Laker Accelerated Talent Link - Program Timeline
A selective pathway connecting GVSU juniors to West Michigan employers. Explore each phase below to see milestones, deliverables, and support.
- Apply (Sept–Nov): Submit online application; upload resume and unofficial transcript.
- Review (Dec): Program staff evaluate applications; finalists may be invited to a brief interview.
- Decisions (Jan): Accepted students receive invitations to join the cohort.
- Deliverables: Completed application, resume, unofficial transcript.
- Support: Application workshops & drop-in hours with Talent Link staff.
- Kickoff & Orientation: Meet your cohort, program advisors, and faculty mentors.
- Career Prep: Resume/LinkedIn labs, mock interviews, professional etiquette.
- Goal Setting: Identify career interests aligned to West Michigan industries.
- Deliverables: Refined resume + LinkedIn, mock interview completion, career goals plan.
- Support: 1:1 advising, faculty mentoring.
- Matching: Talent Link aligns students with West Michigan employer partners.
- Start Paid Internship/Co-op: Hands-on work aligned with your pathway.
- Coaching Continues: Regular check-ins to support performance and growth.
- Deliverables: Learning objectives, supervisor check-ins, mid/end-summer reflection.
- Support: Ongoing coaching from Talent Link staff.
- Continue with Employer: Part-time, project-based, or flexible schedule.
- Professional Growth: Networking events, site visits, advanced workshops.
- Transition Prep: Offer conversation, salary/benefits basics, onboarding planning.
- Deliverables: Updated portfolio or project summary; transition plan.
- Support: Career advising, salary/offer literacy sessions.
- Graduate from GVSU.
- Secure full-time role with an employer partner (where available).
- Join the Talent Link Alumni Network contributing to West Michigan’s workforce.
- Deliverables: Final reflection & alumni opt-in.
- Support: Alumni networking and early-career resources.
GVSU juniors in good academic standing.
Internships/co-ops are paid with partner employers.
Focus on West Michigan employer partners.
At-a-Glance Dates
|
Phase |
Months |
Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Application & Selection |
September–January |
Apply; finalist interviews; acceptance in January |
|
Onboarding & Readiness |
February–April |
Orientation; resume/LinkedIn; mock interviews |
|
Employer Match & Experience |
May–August |
Paid internship/co-op; coaching |
|
Senior Year Integration |
September–April |
Part-time/project work; networking; transition |
|
Graduation & Employment |
April–June |
Complete degree; launch full-time role |
Page last modified September 24, 2025