Southern Arkansas University is thrilled to announce the launch of the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee program for the freshman class of 2025. This innovative initiative is designed to ignite passion and empower students from their very first day through graduation as they embark on their journeys to professional success!
The Mulerider Next Step Guarantee program assures that students who fulfill the program requirements will confidently step into their next adventure—landing an exciting full-time job in their field or related area or gaining acceptance into a graduate or professional school—all within six months of graduation. This transformative initiative is the only one of its kind in Arkansas, paving the way for a brighter future and setting students on the path to success.
“Students who invest in a SAU education should feel confident that we will do everything in our power to help them reach their full potential,” shared Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president. “The Mulerider Next Step Guarantee embodies our belief that a degree from SAU opens doors to achieving professional dreams.”
Benefits of Program Participation
- Mentorship and Guidance
- Structured Career Preparation
- Improved Employability
- Networking Opportunities
- Professional Skill Development
- Leadership Training
- Confidence Building
- Accountability and Goal Setting
Benefits of completing the program:
- Assistance in securing a full-time job offer within six months of graduation
- Securing admission into graduate/professional school within six months of graduation
OR
- Additional Coursework Options: Up to nine hours of undergraduate coursework, provided at no cost, to augment career readiness or up to six credits plus a paid internship for further experience.
Program Completion Requirements
- Must successfully complete years one through four of Mulerider Career Readiness
- Must graduate from a SAU bachelor’s degree program
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. upon graduation
- Must be able to pass all externally required background checks
- Must begin an active job search six months before graduation, applying for at least three full-time jobs a month
- begin an active graduate school search five months before graduating, applying to at least three schools
- Must meet admission requirements for graduate programs
- Must continue applying for three full-time jobs per month for six months after graduation or until the student receives a job offer
- Must be willing to meet job location requirements
Career Readiness Checklist
Disclaimer: The checklist requirements provided below are a sample of activities. Students will receive a complete, finalized list of requirements upon program enrollment.
- Sign Next Step contract
- Activate and complete Handshake profile
- Complete Focus 2 Career Assessment
- Join and remain active in at least one student organization
- Compose a basic resume and submit to Career Services for feedback
- Attend at least one approved Career Services event per semester
- Complete 15 volunteer hours
- Attend Career Services open house
- Attend one appointment with MuleriderSense or complete the online Financial Wellness assessment
- Complete Career Competencies self-assessment
- Suggested: Visit the Career Closet
- Update your resume and submit to Career Services for feedback
- Draft a cover letter example for a current job listing of interest
- Attend the Career and Internship Fair (offered both fall and spring)
- Complete 15 volunteer hours
- Remain active in at least one student organization
- Update your Handshake profile
- Attend at least one approved Career Services event per semester
- Complete the Interview Skills module
- Begin search for internship or applied learning experience
- Complete Career Competencies self-assessment
- Suggested: Visit Career Closet
- Update your resume and meet with Career Services for one on one review session
- Draft a cover letter example for a current job listing of interest
- Attend the Career and Internship Fair (offered both fall and spring)
- Compete 15 volunteer hours
- Attend at least one approved Career Services event per semester
- Create a LinkedIn profile
- Meet with Academic Advisor to verify degree plan
- Participate in mock interview event
- Develop a list of potential employers
- Complete internship or applied learning experience
- Complete Career Competencies self-assessment
- Suggested:
- Visit the Career Closet
- Participate in Alumni Mentor Program
- Update your resume and meet with Career Service for one on one review session
- Draft a cover letter example for a current job listing of interest
- Attend the Career and Internship Fair (offered both fall and spring)
- Attend one appointment with MuleriderSense or complete the online Financial Wellness assessment
- Complete Leadership Training (True Colors, Franklin Covey)
- Complete 15 volunteer hours
- Meet with Academic Advisor to verify degree plan
- Attend at least one approved Career Services event per semester
- Begin job application process six months prior to graduation
- Participate in mock interview event
- Complete Career Competencies self-assessment
- Suggested:
- Visit the Career Closet
- Participate in the SAU Alumni Career AIM: Alumni Inspiring Muleriders mentorship program
Enrollment for the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee Program will take place during your first semester at SAU. The application can be completed during BAM or the first few days of the semester.
The MNSG is available for first-time, entering freshmen. All SAU students will have access to the material/resources but only first-time, entering freshman will qualify for the guarantee portion of the program.
MNSG services will be accessible to all students, with workshops and activities designed to benefit everyone. While all students are encouraged to utilize SAU Career Services and resources, the guarantee applies specifically to first-time, entering freshmen starting in Fall 2025 and beyond
To enroll, students need to complete the MNSG application by September 3rd, 2025. The program application will be available during your BAM session, Mulerider Round Up, and through the first few days of the semester
Yes, the guarantee applies to you as well! We understand that each student’s next step may look different, and we are here to support you in achieving your goals
A qualifying job is a paid position that is deemed degree required or degree preferred by the employer.
Students must fulfill all MNSG requirements to maintain their eligibility for the program and the guarantee. However, students will still have access to the valuable resources and support available through Career Services
