Employment Services for Students

Students participate in our Career Readiness course during their sophomore year and then have the opportunity to gain professional work experience by working at the Kinney Center or pursuing an internship either outside our network or through a partner site. Students engaged in our supported employment initiative may be matched with a "partner site" who has specifically prepared to employ one or more ASPIRE students in an internship role. Throughout this entire process, starting as juniors, students meet with our Associate Director of College Support and Employment Services for specialized assistance. 

Level 1: Sophomores or second-year transfer students are required to take a year-long Career Readiness course. Over the course of 24 weeks, students will create a “portfolio” of career-related documents and skills necessary to secure meaningful employment. Services provided include: the creation of a resume and template cover letter, visits to SJU Career Fairs, connection with the SJU Career Center, networking with SJU alumni, support in understanding the job search and application process, mock interview practice, and instruction on topics such as disclosure of a diagnosis, workplace accommodations, and office etiquette.

• Level 1A: After the completion of their sophomore year, students are invited to work in the Kinney Center’s six-week summer camp, Camp Kinney. Students may work as a 1:1 counselor supporting a camper with autism, or in an operations-based role. Depending on their interest area, students may also be invited to pursue an internship with a “partner site” (see Level 2 below).

Level 2: In their junior and senior year, students are invited to apply for an internship with a “partner site”. Students will submit their resumes and other application materials through the Associate Director of College Support. Partner sites will schedule interviews with candidates of interest. Partner sites have specifically requested an ASPIRE intern, and have completed our Neurodiversity at Work training series. At their site, students are paired (1:1 or 2:1) with a neurotypical peer who works alongside the ASPIRE intern and provides social support within the organization. Partner sites also benefit from ongoing consultation with the Associate Director of College Support. Students at this level receive one hour of weekly Employment Case Management from the Associate Director of College Support.

• Level 2A: Depending on interest area, students may also choose to seek out an internship with a site not affiliated with the Kinney Center. This process is supported by the Associate Director of College Support upon request. Students are encouraged to disclose their diagnosis and offer Kinney Center training and consultation to their internship site. Students are also invited to participate in one hour of weekly Employment Case Management with the Associate Director of College Support.

Level 3: Graduating seniors are provided with regular Employment Case Management during their final year at the university. Services include updating resume/ cover letters, job search initiation and organization, interview prep, and communication with employers upon request. Seniors are provided with a regularly updated list of organizations specifically seeking neurodiverse hires, connection to the SJU Career Center services for alumni, and regular notice of employment opportunities for those with disabilities.

Level 4: ASPIRE Alumni are offered up to three Employment Case Management sessions with the Associate Director of College Support. Alumni are provided with a regularly updated list of organizations specifically neurodiverse hires, connections to the SJU Career Center services for alumni, and regular notice of employment opportunities for those with disabilities. These sessions often center around a life event such as obtaining employment or changing jobs, or beginning/ending graduate school.