NextStep

Southern Arkansas University’s Mulerider Next Step Guarantee is a first-of-its-kind program in Arkansas designed to help students confidently prepare for life after graduation. From their first year on campus, students connect with career-building opportunities including mentorship, skill-building workshops, networking events, internships, and meaningful campus involvement.

Students who complete the program requirements are guaranteed to secure a full-time job or gain acceptance into graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. If a graduate has not yet secured a full-time job offer or admission to graduate or professional school within that time, we continue to invest in their success by providing additional support at no cost, including career coaching and either targeted coursework or a paid internship to strengthen career readiness.

The Mulerider Next Step Guarantee reflects our commitment to student success and ensures graduates leave campus confident, experienced, and ready for what comes next.

Students Voices

“Being a part of the next step program has taught me a lot about SAU & its mission to help students beyond education. Beginning here at SAU, I didn’t know specifically what I wanted career wise, so I joined the next step program for extra assistance. The next step program even supports you AFTER you’ve graduated and assists with finding a job, building your resume, relocation, and more. Being a part of the Next Step Program has influenced me to network and not be afraid to have questions or participate on campus. I would recommend the Next Step Program over and over again to anyone, especially if you’re wanting full support outside of academics only.”

Precious Glosson

“I would like to say that Next Steps has primarily taught me to prioritize my academics here at SAU. What I mean is, Next Steps helped reveal a truth to me that is very important. This truth is that I'm going to graduate, regardless of whether I prepare for life after college or not. For this reason, I have to take action, and that is what Next Steps has allowed me to do. I have greatly appreciated the career speakers, resume workshops, job fairs, and many more opportunities Next Step has provided for me, to better expose myself to the future process of looking for a career. This program has truly influenced me to be more than just motivated, but instead, driven to succeed in my academics, so that I can better prepare myself for my future. I can't wait to see how I can use the skills that Next Step has taught when preparing for my future!"

Zander Woodward

“The Next Step Guarantee program has eased my worries about the future by ensuring I have career opportunities after I graduate. It has allowed me to grow, not only in my skills but also in the campus community.”

Emily Cole

“The Next Step program has taught me that it is never too early to start preparing for life and a career after college! It has helped me streamline my goals, begin preparing a resume, and get ready for job interviews. With the help of this program, I am confident I will be ready to take my Next Step at both SAU and beyond!”

Brylee Overman

The Guarantee

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

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.

The Guarantee

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