Launch Platform | Drew University

What is Launch?

Drew recognizes that personal networks, community engagement, transferable skills, and relevant experiences are just as essential to college as they are to career. Recent research backs us up: Networking leads to 85% of jobs. Transferable skills—like critical thinking and interpersonal communication—are among the competencies most valued by employers and graduate school. And candidates with meaningful experiences are the preferred hires of 94% of employers and are more successful graduate and professional school applicants. Launch ensures that every Drew student graduates connected, cultivated and capable for today’s workplace. Your world is diverse, so your community connections are diverse.

Essential Elements of Launch

Career CommunitiesThis is the go-to hub for networking with others and connecting with events, resources and opportunities in 10 broad career areas. Who will you meet here? A career-focused crew of students, alumnx, faculty and more.
Identity / Affinity CommunitiesOur curated online spaces bring together people with a shared life path, helping them to create diverse, supportive networks of empathy and opportunity. And everyone—students, alumnx, faculty and more—is welcome.
Network of MentorsAbout 85% of jobs today are filled via networking. Launch gives students a competitive edge, guiding them in the development of a diverse network of mentors while still in college. (Build it at Drew; take it with you.)
Immersive ExperiencesAt least two career-building immersions—we’re talking internships, research, study abroad and more—are guaranteed in Launch. Our students leave Drew with the meaningful experience preferred by 94% of employers hiring new college grads.
Transferable SkillsOur students learn a set of sought-after workplace skills that flex across life and career. That’s key for today’s generation, who can expect to change jobs (and even industries) about 12 times in their working careers.
Launch PlanThis exclusive online space allows Drew students to create (and refine) an action plan connecting their purpose with life and career paths to achieve it. Guided, along the way, by a network of advisers,instructors, and mentors.

Community Blog

Filter Clear

Student Spotlight: Interview with Kevin Oates C’20

April 9, 2020

Kevin Oates C’20
Major: History
Minors: Italian and Political Science
Part of Drew’s 4+1 MAT program
Phi Alpha Theta: National Honor Society in History
Delta Kappa Pi: National Honor Society in Education
Gamma Kappa Alpha: National Honor Society in Italian
…

Posted by Yasmin Acosta

Attending College As A Pagan Student

April 9, 2020

Everyone experiences a transition to college. This article from the Learn Religions website offers advice to Pagan students on topics such as practice their faith in residence hall rooms and meeting other Pagan students. Read the article.

Posted by Sari Pascoe

College Attendance For Hispanics Increases, But Disparities Persist

April 9, 2020

For Hispanic students the dream of going to college is happening in greater numbers. But in spite of this positive growth, disparity still persists in terms of four year graduation rates. Read this interesting article from PBS News Hour to …

Posted by Sari Pascoe

Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program

April 9, 2020

All about VSFS

Are you a student looking for a way to make a real difference in the work of your government, while also gaining job experience and connections?

Through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program, students can work …

Posted by Carolyn Parelli

April 9, 2020

In the early 2000s, Alicia M. Reyes-Barriéntez attended a predominantly white institution. In her article, published by Inside Higher Ed, she shares five things she wishes she’d known when she started college as a first generation, Latinx student. Read the …

Posted by Sari Pascoe