Not all Federal Work Study jobs are working a night desk or watching over a computer lab. The Golden Eagle League (GEL) is designed to prepare students for their respective careers by providing off-campus experiences related to their academic program and professional aspirations.
“We currently have three students hired at Strong West interested in working in the field of healthcare,” said John Sheible, GEL liaison. “We are trying to get students out into the real world. This way they can realize if they like their future career path or move on to another field if it is not for them.”
“This opportunity at Strong West has been everything I could ask for.”
Ryan Brewer
Nursing major Ryan Brewer and Public Health major Isabelle Jean-Baptiste are two of the students currently working at Strong West as Supply Chain Specialists, stocking and organizing nurse serving carts in the Emergency Department and medical rooms.
“This opportunity at Strong West has been everything I could ask for,” Brewer said. “It has allowed me to familiarize myself with the supplies nurses use and get used to the fast-paced environment.”
GEL students also receive site/career specific professional guidance from their onsite supervisors, including a final professional review at the conclusion of the student’s experience. Alongside gaining valuable supervision and guidance from their supervisor, students often have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with other professionals in the field.
“My favorite part of the job is being a helping hand to the nurses in the emergency department and the employees down in the supply chain,” Jean-Baptiste said. “This job provides me real-world work experience and gives me an opportunity to network while I navigate my career path.”
John Sheible
A key aspect that makes the GEL program work are the connections to the local community. GEL students earn money to cover their educational expenses while working with local and regional non-profit organizations. Alongside Strong West, GEL has partnered with the Brockport Child Development Center, Seymour Library, Village of Brockport, and other local partners.
“It has been great seeing our students working in the community,” Sheible said. “Taking our students, who are typically younger and inexperienced, and having them represent the University in a positive way has been fun and rewarding.”
The secondary aspect of the GEL program is offering students professional and career development guidance. Students receive bi-weekly professional development guidance along with an open-door policy with the GEL liaison to hold professional and career development conversations. They are also encouraged to attend two paid virtual professional development webinars per semester.
“We try to focus on the career competencies that our students want to get out of it,” Sheible said. “What are their values and what do they believe in? We can help them update their resume, work on an elevator pitch, or they are welcome to just stop by and have a career conversation.”
“This position has exposed me to jobs within the healthcare system other than doctors and nurses.”
Isabelle Jean-Baptiste
Roughly 135 students have taken part in the GEL program since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic with 34 students engaging with the program so far during the 2024-25 academic year.
“This position has exposed me to jobs within the healthcare system other than doctors and nurses and helped me get a better understanding of those positions,” Jean-Baptiste said. “I hope to find a career in public health that helps address health issues within underserved communities.”