What’s a blue chip investment with unlimited ROI?

Talent.

Join the Laker Accelerated Talent Link, an innovative partnership between GVSU and some leading West Michigan companies, including:

  • Amway
  • Acrisure
  • Economic Club of Grand Rapids
  • Cascade Engineering
  • Consumers Credit Union
  • Corewell Health
  • GVSU Information Technology
  • PNC
  • REP4
  • Small Business Association
  • The Right Place
  • United Way of West Michigan
  • Urban League
  • West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Talent Link Event
2024-2025 Cohort
Samantha Frondoso

Whether you are an employer seeking new talent or a student ready to join the technology transformation, GVSU is ready to partner with you.

Key Outcomes from 2024–2025 

 

  • 18 students participated in this year’s cohort 

  • 87% of graduating students were hired full-time or had contracts extended as of April 25, 2025 

  • 100% received top evaluations in verbal and written communication 

  • Supervisors rated students highly across all competencies: teamwork, professionalism, punctuality, critical thinking, and initiative 

  • Employers consistently reported that students were well-prepared and technically proficient 

What you need to know:

Scholarship

Receive an employer-sponsored scholarship of up to $8,000

Certificates

Enhance your degree by adding technical certificates such as Project Management, Applied Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Real Estate, and more

Network

Participate in a co-curricular cohort experience that builds your network of support and connection to your employer partner

Opportunities

See the wide and varied opportunities available to you as a liberal arts and sciences student

Internship

Participate in a market-rate paid internship (optional for credit) at the employer partner for up to 20 hours per week

Job Offer

Upon successful completion of the program, employer partners have the priority opportunity to extend a good-faith job offer to the graduate

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open!

Particular focus is given to students from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Adult learners from the LEADS program are also encouraged to apply. Talk with your advisor, or email [email protected] with questions or for more information.

Talent Link 2025-2026 Timeline

May 2025

Student & Employer Recruitment

Internships are posted on Handshake. Recruitment for employers begins.

 

June 2025

Interviewing & Employer Commitment

Student candidates are interviewed. Employers begin to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

July 2025

Decisions and Student Placements

25-26 Student Cohort is selected. Students and Employers are notified of their placements.

Aug-Dec 2025

Program Begins

Students begin certificate coursework and cohort professional development. Option is available for students to begin internship in the fall semester.

Jan-April 2026

Internships Completed

Students participate in their internships and ongoing professional development experiences.

April 2026

End of the Year Celebration

Students end their placements with a capstone celebration to showcase their experience.


Students interested in the Laker Accelerated Talent Link should consider which certification aligns with academic and career goals.

Certification Link to Posting in Handshake
Applied Data Analytics Applied Data Analytics Internship Application
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Internship Application
Business Fundamentals Business Fundamental Internship Application
Digital Media Digital Media Internship Application
Project Management Project Management Internship Application
Real Estate (Asset Management) Real Estate (Asset Management) Internship Application
Technical Sales Technical Sales Internship Application


Page last modified May 8, 2025