FAMU grad giving students a full upgrade

Upgrade University is a personal and professional development firm created to provide individuals with resources and skills they need to live their best life. It’s also designed to help students secure internships and job placement whether it be assistance with resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, professional dress, public speaking, or life-coaching services.

The founder and president of Upgrade University, Jarveal Baker, worked as a recruiter for Deloitte and Ernst & Young for six years and realized most graduates coming out of college were well educated in their field, but were not able to articulate and present themselves well enough to secure a job.

Baker is a graduate of Florida A&M’s School of Business & Industry. He started advising others in professional development back in 2007 while being in the professional development program at FAMU.

In 2016, Baker became a Certified Professional Life Coach at the Life Coach Institute of Orange County.

“A lot of the skills and lessons that I use to advise students come from my time at FAMU,” said Baker. “I was in National Association of Black Accountants where I had to be prepped for interviews myself.”

Upgrade University has helped numerous individuals gain employment, secure internships, and obtain admittance at companies such Macy’s, Allstate, Wells Fargo, and General Electric.

Destini Webster, a graduating senior at FAMU, said, “Upgrade University has taught me step-by-step how to enhance my resume and present my best self. They also taught me how to answer different interview questions based off my own experiences.”

Larry Polynice, a territory sales manager at Pepsi, credits Baker’s company for much of his success.

“From creating my first resume and interviewing for companies and asking for advice on my first management role; Jarveal and Upgrade University have provided me with the skills and tools to not only be successful but flourish in each role I obtain in corporate America,” he said.

Instead of sitting in a room with lots of people receiving generic professional development advice, Upgrade University will schedule one on one meetings with you to customize professional development advice and life coaching services to your unique experiences, identify your best attributes, and elevate you to be a better version of yourself personally and professionally.