Robert Pearl Starks

Robert Pearl Starks

Location: phoenix, arizona

About me

As Vice President of Product Development, I lead cross-functional teams of designers, developers, QA testers and product stakeholders to develop, launch, and improve products customers need and love. 

Previously, I've worked in a variety of leadership roles in education / learning & professional development. Through my experience, I've become accustomed to working across departmental silos and with various stakeholders (executives, end-users, faculty, staff, students / learners, alumni, parents, regulatory agencies, partners and employers) to facilitate collaboration and advance common goals. In my previous roles, I've advocated for student needs and driven organizational change that helped educators do their best work, students thrive in their careers, and employers connect with quality talent.

Despite different contexts, a common theme in my career journey has been to do work that contributes to a mission which improves people's lives. It's also always been important for me to work with an organization whose values align with my own. I'm a listener, empathizer, customer advocate, servant leader, and lifelong learner. I'm never satisfied with status quo, I constantly strive for "better," and I'm driven by genuine curiosity to solve complex problems.

“Work to become; not to acquire.” -Elbert Hubbard

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

Activity

What are some of the pros and cons of the 19th Century Placement Model still used by many institutions in today’s 21st century economy?
What are the most common barriers that your students have encountered that have affected their employability? What strategies has your institution used to specifically address low employment rates related to these issues?
Hi Sharon, Are there interviews conducted with students who do not complete to get feedback from them on what prevented them from completing? When you say you suspect the students didn't select a site in alignment with what they truly desired from the course experience, what makes you feel this way? For others who may also experience this challenge, what steps have been taken thus far to improve this issue? Robert Starks Jr.
Hi Sharon, Do you have an example of what you mean by a student "freezing?" What steps have you taken to ensure the employer relationship wasn't damaged? Robert Starks Jr.

Steve Gunderson, president of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, discusses President Barack Obama's revised for-profit college rules that go into effect June 2015. He speaks with Trish Regan and Matt Miller on Bloomberg Television's "Street Smart." (Source: Bloomberg) 

Hi Maria Rosario, How do staff members who conduct these career-focused workshops ensure they remain current in regards to career marketing, job search strategies, interview strategies, etc. Things have changed so dramatically and quickly over the past few years, how does your institution ensure staff are current so that what they teach is current? Robert Starks Jr.
Hi Maria Rosario, In what ways does your institution develop soft skills in students as part of career preparation? Robert Starks Jr.
Hi Sharon, In what ways has your institution made changes to address the evolution in careers you mention and to adjust the ways students are prepared to enter the 21st century job market? Where is there still opportunity to make further changes? Robert Starks Jr.
Hi Jason, Sounds like your team has a solid process. Is this a formalized process such as through a cross-functional committee, informal, or a combination? Can you elaborate on how you're able to manage and sustain your close internal communication and collaboration? What is working and what can be improved? Robert Starks Jr.
Discussion Comment
Hi Robert, In what ways do you currently address your biggest challenge? How are you incorporating social media currently or how do you plan on doing so? Have you found anything you're doing to be particularly effective in developing closer relationships with your students? Robert Starks Jr.

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