At Illinois Tech, students learn through hands-on experiences that prepare them to solve real-world challenges. Braven Career Success builds on that hands-on learning approach to help students strengthen the professional skills and networks needed to launch strong careers.
A 3-credit course designed to help Illinois Tech students build career-ready skills, confidence, and professional networks
Launching in fall 2026, the BRVN 200: Braven Career Success is a 3-credit elective course that equips Illinois Tech students with the practical skills and professional networks needed to launch strong careers or pursue graduate school. Through a mix of online learning, hands-on assignments, and weekly small-group mentorship, student—known as fellows—graduate from the course more confident, prepared, and connected. This course is designed especially for second-year, third-year, and transfer students.
During the Braven Career Accelerator, fellows will:
- Build a professional portfolio (e.g., resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter)
- Learn and grow in small, interactive cohorts led by a leadership coach, a trained professional who facilitates discussion, offers feedback, and supports your growth as a leader
- Collaborate on a real-world Capstone Challenge to solve a problem posed by an employer partner, building teamwork, critical thinking, and presentation skills
- Practice interview skills during mock interviews with real-world professionals from partnering organizations and employers
- Earn credit that counts toward graduation!
Unlock Your Potential: Build Skills for Your Dream Career
- Join 15,500+ Braven Fellows across the country. Build your network, grow with a supportive community, and connect with others through Braven Career Communities—industry-specific pathways that connect students with people and networks, targeted learning experiences, resources, and real-world opportunities aligned to their interests so they can explore options and launch strong first jobs.
- Start your career strong. Nationally, 57 percent of Braven Fellows from the class of 2025 are outpacing their peers nationally in securing strong first jobs—a 12 percentage points increase (57 percent vs 45 percent) within six months of graduation.
- Get ahead with real experience. Braven 2024 graduates were 22 percentage points more likely to have at least one internship, compared to graduates nationally according to the Braven Jobs Report (National), 2025.
- Nationally, according to the Braven Jobs Report (National), 2025, Braven Fellows who have graduated have achieved a 92 percent six-year on-time graduation rate.
