For a recent college graduate, it can be difficult trying to find a job with little or no experience. UH has an organization called Emerging Leaders Institute helps students acquire the necessary skills employers are looking for in entry-level positions.
ELI is student-based and focuses on building in-demand skills employers look for in employees as well as networking with major firms in the city to help students gain contacts with companies.
“We actively bring partners to our organization to tell us what they look for in prospective employees, and we begin to train members with the skills they need to launch their desired careers,” said Cameron McHugh, president of ELI and a finance and accounting senior.
ELI attends a number of events in the Houston area in search for opportunities that students in the organization can use to network.
“We develop training programs that students can take to give them the skills they need to have a competitive advantage,” said Derar Deek, the chief of operations and accounting and a management and information systems senior.
Preparing students for the job market is the main goal of ELI, and anyone is welcome to join the organization regardless of their major or classification.
“The ability to understand spreadsheets and functions is an ever increasing requirement for employers when it comes to selecting recent graduates, especially in the professional services industries,” said McHugh.
ELI offers a $50 online course that teaches students professional skills they will need in the job market such as excel proficiency and awards students with a certificate of qualification upon completion.
“Other organizations don’t focus on training students; other organizations focus on the soft skills. We focus on the soft and hard skills,” Deek said.
ELI doesn’t have any requirements to sign up and the organization is free to all UH students.
The organization hopes to make its members and students marketable.
“It’s not about the major that gets you the job, it’s the marketable skills you have,” Deek said.
Any questions, please go to eliuh.com