Upkey

Upkey offers a virtual career readiness platform with gamified learning, virtual coaches and internships, and connections to industry professionals to prepare students for the world of work.

What This Includes

Skills addressed: Communication, Organizing & Planning, Creative Thinking, Diversity Awareness, Collaboration, Teamwork, Adaptability, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Thinking

Learner resources

Career preparation services, including resume builder with an online helper and assistive boxes and choices
Pitch Perfect interview preparation with virtual coaching and option to record learner’s pitch
Personalized dashboard showing progress and next steps
Access to mentors, virtual internships, and jobs while progressing through the online system
Ability to earn badges and certificates after completing each stage along the dashboard path
Connect feature allows users access to Upkey’s network of industry pros
Live virtual programs hosted by industry leaders

Key Takeaways

Learners can use the Upkey system to prepare a resume and personal statement for interviews.
Resume builder prompts users to select their top traits and skills, such as creative thinker or nonfiction writing, to build a personal statement for their resume. The resume can be downloaded or used within Upkey to apply for internships and jobs.
Instructors, counselors, and coaches can expand learners’ understanding and development of workplace success skills as they move through the Upkey system to prepare for interviews, internships, and work.

Background

Upkey is a Chicago startup offering free, online career growth resources to students ranging from high school to university level. The organization’s goal is to create equal opportunities across the board and provide underrepresented students the tools needed to be successful in their career path. Currently, 70 percent of Upkey users are minority and first-generation students. In February, 2021, Upkey announced significant venture capital funding led by S3 Ventures, and Purdue University, Southern New Hampshire University, and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian Life) signed on as customers of its platform. Upkey was named a LinkedIn Top Startup for 2020, part of a group of 50 U.S. companies on the rise.

Tags: Adaptability & Flexibility, Communication, Critical & Creative Thinking, Leadership & Initiative, Navigating & Using Information, Respecting Differences, Teamwork & Collaboration, Advising & Coaching Tool, Credentialing & Badging, Instructional Material, Online, Free (Registration Required), Adult Education, Higher Education, Older Youth, Workforce Development