Robert Pearl Starks

Carolyn, Thank you for sharing. Often, it can be a challenge to articulate the "ROI" of relationships but there are many benefits and one that is key is what you said - "Because of the partnership we have built, they will continue that relationship upon graduation and even after they have entered the workforce." Anyone in Career Services knows how critical this is if they are to have productive partnerships to help graduates fulfill their goals of becoming employed in their field. Additionally, the strong relationships influence how likely graduates are to disclose and discuss their work situation with you… >>>

Kathy, As mentioned in the course, one of the roles of career services (and anyone within an institution) is to be an internal consultant. Institutions are formed for the very purpose of collaboration to accomplish shared goals. Thus, you are correct that it is a responsibility to be a champion of change when necessary, to present information, persuade, and gain collaboration with others to address challenges observed. I honestly think that often, many individuals, particularly those who do not work in Career Services, are perhaps unaware of the barriers that influence employment outcomes. Educating others becomes a part of one's… >>>

Kristine , The challenges you speak of is common among many institutions and there are, arguably, even greater challenges for online schools who must use technology-mediated forms of communication to develop "bonds" with students. In the career counseling profession, the bond between the practitioner (career advisor, counselor, coach, etc.) and the client (student) is known as the Working Alliance. The working alliance is a partnership between the student and advisor based on a foundation of trust and open-honest communication that improves collaboration in achieving the end-goal of obtaining employment. So, what you speak of is very important and as you… >>>

Kristine , One of the things you'll notice about this course is that it focuses on understanding social media as a new tool to incorporate into your existing goals. Thus, it focuses on strategy and overall ways in which social tools can be used to achieve career center objectives. Just as career services uses the internet, phones, fax machines, etc., social media is simply a tool but because it is so different and platforms are vast, people can be overwhelmed with where to start...and where they should start is first thinking about how it plays a role as a tool… >>>

Carolyn, Thank you for elaborating in such detail. It really paints a clear picture. If you don't mind, might you share your staff size and population size? I presume you are the one who conducts the interviews with newly-enrolled students - does anyone else on your staff? Often, I know many career services offices are a one-person operation so I am wondering what your situation is like. Have you found that your early intervention has had an impact on your relationship with students so critical to developing working alliances and increasing the likelihood of continued partnership upon graduation? In what… >>>

Carolyn, I agree maintaining relationships with alumni is critical and it is very strategic to identify and engage your advocates particularly. You are so right - often, there is a perfect blend of strategic outcomes that can be achieved through a single event. The ones you mention all can converge and all are important. Thank you for sharing how you developed your relationship with the Chamber - it's wonderful! The only reason I asked about any form of measurement is because I wasn't exactly sure of the nature of the relationship - such as a formal program that was developed… >>>

Carolyn, Out of curiosity, have you ever run into an instance in which the student ends up discussing career goals that don't align with the program in which they are enrolled? Additionally, if the institution believes some sort of assessment (conducted via interview in this case)is important, can you shed light as to what prevents these assessments to occur prior to enrollment? Also, how is the assessment discussed with the student so that this practice isn't only used as a means for the career practitioner to conduct an assessment, but also used to allow the student to gain self-knowledge? What… >>>

Carolyn, Do you have any thoughts on what types of new admissions standards might be appropriate relative to the data you have that suggests new admissions standards seem to be needed? Additionally, do you have any thoughts on what data you would use to better determine these new standards? Beyond discussions with Admissions, is this a discussion that occurs at the top leadership level such as with the President, or if part of a larger corporation, with top executives? Perhaps you can evaluate some of the other potential issues that hinder progress in this area such as organizational structure (reporting… >>>

Carolyn, What strategic goals did you have in mind when deciding to engage alumni and in the manner in which you did in this example you provide? Can you discuss the "why" behind the types of events in which your institution has strategically decided to participate. How do these specific examples align with institutional objectives? When you say you work with the Chamber of Commerce, I'm curious if you could also elaborate here for the benefit of other participants. How was this relationship established and how do you specifically work with the Chamber? Can you share any evidence of effectiveness… >>>