UM Experiential Learning and Career Success

UM Experiential Learning and Career Success Here to prepare you for life after college by setting you up with tools & experience while you’re here.

The University of Montana (UM) sits in the heart of Missoula, Montana, a city well-known for having high levels of social capital and civic engagement opportunities. UM is an integral part of the community on many fronts, and we are proud of the long-standing tradition of student and faculty civic engagement in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, city government, and private businesses

to address issues of public concern at the local level and beyond. Many colleges and universities across the country recognize that higher education institutions must make democracy and civic responsibility a central aspect of higher learning (AAC&U). This value is documented in mission statements and strategic plans. In part, The University of Montana’s mission is to “educate competent and humane professionals and informed, ethical, and engaged citizens of local and global communities; and provide basic and applied research, technology transfer, cultural outreach, and service benefiting the local community, region, State, nation and the world”. In support of this mission, and to galvanize skills for effective community engagement, the Office for Civic Engagement offers various programs to build civic competencies among students.

06/15/2026

Career paths rarely look the way we expect them to — and that’s okay.

For Missoula local and University of Montana alum Glenda Bradsha, the journey included time away from college, working at FedEx, returning to school at 41 to earn an accounting degree, and eventually opening the beloved Clyde Coffee Shop in downtown Missoula.

Success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes careers include pivots, pauses, unexpected opportunities, and new beginnings.

You do not need to have your entire future figured out right now. Career growth often happens one step, experience, and decision at a time.

Sometimes the path makes sense looking backward, just maybe not while you’re in the middle of it.

Is your LinkedIn profile picture a cropped photo from your high school graduation? Let's fix that.With recruiters incre...
06/12/2026

Is your LinkedIn profile picture a cropped photo from your high school graduation? Let's fix that.

With recruiters increasingly using digital platforms to find talent, a high-quality headshot is a total game-changer. It’s the first thing people see, and it puts a confident, professional face to the skills on your resume before you even walk into the interview room.

The best part? You don't have to pay a fortune for one.

UM students have exclusive, FREE access to our professional Iris photo booth right here at ELCS.

No expensive photographer.
No awkward or complicated setups.
Just a high-quality, instant upgrade to your personal brand.

Stop by ELCS and get your new headshot before the busy fall recruiting and internship season kicks off!

Summer break is in full swing, and we couldn't be enjoying that summer sun more! While you’re soaking up the sun and cat...
06/10/2026

Summer break is in full swing, and we couldn't be enjoying that summer sun more! While you’re soaking up the sun and catching up on sleep, it’s also the perfect, low-stress time to make some moves for your future self.

Whether you’re a rising sophomore or heading into your senior year, here are 6 easy ways to level up your career game this summer—without ruining your vacation vibes:

1️⃣ Build a "Master Resume." Don’t wait until you're applying for graduation. Create a master document right now and dump every job, volunteer gig, club, and skill you’ve ever had into it. When it’s time to apply for internships this fall, you can just copy, paste, and tailor!
2️⃣ Do some low-stakes scrolling. Spend 15 minutes researching companies or industries that actually sound cool to you. Knowing what’s out there now helps you make smart choices about your classes and major later.
3️⃣ Beef up your skills from the couch. Want to add serious weight to your resume? Try a free job simulation on Forage or practice your interview game on Big Interview. (Bonus: both are totally free for UM students!)
4️⃣ Start connecting NOW. You don’t need to wait for a networking event. Find UM alumni on LinkedIn who have your dream job and ask them for a quick, 15-minute virtual chat about how they got there.
5️⃣ Map out some goals. You don't need the next 10 years figured out, but having a few goals for the upcoming school year will help you maximize your time both on and off campus.
6️⃣ Talk to a Career Coach. You don't need a final resume or a perfect plan to see us. Whether you’re looking for a campus job, an internship, or just trying to figure out what your major can do, we've got you.

Remember, your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Take some time to relax by the pool, but don't let your goals fall off the deep end!

Want to get a head start before fall? Stop by ELCS on Level 2 of Aber Hall or schedule an appointment online. We're here for you all summer long!

Did you know that 70% of employers now utilize a skills-based hiring approach? This means that while employers may be lo...
06/08/2026

Did you know that 70% of employers now utilize a skills-based hiring approach? This means that while employers may be looking at your major and GPA, they're putting more value on the skills you have to do the job. In the past 5 years, the traditional reliance on GPA as a primary screening tool has plummeted to just 42%. Recruiters aren’t just looking at your degree anymore—they are looking for specific, human-centric competencies that can't be automated.

According to 2026 data from NACE, some of the top "AI-proof" skills employers are actively hunting for include:
✔️ Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving (Wanted by nearly 90% of employers!)
✔️ Communication (Verbal, written, and digital)
✔️ AI & Digital Fluency (Knowing how to ethically leverage tech to optimize workflows)
✔️ Teamwork & Collaboration
✔️ Adaptability & Resilience
✔️ Human-Centered Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

The good news? You don’t need a specific major to build these. You are likely already developing them right now through your classes, volunteering, student clubs, and part-time jobs!

You’re building more career readiness than you think. Now, you just have to prove it on paper.

🔗 Visit our website to explore ways to strengthen these skills and highlight them on your resume!

A degree in Human Biological Sciences can lead to more paths than students often realize.Whether you’re interested in he...
06/05/2026

A degree in Human Biological Sciences can lead to more paths than students often realize.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare, research, public health, fitness, education, or graduate school, your degree can open doors across a wide range of industries.

Your major doesn’t lock you into one single career path — it gives you a foundation to build from.

Exploring career options early can help you identify internships, experiences, and skills that align with your goals.

Save this post for future career planning and share it with your HBS classmates!

06/03/2026

This year, UM students showed up for the Missoula community in a big way.

Together VolunteerUM:

🏡Contributed 3,361 to communities both in Missoula and across the US.
🤝Brought 1,034 volunteers together in service.
🎉Hosted 34 service events that appealed to a variety of academnic and personal interests.

From local nonprofits to community events, students spent time making a real impact while building connections, leadership skills, and community.

Want to get involved next fall?

Sign up for the VolunteerUM newsletter to hear about future opportunities coming in the Fall Semester. Link in bio!

You do not need to have your entire future figured out this summer.But a few small steps now can make next semester feel...
06/01/2026

You do not need to have your entire future figured out this summer.

But a few small steps now can make next semester feel a lot less overwhelming.

Here are a few ways to work on your career over the summer:
☀️ Explore remote, flexible internship opportunities on Parker Dewey
☀️Practice your interview skills on Big Interview
☀️Skill up by completing a job simulation on Forage
☀️ Volunteer in your community

Other ways to continue your career journey this summer include
☀️Update your resume
☀️ Build a LinkedIn profile
☀️ Learn a new skill or certification (Cousera, Coursiv, and Masterclass are all great resources)

Career growth doesn’t always look like landing the “perfect” internship. Sometimes it’s just building momentum.

Save this post for later and share it with a friend planning their summer goals.

Explore more career resources to help you with these steps on our website!

Whether you’re staying in Missoula for the summer or heading back home, ELCS is here to keep your momentum going.We know...
05/29/2026

Whether you’re staying in Missoula for the summer or heading back home, ELCS is here to keep your momentum going.

We know your summer might be spent on the Clark Fork or halfway across the country, so we’ve made it easy to reach us! We're open
Monday – Friday, from 8-5, to connect in-person or online!

What can we work on?

✅Resume & Cover Letter Reviews: Get your materials ready for fall internship applications.
✅Job Search Strategy: Find that perfect part-time summer gig or post-grad role.
✅Mock Interviews: Practice your pitch before the high-stakes calls.
✅Internship Credit: Get a head start on the paperwork for your summer experience.
✅Experiential Learning Opportunities: Take the next step on your journey by learning about volunteer, study, and internship opportunities at home and abroad!

Don't wait until the fall rush! Book your appointment today through Navigate or give our front desk a call at (406) 243-2022.

Let’s make this your most productive summer yet!

Win a Zootown Festival pass just by telling us your post-grad plans!The UM Graduation Survey is quick and incredibly imp...
05/27/2026

Win a Zootown Festival pass just by telling us your post-grad plans!

The UM Graduation Survey is quick and incredibly important. Your responses help us shape UM's programs, ensuring future students get the resources they need to be career-ready from day one.

Help us empower the next class. Tap the link in our bio to take the 5-minute survey!

Did you know that short-term class projects, case studies, and field days count as real experience! Here is how to make ...
05/25/2026

Did you know that short-term class projects, case studies, and field days count as real experience! Here is how to make that expereince count and include them to your resume!

Whether you are applying for summer internships or your first post-grad job, employers love seeing hands-on coursework. It shows you already have the practical skills they need.

First, create a "Relevant Projects" or "Academic Experience" section on your resume. Treat it just like a job by listing the project title, your role, and the dates you worked on it (if longer than a single-day excursion).

Next, use bullet points to describe your work. Start with strong action verbs like "Collaborated, Designed, or Analyzed."

Finally, focus on the results. Did you present a solution to a real client? Solve a complex problem? Try to quantify your impact to really show off your hard work!

Need a little extra help translating your classroom success into career readiness? Our friendly career coaches are here to help you build a meaningful career from day one.

Check out our website to access our resume resources or schedule a quick resume review today!

Address

32 Campus Drive, Aber Hall 2nd Floor
Missoula, MT
59812

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14062432022

Website

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