Bootcamps are known for their intensity, mission-minded atmosphere and quest for excellence. FSU’s Career Readiness Bootcamp is no exception. 

FSU stands out for its commitment to equipping students with the skills and experience necessary for post-graduation success. Through its Career Readiness Bootcamp, the University is taking bold steps to prepare students for the professional world beyond the classroom. The Career Readiness Bootcamp is a one-day program designed to empower students with soft skills, mentorship and career strategies needed to confidently transition from campus life to the workforce. 

Formerly titled SUIT UP (Students Utilizing Initiative and Training to be the Ultimate Professional), this year’s bootcamp attracted 28 FSU students and 10 alumni, offering a full afternoon of workshops, discussions and mentorship opportunities aimed to help students gain the skills needed to enter the workforce confidently. 

FSU’s Career and Professional Developmental Center (CPDC) created the camp to prepare students to start their career or decide their path. They emphasized that the event was part of the office’s vast commitment to providing experiences for students. 

“We are fortunate to have engaged alumni who generously want to give back and share their expertise with our students.  These opportunities are incredibly valuable for students to be able to network and connect with alumni professionals,” said Larissa A. Allen '26, associate director of FSU’s Career and Professional Development Center. “This is an example of FSU’s commitment to providing engaging, meaningful experiences for our Bobcats to ensure they are career ready.” 

The day’s agenda was filled with sessions designed to reflect real-world scenarios that the students will eventually face in the professional arena. Alumni presenters led engaging workshops that focused on topics such as interview skills, career mapping and mentorship. 

FSU Alum Tom Creamer ’82 opened the presentations with a workshop on job interview preparation that was followed by a mock interview discussion that allowed students to practice and receive feedback. Timi Hadra ’99 followed the presentation addressing the transition from college to career while including scenario-based discussions, exploring common workplace challenges and expectations. 

Bootcamp alumni and mentors Jason VanSickle '98, Tom Creamer '82, Dr. Tom Bowling, Timi Hadra '99, Wayne Scott '89, Larissa Allen '26, Kelvin Coates '78, Liz Taylor-Raley, Dr. Sudhir Singh and Amy Shimko '94/M'20. 

Afterwards, Jason VanSickle ’98 presented students the process of “career mapping,” helping them set short-term goals that would eventually line up with their long-term goals. Closing the presentations was Wayne Scott ’89 emphasizing the significance of mentorship then led students into networking hour where the students were given the opportunity to interact directly with alumni professionals. 

The bootcamp’s success was possible thanks to an FSU Foundation Opportunity Grant, providing help to cover expenses such as food, activities, professional portfolios, resume paper, business cards and business items for students. 

Many students arrived dressed in the attire they received from the Bobcat Career Closet. The Career Closet provides students with clothing for job interviews and internships for those who do not have appropriate clothes or who cannot afford them. Several had also benefited from using FSU’s designated interview room where the students conducted virtual interviews in a professional setting. All of these resources are critical to helping students build their personal brands and enter the workforce prepared. The students were pleased by the experience. 

“The importance of professionally branding myself is one of my TOP takeaways,” one student said in an evaluation. 

A major benefit of the Bootcamp is the one-on-one mentoring with FSU alumni and staff.

“Be open to continual learning and make time to prepare for anything job related,” another student reported. 

With so many students and alumni providing positive feedback, the Career and Professional Development Center hopes to bring the bootcamp back next year. It is apparent that FSU is dedicated to seeing their students succeed, not just in the classroom, but in their careers and beyond.