Robert Pearl Starks

Location: phoenix, arizona

About me

Robert Starks Jr. is a Performance Consultant for MaxKnowledge, Inc. Robert has 10 years of experience in higher education and has led teams responsible for career services and alumni relations programming, as well as community outreach and public relations initiatives. Robert was recognized for his leadership and exceptional results by Career Education Corporation (CEC) with the "Above and Beyond" award for developing his institution's first alumni relations program in its 32 year history. Under Robert's leadership, his former career services team was recognized with four consecutive Best Placement Practice Awards from the Arizona Private School Association (APSA) among its 56+ member schools in the state which contributed to his institution also being recognized as School of the Year by APSA in 2008 and 2012. Additionally, the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) recognized Robert in 2013 with the Associate Member of the Year award.

Robert holds a Master of Science in Management, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and a minor in Sociology. Robert currently serves on the board for the Arizona Private School Association. Robert is the former Director of Media & Technology and former Membership Chair for the Arizona Career Development Association (ACDA). Additionally, Robert is the founder and publisher of Careertipster.com and serves on the Arizona Program Committee of the national non-profit, Boys Hope Girls Hope.

Interests

social media, career development, training, higher education, web 2.0/3.0, career services, leadership, marketing

Skills

social media, marketing, training, consulting, management, strategic planning

Website

http://www.careertipster.com

Activity

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog

Social Media on the Rise Means Continued Implications for Job Seekers

SOCIAL MEDIA BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THE RISE

The rise of social media has already had numerous implications for career professionals both in the way they provide service to constituents and in the way constituents go about their job search. One of the hottest legal issues centers around the social media background check. The social media background check grew in attention when the company, Social Intelligence Corp was given the green light by the FTC to scan and collect user profile information to be used in social media background checks as a service for employers. Employment Screening Resources (ESR) named… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog Comment

I am a winner, no doubt.

Hello Joseph - I was wondering if you could break down to those in the Lounge what you mean by "mind reprogramming." I love the term BTW. Thanks for contributing to the learning in the Lounge.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Use

Glen, Job postings represent one form of content that can be shared on a network for a career services page but have you considered other strategic communications for some of the purposes discussed in the course? For instance, how could your Career Services page publish content that contributes to student career-readiness by being a central part of a student's PLN? What type of content might that be? What ways would you use a Facebook platform not as a job board, but as a tool to build affinity with your office and increase student participation? You may get more ideas as… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Use

Glenn, Relationship building is key and as a social media user yourself, I can already tell you understand the importance of leveraging any resources possible to improve student relationships. You said you have a "school" page but do you have a Career Services page? If so, how might a career services page be differentiated from your school page to help you achieve your career center's goals which likely differ from a school page which may focus on retention and lead generation? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Trends

Glenn, Perhaps you would not have framed it this way, but what you describe is that you have tapped into your PLN. This is a perfect example of how social media can be leveraged as a resource. Informal learning, getting information through non-traditional sources when we need it, has grown in importance and you provide a perfect example of how social media has enabled us to learn from each other in more ways than ever. I hope after reviewing the entire course, you realize how you may be able to leverage Twitter to help you grow your PLN, and consequently,… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Trends

Glenn, You sound like an early adopter! It's great you are so active on social media and that you already realize how the use of such tools can enhance your service and your career center's service. Tell me - what is your Facebook strategy? You indicated that you share pictures and student projects. I'm curious and think it would benefit the forum for you to elaborate on why this is the type of content you strategically choose to share on the Facebook platform. What have been your goals with using your Facebook fan page and what have been the challenges?… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Challenges

Lesli, "Placing" students is certainly a challenge. However, in this overall challenge, there are certain barriers that hinder career professionals. Can you please be more specific on what challenges you to achieve your placement goals? Some people might say their challenges are that students are not motivated or the local economy isn't producing enough jobs to sustain the amount of graduates coming out of the school in a particular field, etc. These would be specific challenges that hinder placement. What are some of your specific challenges? What are the specific obstacles you face when trying to obtain employment verification? Robert… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Use

Hello Lesli, What prompted you to use Facebook as part of your Career Services strategy and how are you using this particular platform? Can you describe your strategy and how you feel it is working for you? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog Comment

This is Cool

Andrew,

I'd encourage you to complete your profile so you can more easily connect with others who have similar topics of interest. For instance, you'll notice that my profile indicates my interests making it easier for others to search me by those key words so that we can connect and share knowledge and help eachother learn. My expertise is social media, career services, alumni relations, and employer relations. If I can ever be of help, please reach out and perhaps let your colleagues know about the Lounge as a learning resource to specifically discuss things relevant to the Career College… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog Comment

Gainful Employment

Norma, Excellent post! I agree with your perspective as well as Francesca's. My question to both of you, which is failry broad, is how do organizations improve their ability to do some of the things you say are important - i.e. "give them the right tools," "assist students with appropriate programs and goals," "educate students in careers and degree programs that are professionally and personally rewarding," and "help students establish goals."

What actions support these suggestions? I'd love to hear your opinions and how you would expand up on these thoughts.

Thanks for starting a great conversation!

End of Content