Enterprising Donor Readies Pacers for Careers

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AIKEN, SC (08/29/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken Office of Career Services is now better equipped to prepare students for life in the real world, thanks to the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Enterprise Holdings, which, through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises, operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

"Career Services' mission is to provide students and alumni the guidance, knowledge, experience, connections, and skills necessary to become career ready. We offer classes, one-on-one appointments, workshops, career events, and more in an effort to accomplish our mission," said Corey Feraldi, director of the center.

"The professional development of our students could not happen without the assistance of employers like Enterprise."

To date, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation has given USC Aiken a total of $3,500. The newest gift of $1,000 helped fund the Career Services Computer Station. Equipped with computers, a counter and chairs, students now have the opportunity to conduct career research, complete career assessments, execute job searches, and work on resumes and cover letters right in the office.

"The foundation's generous donation allows us the opportunity to offer great resources to students which we wouldn't ordinarily be able to provide," Feraldi said.

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation also helped underwrite the university's brand new Career Closet. This unique career prep resource is stocked with gently worn, professional clothing which students can borrow for an interview or career event. The foundation not only supplied funds for the racks and mirror, but employees - along with many other partners in the community -- also donated clothing.

"It is often assumed students have resources like professional clothing when often they don't, so we are happy to be able to serve our students in this way," added Feraldi.

"We value our partnership with Enterprise and very much appreciate their support in increasing the career resources we offer to USC Aiken students. We are extremely grateful for the positive relationship that has developed between Enterprise and our campus, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration."

Besides the recent financial commitments to the Office of Career Services, representatives from Enterprise have presented workshops on career-related topics and participated in networking receptions and career fairs on campus. According to Feraldi, this has resulted in students being more prepared to transition into the workforce and being more actively recruited by companies.

Several Pacers have interned with Enterprise Holdings. Its Management Internship Program was highly ranked by interns surveyed around the country in 2017.

Additionally, 19 USC Aiken alumni are currently employed with Enterprise, most within the SC and Coastal Georgia region. Graduates are typically hired into Enterprise's Management Training Program. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has been named as the #1 Entry Level Employer in 2018, according to CollegeGrad.com.

Enterprise's website states that its "promote-from-within" culture is a driving force behind the need to recruit so many college-educated individuals each year to feed the pipeline for the Management Training and Internship Programs.