Niveditha S’ Post

More people than ever before are questioning the worth of a college education as the cost of a four-year degree skyrockets; employers consider alternative hiring measures, and higher education issues become yet another political showdown. According to Gallup, just 36% of Americans last year had confidence in higher education, down sharply from 57% in 2015 - https://lnkd.in/d8mfBuBf A new report https://lnkd.in/dY5jesZx is unlikely to strengthen their faith. According to new research from the nonprofits The Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Education Foundation for the Future of Work, some 52% of college graduates are “underemployed” a year after graduation, meaning they’re working a job that doesn’t require or “make meaningful use” of their diploma. The long-term results are no more encouraging: 73% of those graduates who were underemployed one year after school remained so a decade later, according to the report. More than any other factor analyzed—including race, gender and choice of university—what a person studies determines their odds of getting on a college-level career track. Internships are also critical. The findings add fuel to the debate over the value of a college education as its cost has soared—and whether universities are producing the kind of knowledge workers that employers say they need. “You’re told your entire life, ‘Go to college, get a bachelor’s degree and your life is gonna be gravy after that,’” said Alexander Wolfe, 29 years old, a 2018 graduate from Northern Kentucky University who currently works security at a corporate facility in the Cincinnati area. “In reality, it hasn’t really helped me that much.” - https://lnkd.in/dkXCv8Xb #underemployed #highereducation #diplomas #eduaction #internships #careersuccess #studentsuccess

Here is a story about the importance of the first job after college, and the kind of college preparation that makes a difference. Internships matter! That's how I got my start, and what I have chosen to fund at my alma later.

This survey reinforces the value of internships to college students. But it's also important to note the critical role that work-based learning opportunities play in our talent strategies for West Michigan. Internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities are incentives for young talent to study here, work here and stay here. At our spring CEO Council gathering, TalentFirst members focused on leveraging the emerging talent in West Michigan through postsecondary education and employer partnerships. Our collective goals are to generate more talent, increase the efficiency of talent creation, and create regional affinity, positioning West Michigan as a growth hub. We believe the region can distinguish itself by ensuring agility, job opportunities, and strong networks for students, encouraging them to come here, connect here, and stay here post-graduation. https://lnkd.in/ef7PJdf6

As a community college, your institution is in the business of connecting students with career opportunities. You have what mature students are looking for, but you need to let them know what’s possible. With so many conflicting responsibilities on their plates, mature students want an efficient path to their career goals. Connect with these students by emphasizing your institution’s established routes to career success. Those routes may include guided pathways programs, partnerships with local employers, transfer programs to four-year institutions, and apprenticeship or internship programs—wherever your institution has smoothed the way for career opportunities. This gives mature students a clear picture of their available choices, and builds confidence that your institution can get them where they want to go. Also key is ensuring that training programs don’t overemphasize youth as a proxy for inexperience. Mature students already face anxiety about integrating with younger classmates, and may conclude that they’re ineligible for on-the-job learning if marketing materials focus too closely on the traditional college-graduate timeline. Read the full article for more ways that community colleges can win over mature students with career-oriented marketing. #careerreadiness #enrollmentgrowth #communitycolleges https://lnkd.in/ggn-my-F

Some big shake ups in this year's #WSJ Best Colleges Ranking! Princeton University is ranked No. 1, excelling in graduation rates and setting students up for financial success, but Babson College, known for entrepreneurship, secured the No. 2 spot. Stanford University came in at No. 3, showcasing a rise in schools with strong business and tech programs. Read more takeaways here!

**VCU School of Business Funding Program: A Strong Foundation for Career Engagement** The first year of the VCU School of Business funding program has set a strong foundation for career engagement, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals. This program is a great initiative by the university to support students in their career development and prepare them for the workforce. The program's focus on experiential learning, mentorship, and career development is particularly noteworthy. By providing students with real-world experiences, internships, and mentorship, the program helps students gain practical skills and build connections in their chosen field. The program's success is evident in the number of students who have participated and the positive feedback received from students and industry partners. This is a great example of how universities can work with industry partners to provide students with valuable career development opportunities. Overall, the first year of the VCU School of Business funding program has set a strong foundation for career engagement, and I expect to see continued success in the future. #VCUSchoolOfBusiness #CareerEngagement #FundingProgram #ExperientialLearning #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #IndustryPartners #UniversityIndustryCollaboration Source: https://lnkd.in/gzMu3YvX Update Date: 18 hours ago

As many as half of recent graduates are underemployed one year after leaving school, according to The Burning Glass Institute. 😬 Picking the right college and making the most of the opportunity can help you graduate into a decent-paying job and avoid getting stuck in #underemployment. Here are some tips from experts: 🚪 Choose a college that opens doors 👨💻 Develop in-demand skills 💼 Stand out with internship experience 🔎 Commit to the job search early Read more from Pete Grieve 👉 https://bit.ly/3XlN7EE

When I first began interning in Student Success and Career Pathways, my initial perspective was that the primary focus would be on providing academic support to students, helping them stay on track with their studies, and assisting them with immediate challenges like coursework and deadlines. I believed the role was largely reactive—addressing issues as they arose, like helping students when they struggle with certain subjects or need guidance on course selection. However, after a few weeks of being immersed in the department, my perspective has shifted. I now see that Student Success and Career Pathways are far more proactive and holistic in approach. It’s not just about addressing immediate academic issues but also about empowering students to navigate their entire educational and career journeys. I’ve seen how much emphasis is placed on long-term success, not just in academics but also in career readiness. The department works with students to set goals, explore career options, and develop the skills they need for the workforce, integrating academic and personal development. Currently, I view Student Success as a bridge between education and meaningful career outcomes. It’s a support system that fosters not only academic achievement but also personal growth, confidence, and professional preparedness. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of career exploration tools, internships, and mentorship as vital components of the student success framework, which I hadn’t fully recognized before my internship. The experience has taught me that helping students find their career pathways can be as important as ensuring their academic success, and often the two are deeply intertwined.

Internships in College > College Reputation Employers prioritize a history of internships over college reputation when they hire employees. Graduate and professional programs also look at what students do outside of class when admitting students. https://lnkd.in/eS6ieWar #Internships #Educ8Fit #CollegeAdmissions

Best Value College, Best Alumni Network, Best for Internships. Thanks, Princeton Review! That’s right – HWS is the best, best, best. To make the “Best Value Colleges 2024” list, The Princeton Review crunched more than 40 data points to determine which colleges and universities had the strongest return on investment. Across the board, HWS student surveys reported accessibility of internships and high ratings for alumni activity and visibility on campus. https://lnkd.in/giYiarRW