UNM's Career Services has taken over a unique website aimed at retaining university graduates in New Mexico and finding jobs for New Mexicans who have left the state and want to return.  The website currently has hundreds of employers and industries registered and more than 100 job positions currently posted at www.nmcareermatch.com

NM Career Match started in 2008 as a way to keep university graduates in New Mexico by matching them with employers who were searching for their skills.  It was underwritten by a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED).   French Funeral and Cremation Services also contributed $50,000. 

Funding ended, and Jenna Crabb, director of Career Services at UNM volunteered to administer the program.  She is now working with other higher education institutions in New Mexico to allow all New Mexico alumni to participate.

"I couldn't just let this project lapse," said Crabb. "This is an important tool for our students to find employment.  Currently this is the premier site where New Mexico alumni and New Mexico employers meet."

Working in conjunction with UNM are Central New Mexico Community College's Job Connection Center, Santa Fe Community College's Office of Career Services, UNM-Valencia Student Services, NM Tech Office of Career Services and Albuquerque Economic Development.

Media contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627; kwent2@unm.edu