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

Discussion Comment

Relationship-building Strategies

Hi Victoria, Graduate surveys and advisory boards are typically required by accrediting agencies. Beyond these standard requisite practices, institutions should be implementing strategies that align with the unique needs of their population. I'd be curious to learn what other strategies your institution implements beyond these requisite ones. Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog

One Trillion Dollars, Student Debt and Higher Education [TED Talk Video]

Greg Gottesman is a Managing Director of Madrona Venture Group, a leading venture capital firm based in Seattle. Here, Greg gives a TED talk discussing the problem of rising student debt due to rising costs of higher education. He provides eye-opening data and suggests ideas for educating more students with less money.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Platforms

Hi Mendy, When you say "Facebook for Alumni," can you explain in what way Facebook is being used and why Alumni? How is your usage tailored to an alumni audience? When you say "LinkedIn" for networking, can you elaborate? Do you mean you and other Career Advisors are using LinkedIn to build your employer network, that you help alumni network with other alumni through a LinkedIn group, or something else? All platforms are used for "networking" so if you could elaborate on your strategy vs. your activity, this would help me understand your intended purpose for using social media tools… >>>

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Challenges

Hi Mendy, Might you be able to identify some of the intervention strategies your department implements to address these issues you have identified? I'm sure others share similar challenges - in what ways is your department intervening to address them? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Social Media Trends

Hi Mendy, I am wondering how you stay current with social media trends. What do you currently do to maintain your knowledge of new media, its purposeful usage and trends? Can you also elaborate on what the strategy is behind using social media channels to "post encouraging comments" and "tips on how to interview?" I think its great to encourage alumni and help them with interview tips but I am curious to know your strategy - what is social media helping your department accomplish? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog

Sector Spotlight Video Interview with Diana Oblinger, President and CEO of EDUCAUSE (1 of 4)

Career College Central Editor, Kevin Kuzma, leads the first in a four-part series of interviews with Diana Oblinger, President and CEO of EDUCAUSE. Diana talks with Kevin about the next generation of learners and how education has changed over the last several decades.

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog

All Hands on Deck for Higher Education [Round Table Discussion]

At the TIME Summit on Higher Education, journalist Bill Moyers moderated a discussion on the future of America's universities. Guests included the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

Hi Joseph, Externships are great for the experience students get but also for the relationship they develop with the employer. Internships and externships have a high conversion to job offers compared to other job search strategies. It's great that this is a component for most of your programs. Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Discussion Comment

Targeting Intervention Strategies

Hi Joseph, Whereas one person can't possibly personalize intervention approaches for each individual, how might make determinations about how you prioritize your intervention strategies and ensure they are appropriate for targeted cohorts? Might you focus on your reporting cohort graduates differently from beginning students or those who need intensive case management services vs. those who need self-help resources? What ideas do you have to adapt in these ways? Robert Starks Jr.

Robert Pearl Starks

Blog

How Much are Students Borrowing for College on Average? Get the Stats!

71% of all undergraduate students received some type of financial aid (including student loans) in the 2011–12 academic year. For those who received any aid, the total average amount was $10,800. That's according to the 2011–12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12) study released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This study represents undergraduate and graduate students attending postsecondary institutions in the United States.

Other findings from the 2011–12 academic year include:

59% of undergraduate students received grants
42% took out student loans
6% received aid through work-study jobs
4% received veterans’ benefits
5% had parents

>>>

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