Ringing in Success: Inside UIndy’s Pro Edge Center

Every so often, a bell rings on the second floor of the Schwitzer Student Center, signaling a moment worth celebrating: a University of Indianapolis student has landed a job. At the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge (Pro Edge) Center, UIndy’s career development hub, the sound is known as the Success Bell. 

While Pro Edge plays a major role in these achievements, the bell is meant to celebrate the effort each student puts into earning that success.

“We do not hand out jobs,” said Associate Director Brittany Dyer. “We don’t like to say ‘job placement’ because we don’t place students anywhere. You earn it — we’re just here to help you along the way.”

At UIndy, success looks different for everybody. Every time a student meets with the Pro Edge team, they receive personalized advice — from someone who once stood in their shoes. 

“We come from industry and we have backgrounds,” said Assistant Director Rebecca Franks. “We’ve been there and we’ve gone through that. It’s a little bit different than just coming in and telling somebody what they should do in industry [without] ever having done it.”

For Caden Potters, a sophomore accounting student, that guidance started early. It took just one quick email to set up an appointment with Senior Director Kirk Bryans. After just two months, he was offered a paid internship at an accounting firm. 

Potters, who described the coaches as “very personable,” credits the mock interviews for helping him land his internship.

Real Advice for Real Situations

Each year Pro Edge hosts an Etiquette Dinner, designed to prepare students for professional networking, interviews, and business meetings.

“Pro Edge is the most unique service on campus,” said Potters. “It prepares you for what you don’t expect you’ll need in the real world.”

“At the table, we talk a little bit about etiquette, but we also talk about real-world situations,” said Bryans. “If you go to dinner with your boss at a high-end restaurant and are asked to order first, do you choose the most expensive item? The least expensive? How do you know? We give students real advice for real situations.”  

Tackling a Competitive Job Market

The job hiring process is constantly evolving, and the Pro Edge team evolves with it. Forbes reports that the job market for recent graduates is at a five-year low, making adaptability more important than ever. Pro Edge coaches continually adjust their approach to these challenges, combining realistic expectations with practical tools.

“There is never a moment we want to crush their dreams. But there also is an element of realism that we have to bring,” said Franks. “Right now, on the low end of the average, it’s 30 applications per one interview. 
So we set the bar there, but then we don’t leave them with that, and then just say good luck.”

The team answers key questions such as the benefit of writing a cover letter, what students need to know about applicant tracking systems, and how to overcome barriers in a competitive job market.

“Your odds of succeeding in the job market would increase by just going to Pro Edge a couple times,” Potters added.

Taking the First Step

For students hesitant about taking that first step, Potter’s personal experience highlights the benefit of connecting with Pro Edge from day one. 

“By choosing a smaller school like UIndy, you’re not having to wait to see a career coach until your junior or senior year,” said Franks. “We have students who come in the summer before classes even start, and they’re already working with us to make sure that they have resumes so they can apply for on-campus jobs.” 

From Registration to Graduation and Beyond

Pro Edge’s investment in its students is long-lasting, which is why the Center uses the slogan, “From registration to graduation and beyond.” 

“There are some places that cut you off the day of graduation. We try to keep our doors open,” said Franks. “We’re actively going out and reminding them [alumni] — we’re still here for you.”

For UIndy students, making an appointment with Pro Edge is not just the first step towards employment; it is a promise of continued support long after graduation.