SF State University, United Airlines Partner on Career Advancement Program San Francisco State University and United

San Francisco State University and United Airlines have developed a unique new professional development program that offers an ideal case study for the kinds of public private partnerships the Bay Area Council is promoting to help better prepare our workforce with on-the-job skills. Under the program created by the two Bay Area Council member organizations, employees of the airline participated in a 10-week series of classes designed to sharpen and expand business communications and other job skills necessary to advance their careers at United.

San Francisco State Provost Jennifer Summit, Dean Alex Hwu and Associate Dean Lipschuetz of the University’s College of Extended Learning and United’s Director of Business Operations Monika Gablowski designed the program, which supported the airline’s commitment to creating meaningful growth and enrichment opportunities for its employees. And United contributed funding to provide the classes tuition free. Another Council member—San Francisco International Airport—hosted the classes, making them more convenient for students.

“The class was extremely well received, and the participants shared a lot of positive feedback,” Gablowski said. “A second class is being planned, with the goal of offering United employees the opportunity to earn a pre-baccalaureate academic credit certificate to improve their knowledge and skills in other areas such as leadership and management.”

To engage in the Council Workforce of the Future initiative, please contact Senior Vice President Linda Bidrossian.