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

Glenn, Perhaps you would not have framed it this way, but what you describe is that you have tapped into your PLN. This is a perfect example of how social media can be leveraged as a resource. Informal learning, getting information through non-traditional sources when we need it, has grown in importance and you provide a perfect example of how social media has enabled us to learn from each other in more ways than ever. I hope after reviewing the entire course, you realize how you may be able to leverage Twitter to help you grow your PLN, and consequently,… >>>

Glenn, You sound like an early adopter! It's great you are so active on social media and that you already realize how the use of such tools can enhance your service and your career center's service. Tell me - what is your Facebook strategy? You indicated that you share pictures and student projects. I'm curious and think it would benefit the forum for you to elaborate on why this is the type of content you strategically choose to share on the Facebook platform. What have been your goals with using your Facebook fan page and what have been the challenges?… >>>

Discussion Comment

Lesli, "Placing" students is certainly a challenge. However, in this overall challenge, there are certain barriers that hinder career professionals. Can you please be more specific on what challenges you to achieve your placement goals? Some people might say their challenges are that students are not motivated or the local economy isn't producing enough jobs to sustain the amount of graduates coming out of the school in a particular field, etc. These would be specific challenges that hinder placement. What are some of your specific challenges? What are the specific obstacles you face when trying to obtain employment verification? Robert… >>>

Hello Lesli, What prompted you to use Facebook as part of your Career Services strategy and how are you using this particular platform? Can you describe your strategy and how you feel it is working for you? Robert Starks Jr.

Andrew,

I'd encourage you to complete your profile so you can more easily connect with others who have similar topics of interest.  For instance, you'll notice that my profile indicates my interests making it easier for others to search me by those key words so that we can connect and share knowledge and help eachother learn.  My expertise is social media, career services, alumni relations, and employer relations.  If I can ever be of help, please reach out and perhaps let your colleagues know about the Lounge as a learning resource to specifically discuss things relevant to the Career College… >>>

Norma, Excellent post!  I agree with your perspective as well as Francesca's.  My question to both of you, which is failry broad, is how do organizations improve their ability to do some of the things you say are important - i.e. "give them the right tools," "assist students with appropriate programs and goals," "educate students in careers and degree programs that are professionally and personally rewarding," and "help students establish goals."

 

What actions support these suggestions?  I'd love to hear your opinions and how you would expand up on these thoughts.

Thanks for starting a great conversation!

Discussion Comment
How are you measuring the effectiveness of your social media strategy?
Discussion Comment
What have you found engages your students on social media?
How do you manage your social media strategy?
Which social media platforms are you using and why do you use them?

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