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Career Coaching: Essential Guidance for College Students to Achieve Job Success

Many college students report insufficient education-to-career guidance, which is essential for securing employment after graduation, according to a recent study by Strada. The research indicates that while access to timely and personalized support can significantly increase the chances of graduates obtaining jobs that require a college degree, only 20% of students currently receive such assistance.

Enrollment and Career Aspirations

A study released in February by Anthology found that over half of college students enroll in higher education with the primary aim of improving their earning potential. Additionally, a considerable number prioritize career objectives, including enhanced job benefits and exploring new career paths during their studies. However, these aspirations do not always lead to successful job placement post-graduation.

Underemployment Among Graduates

Previous research from the Strada Institute for the Future of Work and the Burning Glass Institute revealed that more than 50% of college graduates are underemployed one year after earning their degrees, often holding positions that do not necessitate a bachelor’s degree. This pattern of underemployment persists for many, with 45% of individuals not seeking further education remaining in similar situations a decade later.

The Need for Effective Career Advising

In light of these findings, Strada’s recent report underscores the necessity of effective career advising to bridge the gap between education and employment. The report stresses the importance of aligning academic endeavors with career development strategies to help students make well-informed choices about their futures. Despite the recognized significance of career outcomes in higher education, a May 2024 Student Voice survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab indicated that 68% of students feel stressed about their post-college plans.

Quality Career Coaching

The report defines quality career coaching as involving personalized guidance in selecting appropriate educational and training pathways, timely information regarding job prospects and potential earnings, and support in setting educational and career goals.

Impact of Career Coaching on Job Placement

Students who receive career coaching are more likely to find employment in fields that require a college degree, with 69% reporting such jobs, and often recognize their education as beneficial for overall well-being (87%) and achieving personal goals (73%). Nevertheless, the report highlights that only one in five college students at public universities receive high-quality education-to-career coaching. There is also variation by major, with higher rates of coaching reported among students in accounting (29%), education (28%), and nursing (25%), compared to lower rates in liberal arts (16%) and psychology (15%).

Sources of Career Guidance

The survey findings indicate that students report receiving more support (67%) and general guidance (53%) than timely, specific information about career paths (38%). Most career-related information comes from instructors or staff rather than personalized advising or coaching, which underscores the crucial role of faculty in preparing students for their future careers.

The Challenge for First-Generation Students

Furthermore, family and peers are significant sources of career advice, though disparities exist, particularly among historically marginalized groups. First-generation college students, for example, often face challenges in accessing guidance from family and friends, which can hinder their career advancement.

Recommendations for Improvement

Based on these insights, Strada’s report offers five recommendations for higher education institutions to improve career coaching initiatives. These recommendations include providing timely career-related information during orientation and initial advising, integrating career coaching into the core curriculum, establishing multiple points of contact throughout the students’ academic experience, equipping staff with relevant data on career outcomes, and empowering the entire campus community to engage in career discussions.

Aim for Enhanced Student Success

The aim of these recommendations is to enhance student success and better prepare graduates for their professional journeys after college.

Source: Inside Higher Ed

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