Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is expanding its Vol Edge career readiness initiative with the launch of a new phase designed to help students market their skills and prepare for life after graduation.
As the 2026-27 academic year begins, UT is introducing the third phase of the program, known as Story Showcase. The new component focuses on helping students professionally present their experiences through resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interviews, and networking conversations. It also includes financial wellness training covering budgeting, evaluating job offers, and salary negotiation.
Vol Edge was introduced in 2025 to help students identify, develop, and communicate the skills employers value most. University officials say the program is unique because it reaches students across campus rather than relying solely on traditional career services.
According to UT, more than 19,000 students have earned Vol Edge credit since the program launched. Nearly 1,900 students have completed the first phase, Career Kickoff, while more than 660 have completed the second phase, Experience Accelerator.
The program guides students through career development fundamentals, including networking, personal branding, experiential learning, and translating classroom and workplace experiences into career competencies. Participants can earn a transcript distinction and graduation cord upon completion.
University leaders say the initiative is already producing results. Student surveys found confidence in career readiness increased from 56 percent before completing Vol Edge modules to 90 percent afterward. More than 90 percent of surveyed students reported the program helped them achieve their personal learning goals.
Students participating in the program credit Vol Edge with helping them improve interview performance, expand professional networks, secure internships, and better communicate their skills to potential employers.
The university says Vol Edge continues to expand through partnerships with research programs, internships, study abroad opportunities, and other experiential learning initiatives, with additional enhancements planned in the future.
