Proposal

Narrative

The Career Lab Renovation and Technology Integration project is a transformative initiative for the Florida Atlantic University Career Center, aimed at creating a cutting-edge Career Lab that supports student success, deepens employer partnerships, and aligns with Florida Atlantic’s Vision 2030 for Career Services. This proposal seeks funding for critical upgrades to enhance technology, training, and career-readiness resources, empowering students and faculty to thrive in a competitive job market. By incorporating AI-driven tools, real-time industry insights, and career-readiness platforms, FAU will bridge academic learning with workforce demands, strengthening its commitment to experiential learning and career-centric education. The renovated Career Lab will expand services to increase capacity by an estimated 33,000+ students each year, addressing growing demand and enabling faculty to integrate career readiness into their curricula. Features will include AI-powered resume and interview tools, delivering automated feedback to help students navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and improve workplace readiness. Additionally, a job market research module will offer insights into industry trends, salary data, and demand, empowering students to make well-informed career choices. With over 1,000 annual company engagements, the Career Lab will provide a high-tech space for employer events, remote sessions, and hybrid interactions, enhancing accessibility across campuses. This initiative also includes faculty and student training in career skills, AI literacy, and high-demand competencies, supporting Vision 2030’s goals for technologically advanced learning. The Career Lab is more than a renovation; it’s a reimagining of career readiness at FAU, setting a national standard in bridging academic and career pathways.

Facilities

The Career Center is transitioning to an open-concept layout to maximize space for career coaching stations and create better technology integrations to use and display our newly acquired career readiness AI tools. In addition, we will foster a more dynamic, adaptable educational environment within our current classroom. This redesign will involve removing existing walls, installing additional electrical outlets, and incorporating glass walls. Given the heat generated by the video wall, we may need to assess and adjust the cooling system to maintain optimal temperatures throughout the space.

Hardware Requirements

Please see the attached PDFs: 1. PartsList_Boca_SU_CareerCenter_Conference_Room.pdf 2. PartsList_Boca_SU_CareerCenter_Entry_lounge.pdf

Software Requirements

N/A

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

We are working with designers and construction management on a different budget line to conduct the physical renovations.

Timeline

The goal for this project is to be completed by early Fall 2025.

Sustainability

The Career Center will allocate foundational funds secured from corporate partners to ensure ongoing equipment maintenance as needed. Additionally, the Career Center will actively seek a corporate partner for naming rights to the Career Lab. The funds raised will be dedicated to sustaining the lab's long-term impact and supporting its evolving technological needs.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

The Career Center in collaboration with Student Affairs, Design & Construction Services, and OIT AV services.