Introducing SDSU Works!: A New Way to Connect University Talent with Employers

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with the San Diego State University Career Services Center – and with it, the launch of SDSU Works!

Together, the program gives students and alumni a direct path to employment while providing employers with a full-service hiring experience.

Why now?

Today’s higher education landscape is evolving. Students want clear pathways into the workforce, and employers want direct access to emerging talent. SDSU Works! was built to support both.

With SDSU Works!, companies gain access to thousands of students and alumni – making it easier than ever to hire fresh talent.

So how does SDSU Works! operate?

The model is straightforward.

The SDSU Career Services Center manages outreach and candidate engagement. Leveraging its existing relationships with students, alumni networks, and the broader community.

While SlingShot Connections powers the operational side. Like assisting with specialized searches or handling the payroll.

The result is the trust and familiarity of a university program with the speed and professionalism of an experienced staffing operation.

How it’s changing the game for employers

Hiring is expensive, time-consuming, and risky, especially when you’re sourcing candidates on your own. SDSU Works! removes that friction by delivering pre-screened, university talent.

Through temporary and contingent placements, we deliver pre-screened, university-affiliated talent and handle everything that comes with it: payroll, onboarding, compliance, and background checks. You tell us what you need, and we take care of the rest.

If you prefer to hire someone directly – our Direct Hire service is a specialized search within our network to find you the best-fitting candidates. No more spending company resources on job fairs, resume reviews, and rounds of interviews.

However you choose to work with us, SDSU Works! can help.

Service overview

SDSU Works! supports a variety of hiring models:

• Contingent/Temporary staffing
• Direct hire staffing
• Internships/Apprenticeships
• Gig/Special projects & events
• Payroll services

This keeps the program flexible to fit all types of employer needs.

Built for the long term

The program is designed to be a permanent, self-sustaining workforce ecosystem that grows alongside San Diego State University’s student body and the region’s employer base.

And the framework behind SDSU Works! is repeatable by design. As the program proves itself at San Diego State University, the goal is to expand to other university career centers, bringing the same workforce infrastructure to new campuses and new markets.

Let’s partner together

Are you an employer looking for university talent?

SDSU Works! gives you a direct connection to students who match what you’re looking for, sourced by career center professionals who know their students inside and out.

If you want to learn more, please fill out the interest form here

Are you an SDSU student looking for work?

Please sign up on handshake through SDSU and attach a resume – it’s where we start every search! If we have any openings that fit your degree/experience, you’ll hear from us. Want to learn more? Ask about us at the SDSU Career Services Center.

Are you a university looking to close the gap between your students and careers?

We’ve already seen incredible results with SDSU, and the program is designed to be repeatable across career centers. If you’re looking to better connect your students with real career opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

sdsuworks@slingshotconnections.com