Robert Pearl Starks

Kathy, Budget is a real issue that many institutions face. I think if you brainstorm with others, you can identify events that serve your goals and don't break the bank. Let me give you an example simply to hopefully spark your own ideas. Here's an example with a ground campus as the scenario (and I'm giving you the short version vs. explaining all the reasons why one might choose this particular type of intervention strategy): Potential Career Problem: The majority of the student population needs to practice "professional" skills that influence employability Narrow the problem: Among "professional skills," networking and… >>>

Carolyn, Thank you for sharing. Often, it can be a challenge to articulate the "ROI" of relationships but there are many benefits and one that is key is what you said - "Because of the partnership we have built, they will continue that relationship upon graduation and even after they have entered the workforce." Anyone in Career Services knows how critical this is if they are to have productive partnerships to help graduates fulfill their goals of becoming employed in their field. Additionally, the strong relationships influence how likely graduates are to disclose and discuss their work situation with you… >>>

Kathy, As mentioned in the course, one of the roles of career services (and anyone within an institution) is to be an internal consultant. Institutions are formed for the very purpose of collaboration to accomplish shared goals. Thus, you are correct that it is a responsibility to be a champion of change when necessary, to present information, persuade, and gain collaboration with others to address challenges observed. I honestly think that often, many individuals, particularly those who do not work in Career Services, are perhaps unaware of the barriers that influence employment outcomes. Educating others becomes a part of one's… >>>

Kristine , The challenges you speak of is common among many institutions and there are, arguably, even greater challenges for online schools who must use technology-mediated forms of communication to develop "bonds" with students. In the career counseling profession, the bond between the practitioner (career advisor, counselor, coach, etc.) and the client (student) is known as the Working Alliance. The working alliance is a partnership between the student and advisor based on a foundation of trust and open-honest communication that improves collaboration in achieving the end-goal of obtaining employment. So, what you speak of is very important and as you… >>>

Kristine , One of the things you'll notice about this course is that it focuses on understanding social media as a new tool to incorporate into your existing goals. Thus, it focuses on strategy and overall ways in which social tools can be used to achieve career center objectives. Just as career services uses the internet, phones, fax machines, etc., social media is simply a tool but because it is so different and platforms are vast, people can be overwhelmed with where to start...and where they should start is first thinking about how it plays a role as a tool… >>>

Carolyn, Thank you for elaborating in such detail. It really paints a clear picture. If you don't mind, might you share your staff size and population size? I presume you are the one who conducts the interviews with newly-enrolled students - does anyone else on your staff? Often, I know many career services offices are a one-person operation so I am wondering what your situation is like. Have you found that your early intervention has had an impact on your relationship with students so critical to developing working alliances and increasing the likelihood of continued partnership upon graduation? In what… >>>