Students like Wing and Semsel, who have utilized their college’s resources and faculty members for guidance and support, are setting themselves up for success in their future careers. While their experiences may differ, their sense of confidence in their education and preparation for life after college is a common theme.
It is interesting to note that a significant portion of students surveyed have not interacted with their college’s career center. This suggests that there may be a disconnect between students and the resources available to them. It is important for colleges and universities to find ways to engage students and promote the use of career services.
Overall, the experiences of Wing and Semsel, along with the insights from the Student Voice survey, highlight the importance of taking initiative and seeking out opportunities for growth and development during college. By actively engaging with resources and experiences, students can enhance their skills and prepare themselves for success in their future careers.
Students may not be aware of all the career development services available to them. Institutions should focus on raising awareness of these services and connecting students to employers. This can help students take advantage of opportunities for internships and job possibilities. Additionally, providing support in developing people skills and awareness of workplace expectations can help students prepare for success in their future careers.
It is important for faculty members to play a role in undergraduate career exploration and development by serving as mentors and sharing insights on evolving careers in their fields. Private nonprofit institutions may have a higher percentage of students who believe faculty should serve as mentors compared to public institutions.
Despite feeling stressed about their future, the majority of students are confident that their education and experiences in college are preparing them for success. Institutions should continue to support students in their career readiness efforts by being intentional, strategic, and assessing the effectiveness of their career services. By helping students see the relevance of their coursework, building awareness of available services, and providing specific and nuanced support, institutions can better prepare students for success post-graduation.
Overall, the experts agree that there is a need for increased awareness and support for career services on college campuses. Students may not fully understand the resources available to them, such as internships and career counseling, and may not be taking full advantage of these opportunities. Faculty members play a crucial role in connecting students to career services and helping them navigate their career development. Additionally, there is a need for more collaboration between colleges, employers, and alumni to create more internship opportunities for students. By addressing these challenges, colleges can better prepare students for success after graduation.
Faculty members can play a vital role in guiding students towards career resources and incorporating these resources into the classroom to help students make connections. Ann Kirschner, a professor at Arizona State University, emphasizes the importance of providing students with the support they need to navigate life after college, especially when it comes to managing stress.
Despite the resources available at many institutions, there is still a lack of support in helping students find balance and approach their future with confidence and happiness. Kirschner believes that more needs to be done to address these concerns and prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Mike VanDerziel shares these concerns, noting that higher education institutions should focus on equipping students with essential life skills and services that will contribute to their future well-being. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that graduates prioritize job security and mental health when selecting employers.
Rebekah Pryor Paré, founder of Paré Consulting, highlights the disconnect between students’ confidence in their postgraduate preparedness and their stress levels when considering life after college. She finds it puzzling that career preparation is not given more attention in discussions about collegiate mental health crises.
The pressure on students to succeed begins in high school and continues into their college years. Universities must recognize this pressure and take steps to promote student well-being.
Is your alumni relations office working on establishing corporate partnerships to expand internship opportunities? Share your experiences with us.