UPS IT Professionals Program
Career Pathway for MC students enrolled in Jefferson Community and Technical College's Computer and Information Technology and University of Louisville's Computer Information Systems, Computer Science and Computer Science and Engineering programs.
- PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- IT PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
- APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- UPS IT PROFESSIONAL POSITION INFORMATION SESSION
- EXPLORE MENTORSHIP & SKILL-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES
- ADDITIONAL LOCAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- HIGH DEMAND CAREER SECTOR
UPS IT Professionals Information Session
UPS has numerous IT opportunities in the Louisville area that are a great fit for MC students!
UPS Operation Technology (OPT) division develops and maintains the numerous UPS applications that support all of the UPS Airlines and Transportation Departments worldwide. Within OPT, there are countless opportunities across different roles and technologies. OPT has entry level engineers in .Net and Java, Business Analysts, Software Quality Engineers, and User Interface designers all working in modern tech stacks. We can also get you in touch with groups in information security, data analytics, and other fields within UPS.
OPT recognizes the great potential of your IT degree and UPS experience and would like the chance to meet with you and share the many job openings and career paths that we have available. The goal of this session is for MC students to network with UPS IT professionals and to answer any questions you may have. Students are welcome to bring a copy of their resume, share their online career portfolios, and/or bring a coursework plan to receive feedback from UPS IT professionals.
We invite our MC students to attend one of our Professional Development/ Networking Sessions. Please join us any time during the in-person and virtual Professional Development/ Networking Sessions listed below. These events are an open house format to allow students to come and go as they need. UPS IT professionals are looking forward to connecting with you!
- (Virtual) DATE TBD
If you have previously attended an IT career fair, you are welcome and encouraged to join us again to network with UPS IT professionals as well as learn about available positions.
Program Overview
This program provides a seamless pathway for Metropolitan College (MC) students majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Computer Information Systems to obtain mentoring and IT skills to support graduates transitioning to a full-time UPS IT employment opportunity. MC students participating in this program will be eligible for:
- Mentoring: As soon as you are enrolled as an MC student attending school and working third shift, participants will begin meeting with UPS IT professionals at least twice a year for mentoring and coaching. UPS IT mentors will assist students with:
- Review of resume and online career portfolios
- Feedback about coursework that aligns well with skills needed at UPS
- Guidance regarding UPS IT career pathways that fulfill student’s career goals
- Experiential Learning: Once you have developed IT skills sets, students work at UPS during the day in an IT experiential learning position (co-op/internship). Students will build an IT portfolio of project work.
- Employment: After graduation, students have the opportunity to fill a full-time position at UPS as an IT Professional with an entry level earning potential of $40,000-$100,000. Students will also have the opportunity to continue their education to increase certification levels while working full-time as an IT professional.
Review and print our Metropolitan College UPS IT Professionals Pathway Overview to learn more about the program.
IT Professional Positions
MC students have the opportunity to participate in two types of IT Professional Positions:
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
- Paid position
- Full-time positions working 8am-5pm five days a week
- Recruitment for summer positions begins in the fall term
- Existing Metro College participants may be eligible for Metro College benefits for the duration of internship
UPSers applying for UPS IT Summer Internship will need to use the internal job posting below:
- Software Engineering: https://wd5.myworkday.com/hcmportal/d/inst/9925$201044/rel-task/2998$16774.htmld
- Information Security: https://wd5.myworkday.com/hcmportal/d/inst/15$392530/9925$201036.htmld
- CO-OP
- Paid position
- Part-time or Full-time positions
- Hours are flexible; supervisor will work around the student's class schedule
- Position appointment for 6 months with the opportunity for an extension
- Recruitment for these positions is year around
- Existing Metro College participants may be eligible for Metro College benefits for the duration of co-op
Key skills and competencies
- A solid understanding of either Java, C#, or .Net demonstrating an understanding of the unique quirks and peculiarities of that language
- A solid understanding of Object Oriented development concepts
- A general understanding of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript / TypeScript, web service calls)
UPS has numerous types of full-time IT professional positions supporting all of its world class global applications. The 3 most common types of entry positions are Software Development Engineers (various frameworks), Software Quality Engineer, and Business System Analyst.
In addition, UPS also has positions that some may qualify for in User Interface/User Experience Designer (UI/UX), Database Analyst, Data Engineer, Information Security Analyst, Data Scientist and Data & Business, Systems Programming Analyst, Technology Support Analyst, and Intelligence Analyst.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
The Software Development Engineer (full-time supervisor) performs duties and tasks to support full systems life cycle management (e.g., analyses, technical requirements, design, coding, testing, implementation of systems and applications software, etc.). This position performs tasks within planned durations and established deadlines and collaborates with teams to ensure effective communication and to support the achievement of objectives. This position provides development, maintenance, and support for applications.
Recommended Technical Skills: .Net, Java, Angular, SQL Server, Couchbase, Azure, or GCP experience.
BUSINESS ANALYST
The Business Systems Analyst works independently on projects of low to moderate complexity. This position serves as a liaison between the business community and Information Services (I.S.). This position elicits and analyzes business needs for assigned projects, communicates with stakeholders, and participates in determining if the solution fits within the long-term strategic vision. This position ensures that Business Systems Analysis (BSA) work products conform to quality and content standards.
Recommended Technical Skills: Agile experience, Scrum Master fundamentals, or experience with Azure DevOps (ADO).
SOFTWARE QUALITY ENGINEER
The Software Quality Engineer (full-time supervisor) executes Information Services (I.S.) and Quality Assurance (QA) processes with moderate guidance. This position identifies problems, generates alternatives, and recommends solutions within defined processes as well as documents the progress of assigned tasks to ensure objectives are met. This position collaborates effectively with software quality engineer team members, software development engineers, software vendors, consultants, user communities, and test environment technical support staff in the execution of testing procedures. This position supports testing efforts of small to medium complexity. The Software Quality Engineer is knowledgeable of the key processes and technology within the business functions he/she supports.
Recommended Technical Skills: .Net, Java, Angular, SQL Server, Couchbase, Azure, or GCP manual/automation testing experience.
Applicant Requirements
Students interested in the UPS IT Professionals Program must meet the following requirements:
- Current Metropolitan College student
- Must be enrolled in one of the following majors:
- University of Louisville
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science (course flexibility for a third shift employee)
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Jefferson Community and Technical College
- University of Louisville
Experiential Learning additional considerations include:
- Complete a minimum of 3-4 IT courses
- It is not a requirement to receive co-op or internship credit to participate in this pathway
- While not required, students are encouraged to connect with the JCTC/UofL Academic Advisor to learn about opportunities to earn credit
2+2 JCTC to UofL Pathway Options
Interested in the JCTC 2+2 Pathway through Metropolitan College? MC students are strongly encouraged to join ULtra before transferring to UofL. Students can contact an ULtra advisor directly or email, ultra@louisville.edu. Students can also stop by in-person at the ULtra office located on the Second Floor of the JCTC’s Smith Library.
Computer Engineering and Computer Science - AS-BS
How To Participate
Step 1: Connect early with a UPS IT Professional
- As soon as you become an MC participant, UPS wants to connect with you to provide coaching and mentoring
- Fill out the UPS IT Pathway Interest Form to be added to distribution list
- Attend a UPS IT Professionals Information session to learn more about our program and network with UPS IT professionals
Step 2: Create a customized IT resume and online career portfolio
- Begin to work with your Metropolitan College Student Success Counselor to customize an IT resume and online career portfolio so you are ready to apply to the UPS IT Professional Program
- MC Students may contact their assigned Student Success Counselor through their MyMC page to set up an appointment
Step 3: Apply to an experiential learning position
- Interested MC students should apply through Workday
- Following these instructions to apply to a co-op or internship on upsers.com: Applying to UPS co-ops and Internships
- Once placed in an experiential learning position, complete the UPS IT Professionals Enrollment Form
If you have questions, please email UPSITPathway@ups.com
UPS employment fluctuates throughout the year. To be notified of UPS MC eligible positions when they become available, please follow these directions for UPS Job Alerts
Explore Mentorship & Skill‑Building Opportunities
Students pursuing the UPS IT Professionals Career Pathway have access to valuable tools that support career exploration, professional growth, and real‑world skill development. Metro College offers several resources designed to help you connect with mentors, strengthen your competencies, and prepare for IT‑focused roles.
MC Career Guide Online Mentorship Program
The MC Career Guide Online Mentorship Program gives Metro College students a direct connection to professionals in their field of interest. Through this program, you can:
- Receive personalized guidance from industry mentors
- Get one time feedback on your professional documents including your Resume and LinkedIn page
- Develop confidence as you explore future opportunities
This program is especially beneficial for IT students seeking insight into technical career roles.
Learn more: https://metro-college.com/benefits/career-development/career-guides/students
Career Kickstart Resource Guide
The Career Kickstart Resource Guide is a comprehensive, easy‑to‑use collection of tools designed to help you build career readiness from the ground up. Inside, you’ll find resources on:
- Resume and cover letter development
- Interview preparation
- Career exploration activities
- Networking strategies
- Goal‑setting and skill‑building tips
It’s an excellent starting point for students wanting a structured approach to professional development.
Explore the guide: https://metro-college.com/posts/careerkickstart-resource-guide
LinkedIn Learning
If you are a UofL MC participant, you also receive free access to LinkedIn Learning, a powerful online platform offering thousands of expert‑led courses. JCTC participants can also access LinkedIn Learning using a Louisville Free Public Library Card. IT‑focused modules include:
- Programming (Python, Java, C#, SQL)
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Data analytics
- Cloud technologies
- IT project management
- Software development tools and best practices
You can earn certificates and develop industry‑aligned skills all at no cost.
UofL students can log into LinkedIn Learning using your UofL log-in credentials here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning
Recommended Technology Micro-Credentials
| Credential | Description | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Security Essentials Professional Certificate by Microsoft and LinkedIn | LinkedIn Learning | Kick-start your cybersecurity journey by learning key concepts like zero trust and defense-in-depth. Get hands-on with Microsoft’s powerful security tools, including Entra, Defender, Sentinel, Intune, Purview, Priva, and Copilot for Security. By the end of this course, you’ll understand how these solutions work together to protect organizations. Tune in, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate to boost your skills and career opportunities! | Explain core security concepts like zero trust and defense-in-depth. Apply Microsoft Entra tools for identity and access management. Configure basic security settings in Microsoft Defender. Use Microsoft Sentinel for threat detection and response. |
JavaScript Foundations Professional Certificate by Mozilla | LinkedIn Learning This learning path is endorsed by Mozilla. Learn more about web platform technologies by visiting the Mozilla Developer Network. | JavaScript is your gateway to a career in front-end development. These courses will help you build essential skills, from core concepts like variables and functions to advanced topics like asynchronous programming and DOM manipulation. With hands-on practice and real-time feedback, you’ll gain the confidence to create dynamic, interactive websites. Join in, complete the course, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate! | Explore JavaScript basics: variables, strings, and numbers. Practice decision-making and function syntax. Analyze asynchronous tasks and scope in JavaScript. |
| Developing your Emotional Intelligence | Developing emotional intelligence can strengthen your workplace relationships and help you navigate change with confidence. Psychologist and author Dr. Gemma Leigh Roberts breaks down what emotional intelligence (EQ) is and why it matters. She guides you in building greater self‑awareness so you can recognize the triggers that may impact your performance. Dr. Roberts also shows you how to align your intentions with the way you’re perceived—helping you create stronger, more collaborative working relationships. | Learn the importance of emotional intelligence
Develop social awareness
Understand your personal emotional intelligence |
| Career Essentials in Cybersecurity by Microsoft and LinkedIn | LinkedIn Learning | Explore the essential skills for a career in cybersecurity. Build a strong foundation in key cybersecurity terms, understand the evolving threat landscape, and learn core security concepts to protect digital environments. | Develop an understanding of core cybersecurity concepts. Gain fluency in cybersecurity terminology. Explore the cybersecurity threat landscape. |
| Software Project Management Foundations | Dive into the fundamentals of project management and discover what it takes to successfully lead a project. Learn why projects often face challenges and explore two of the most commonly used frameworks: Waterfall and Agile. You'll gain insight into when to use each approach, how they fit within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and what makes them effective. Instructor Kelley O’Connell also highlights key skills and strategies to help project managers guide software projects to a successful finish. | Compare and contrast two major project management methods. Describe the functions of different software layers. Distinguish between different types of software projects. Describe the elements of a well-written request for proposal. Identify requirements that should be met before product release. |
Learn more about Technology Micro-Credentials.
Additional Local Internship Opportunities
This section highlights potential local internship options for CIT, CIS, and Computer Science students who want to explore opportunities beyond UPS. These internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you build professional connections in the IT industry. Check back regularly for updates and start planning for Fall 2026!
| Company | Link to Application | Internship Description | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
Zeon Chemical Inc. IT Support Intern | Career Center | Recruitment |
| N/A |
GE Appliances Digital Technology Spring 2027 Intern | Digital Technology Spring 2027 Intern |
The Digital Technology Internship at GE Appliances offers hands-on experience for students passionate about IT to develop leadership, business, and technical skills while working on impactful projects alongside industry experts. The program serves as a key pipeline into full-time roles, providing diverse opportunities to grow a career in technology within a highly innovative organization. | 10-12 weeks starting Jan 11, 2027 |
Important: Check Internship Requirements
Before applying, make sure you review all internship eligibility requirements, including GPA, coursework, and application deadlines. Preparing a strong resume is key to standing out. If you need help updating yours, reach out to George Scott for personalized assistance.
Contact Information
To learn more about this program, contact George Scott, MC Student Success Counselor. If you have any questions regarding participation in co-ops at UPS and the potential impact on your Metro College benefits, please contact Sara Heun at saraheun@ups.com.
High Demand Career Sector
Sector Overview:
The Computer Information Technology (CIT), Computer Information Systems (CIS), and Computer Science pathways offer a wide range of high-paying and high-growth career opportunities. These fields combine technical skills, problem-solving, innovation, and analytical thinking. Careers in IT and computer science can take you from entry-level support roles to advanced positions such as software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and IT directors.
This sector is highly versatile, with opportunities available in nearly every industry including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, education, and technology. As organizations rely more on data, networks, and digital systems, professionals in these fields are essential to maintaining and advancing modern operations.
Why This Sector Matters in Kentucky:
- Businesses increasingly rely on technology for operations, communication, and security
- IT and computer science roles are among the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers nationwide
- Kentucky, like much of the U.S., faces a shortage of skilled technology professionals
Employers are actively seeking individuals with:
- Programming and software development skills
- Cybersecurity and network management knowledge
- Data analysis and database management experience
- Cloud computing and systems administration expertise
Why It’s High Demand:
- Rapid growth of digital infrastructure and reliance on technology
- Increased cybersecurity threats requiring skilled professionals
- Expansion of remote work and cloud-based systems
- Ongoing need for software development and system maintenance
Computer and information technology careers are high demand because nearly every organization depends on secure, efficient, and scalable technology systems to compete and grow.
Opportunities in Kentucky:
Common roles include:
- IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician
- Network Administrator, Systems Administrator
- Software Developer, Web Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Specialist
- Data Analyst, Database Administrator
CIT/CIS professionals are needed across sectors including:
- Healthcare systems and hospitals
- Manufacturing and logistics companies
- Banking and financial services
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions and universities
- Technology and consulting firms
Industry Growth & Outlook:
Technology related careers continue to grow rapidly at both the state and national levels. Kentucky employers are increasing investments in:
- cybersecurity systems
- cloud computing platforms
- software and application development
- data analytics and artificial intelligence
This expansion creates continuous demand for skilled IT professionals with up-to-date technical expertise and certifications.
Salary Expectations in Kentucky:
Experience, specialization, and certifications significantly impact earning potential:
- Entry-Level / Technician Roles: Typically range from $40,000 to $60,000
- Mid-Level (Developers, Analysts, Admins): Typically range from $60,000 to $90,000
- Senior-Level / Leadership Roles: Can range from $90,000 to $140,000+ depending on expertise and experience
Salary by Major Kentucky Cities
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Typical Range (25th–75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $65,000 – $78,000 | $58,000 – $90,000 |
| Lexington | $62,000 – $75,000 | $55,000 – $88,000 |
| Bowling Green | $58,000 – $70,000 | $50,000 – $82,000 |
| Northern KY | $63,000 – $76,000 | $55,000 – $89,000 |