Rising cost of attendance at public and private schools have broadened the attention of students (and parents!) beyond simply “getting a job” after graduation. It’s now about picking the best schools that can produce the best opportunities that ultimately become the launching pad for a successful career. And now that COVID-19 has disrupted the value proposition of every school across America, we’re likely to see some real separation between the schools that can deliver desired career outcomes for their graduates and those that can’t.
A recent Strada-Gallup study reports that 88% of graduating students are tapping into on-campus resources for career advice – specifically trusted faculty/staff and Office of Career Services. However, less than half of students say that the guidance received was helpful.
Imagine how much more your students would benefit if they had new insights into career success, such as:
Detailed information on career paths of graduates with specific degrees
Connections to your alumni who are willing to network with students
Geographic and industry trends on where the best jobs can be found (current and future)
Perspective on how career goals and personal values can be balanced. Beyond salary and titles, many people care equally about happiness and fulfilment.
Insights into how career paths differ for women and under-represented minorities
Evidence supporting the value of a graduate degree
to career advancement
Information about “soft skills” and other personal attributes correlated with career and personal success
Career insights are valuable for many Higher Ed offices:
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Admissions can use statistics about career success of graduates in marketing materials and viewbooks
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Academics can understand what aspects of the delivered curriculum are most useful in people’s working lives, as well as identify important learning gaps
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Advancement can benefit from a higher level of alumni engagement, which will expand their knowledge of what (and how) graduates are doing
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Career Services can provide current students and graduates with richer and more relevant market information, while connecting them to alumni who are willing to support their placement efforts.
The race is not always to the fast or the battle to the strong. But that is the way to bet.