Alumni Career Support Scholarship

Are you a job seeker but lack the funds to secure a highly qualified coach? Or are you making a significant career change but lack the support to make the shift in direction? Or simply not quite sure what that direction looks like exactly? Explore and apply for support from our alumni career fund.

Through donor generosity, the Alumni Career Program can offer financial support for your needs.

Quick Start Job Search Package ($499)

Our career coaches have agreed to offer this package for a reduced rate of $499. The Alumni Association will offset that cost by 50% with the recipient agreeing to pay the remaining difference.

Resume and LinkedIn Review
- A 45-minute consultation over Skype/Zoom or phone
- Two rounds (ONLY) of edits and feedback to an existing resume document
- Feedback and suggestions to an existing LinkedIn profile
Job Search Strategy
- A pre-coaching needs assessment
- A 60-minute consultation over Skype/Zoom or phone
- Shared development of a follow-up plan of attack

Career Design Fellowship ($249-299)

Rate varies based on Alumni Association Membership status.

Alumni Career Program staff will coordinate with our partners at Mission Collaborative to get you registered for the next offering of the Career Design Fellowship (two offerings each year).

This 30-day online program is designed to help U-M alumni get the clarity and plan needed to find a fulfilling and fitting career.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be alumni of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Flint, or Dearborn)
- Defined as someone who has completed at least one semester of study at any University of Michigan campus.
A completed application is required
A demonstrated need for financial support

Frequently Asked Questions

A certified resume writer or ‘master’ career coach or consultant with significant years experience can charge as much as $700 for a resume and LinkedIn review alone. Given the range of career levels we serve, from entry-level, all the way to every experienced job seekers and the significant qualifications of our coaches, we have attempted to provide the best of both worlds: a world-class coach for both resume and LinkedIn work and job search strategy AND an ability to serve ALL our alumni, no matter their career stage and need. Should the fee still be onerous, please provide a detailed background in your application for our consideration.

Alumni Career Coaches undergo a significant vetting process including a formal application, assessment of testimonials and letters of recommendation, number of years coaching, assessment certifications (Strengthsfinder; Hogan; Strong Interest Inventory; MBTI; etc) and years of experience. In addition, International Coaching Federation (ICF) certifications such as Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) are strongly encouraged.

Not necessarily. The means to provide this kind of support to unemployed, job seeking or alumni with career needs is maintained by philanthropic gifts. Continued support of unemployed or job seeking alumni is made possible by the generosity of our donors. In addition, unemployment and significant financial need (as determined by household income) are taken into strong consideration. That said, we welcome applications from all alumni who may have career or job search needs.

Use of funding depends on the program for which funding was applied.

For use of funding for the Career Design Fellowship, applicants must enroll in the next of the program offerings. Two programs are offered yearly, with the first being in the fall (typically in September or October) and the second, in the spring (March or April). Please check the Career Design Fellowship page for the next available offering.

For applicants to the Job Search Package, usage of funds must be within 3 months of application. Funding recipients must pay their portion of service fees to the coach before coaching services are rendered. Once coaching services begin, you and your assigned coach have up to 30 days to complete all services outlined in the package.