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

Identify at least one new event programming idea you learned in the course that you would like to see your institution implement (Job Skills Olympics, Job Fairs, Networking Mixers, Industry/Alumni Speakers, Intern/Extern/Volunteer Fairs). How do you believe this would improve graduate employment outcomes?
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?
Share ways in which your institution views employment rates in a systemic, institutional way? How do you believe each department works together to improve employment rates, or what would you recommend be done?
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?

Editor Kevin Kevin presents the second video in a four-part series of interviews with Diana Oblinger, President and CEO of EDUCAUSE.  Diana talks with Kevin about the nuances of the net generation and how these students prefer to learn. 

There's plenty of criticism going around regarding the fact that much of the entire U.S. educational system from preschool to postsecondary education is outdated in the 21st century economy.  In fact, it's a bit cliche at this point but every now-and-then, something grabs your attention.  This video has over 4 Million views on YouTube and while I can't tell you why it resonates with so many, I can tell you what I enjoyed about it:

1. This video was made in 2007 before it was as popular as it is now to criticize the educaiton system.  The great recession acted… >>>

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.

 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.  

 

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… >>>

Discussion Comment
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.

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