through self-reflection, it guides the inner exploration and development of college and lifelong goals and provides a structure for achieving them.

First-Year Course| 1 Credit 

This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the programs, requirements, and expectations within the College of Communication, Information, and Media. It will focus on helping students gain a sense of belonging and create awareness of the multitude of opportunities available to them within the college. 

The course will provide students time to deeply reflect on who they are, what they want, and how to succeed in a communications-focused career. And, in this course, students will be partnered with a mentor. 

Second-Year Course | 1 Credit 

The focus of this course is self-discovery and pursuing external career experience as it provides students with the opportunity to explore potential communications-related careers.

Students will explore best practices for creating a career-focused résumé, exploring LinkedIn Learning, and making industry contacts. With an emphasis in professional development, students will leave this class well equipped to find and apply for future internships and other professional experiences. 

Third-Year Course | 1 Credit

This course will focus on the transition from college to career. Students will learn about the job search process and how to create a job application that will catch the attention of future employers and help them secure an in-person job interview.

It will also cover important topics such as calculating living expenses, negotiating salaries, being a lifelong learner, and considering if graduate school is the right next step based on each student's goal. 

Become a CCIM SOAR Mentor

To provide our students with the best possible experience and career preparation, we invite alumni, industry professionals, and community members to connect with students in meaningful and fulfilling ways. 

Mentors are a vital component in providing our students with support from the time they arrive on campus until they graduate. 

SOAR Mentors will have the opportunity to share experiences with and contribute to the success of our student population to prepare them to be confident, competent, and trustworthy individuals. mentors will also provide essential leadership training to students, preparing them for authentic, intergenerational workplaces. 

 

Sign Up to be a SOAR Mentor

Once your application is reviewed, a staff member will contact you to discuss the next steps. For more information about this mentor program, contact Tréon McClendon.