Freeman College Launches Career Search Accelerators to Improve Graduate Job Outcomes

Freeman College of Management at Bucknell University has introduced a new initiative—Career Search Accelerators—aimed at strengthening job outcomes for graduating students through personalized, hands-on coaching.

The program reflects a shift in how universities are supporting students as they transition into the workforce. Rather than relying on traditional, student-initiated career services, the Accelerators proactively identify seniors still seeking employment and engage them in tailored, one-on-one coaching designed to meet their individual goals.

The initiative focuses on delivering both strategic and practical support. Students receive industry-specific guidance alongside training in essential career-readiness skills such as interview preparation, resume refinement, and salary negotiation. The program’s individualized approach is made possible by the college’s smaller scale, allowing for deeper, relationship-driven engagement throughout the job search process.

Early results suggest strong impact. Within just seven weeks of launch, more than 50 students secured employment with support from the Career Search Accelerators, while many others strengthened their applications and interview performance as they continue their job search.

Leadership at Freeman College emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly complex hiring landscape shaped by technological change and evolving employer expectations.

The program is led by experienced professionals, including Tony Gomez and Lisa Ford. Gomez brings recruiting experience from Fortune 500 companies, offering insights into competitive job markets, while Ford contributes more than two decades of expertise in student development and employer engagement.

Students have already reported meaningful outcomes from the program. For example, one participant secured a project engineering role at Clark Construction Group, highlighting how personalized coaching can build confidence and improve readiness for high-stakes opportunities.

The Career Search Accelerators initiative underscores a growing trend in higher education: moving from passive career support to proactive, embedded guidance that meets students where they are. By combining personalized coaching with real-world insights, Freeman College is positioning its graduates to navigate the transition from college to career with greater confidence and success.