Career Services at VCU College of Engineering earns Handshake Career Spark Award for third consecutive year
Recognizing their student engagement and career development as well as employer partnerships, Engineering Career Services at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering has been named a 2025 Handshake Career Spark Award winner, marking the university’s third consecutive year receiving this national honor.
Virginia Commonwealth University is one of only three universities nationwide to earn the award every year since its creation.
“We are honored to be recognized once again,” said Laura Lemza, director of Engineering Career Services. “Each of VCU’s career centers plays a critical role in engaging students early, opening doors to employers and providing insights that shape strong career outcomes. This award reflects a true campuswide effort.”
Career Spark Award winners are selected based on rigorous performance metrics across three pillars:
- Student engagement, measured through profile completion, event participation and advising activity
- Employer engagement and curated opportunities, which expand access to jobs, internships and industry partners
- Reporting, analytics and First Destination Survey outcomes, which reflect the career center’s impact on student success
Career centers power the future of work, according to Handshake, and that includes supporting students throughout their college-to-career journey. Virginia Commonwealth University’s continued recognition underscores the collective efforts of the VCU’s three career centers and their commitment to delivering high-quality guidance, data-informed services and meaningful employer connections.
“This achievement speaks to VCU’s commitment to preparing our students for meaningful careers and lifelong success,” said Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the VCU College of Engineering. “Sustained national recognition like this reinforces the quality of our student support systems and the strength of our employer partnerships.”
Congratulations to our Engineering Career Services team for this outstanding achievement!
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