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
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
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18 students participated in this year’s cohort
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87% of graduating students were hired full-time or had contracts extended as of April 25, 2025
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100% received top evaluations in verbal and written communication
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Supervisors rated students highly across all competencies: teamwork, professionalism, punctuality, critical thinking, and initiative
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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 |