Western & Southern Financial Group and the University of Cincinnati (UC) 1819 Innovation Hub have partnered on a program that allows UC students to work on campus at the Western & Southern Career Development Center, a state-of-the-art office space on Calhoun Street slated to open in the fall. The partnership is the first of its kind for UC. It provides students with real-world professional experience with a Fortune 500 company while creating a direct pathway toward full-time employment.
“In partnering with the University of Cincinnati, we're not just creating a development center, we're cultivating an environment where students can flourish professionally,” said Paul Moore, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Western & Southern. “Together, we're shaping a future where learning meets opportunity and students can emerge into the workforce prepared for a bright future."
Under the partnership, students employed through the Development Center will work with current and prospective clients of Gerber Life Insurance, a nationally recognized and trusted brand and a member company of Western & Southern. Students will also attain a Life and Health Insurance license, with costs for the test and study materials covered by the company. Additionally, students will have access to employer-provided benefits such as tuition reimbursement and professional development resources and courses through the company’s award-winning Guilford Learning Institute.
“The College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies is excited to partner with Western & Southern to launch the Western & Southern Career Development Center,” said Michelle Clare, vice provost for continuing education, Dean, College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. “Western & Southern’s investment goes beyond the new Center and involves providing UC students access to professional development resources and scholarships and serves as a model for collaboration between education and industry. This partnership is another example of UC’s commitment to make education more affordable while also equipping our students with the experience and knowledge they need to prepare them for the workforce.”
While the Development Center is under construction, Western & Southern has expanded its 2024 summer intern program to include summer co-ops for students interested in employment through the Western & Southern Career Development Center. Students will work at the company’s downtown office while earning co-op course credit until the Center is completed.
About the University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub
The UC 1819 Innovation Hub is the gateway to the University of Cincinnati, serving as the central nerve center for the Cincinnati Innovation District®️. Situated in a renovated former Sears, Roebuck & Co. structure and strategically positioned in close proximity to renowned research facilities, the 1819 Innovation Hub serves as a dynamic space for pioneering programs, resources and events. Students, researchers, and business professionals collaborate to foster connections, creating a thriving startup ecosystem that supports the Cincinnati region and beyond. In this atmosphere of inspiration, they engage in collaborative problem-solving, forming the backbone of the district's entrepreneurial community. For additional information, visit innovation.uc.edu.
