Career Readiness for Faculty and Staff: Concept and Research

Empowering student success through career readiness: 

As educators, we play a vital role in shaping our students’ futures. At St. Thomas, we believe that career readiness is an essential element of a well-rounded education. The Career Readiness for Faculty and Staff resource series is designed specifically for faculty and staff and will equip you with the knowledge and tools to help students develop the skills and competencies they need to thrive in their chosen careers.

Our career readiness model draws upon two leading frameworks: 

The Career Leadership Collective: This framework identifies six essential career experiences that lead to high career mobility post-graduation. 

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): We took NACE’s original 8 career competencies and brought them to focus groups of faculty, staff, and students to see where St. Thomas aligns, and what different competencies that students prepare for throughout their journey at St. Thomas.

By integrating these frameworks into our understanding of career readiness, we can provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to student development. 

Investing in our students’ career readiness is an investment in their future and the future of our university. Together, we can empower our students to be confident, adaptable, and successful in their chosen paths. 

It is pivotal for the University of St. Thomas faculty and staff to share the same definition of career readiness. When faculty and staff have a shared understanding of what career readiness means, they can work together to develop coherent learning objectives and design effective learning experiences that align with these objectives. This, in turn, can help ensure that students are receiving a consistent and cohesive education in career readiness skills, regardless of the courses or programs they are enrolled in.

Why Career Readiness Matters in Higher Education 

In today’s rapidly changing world, preparing students for successful careers is no longer just a bonus – it’s a necessity. A holistic education includes not only academic knowledge and skills but also the key competencies employers seek. Graduates who are prepared for the workforce are more likely to land meaningful jobs, find fulfillment in their careers, and contribute positively to society. 

By the Stats: 

  • Students who engaged in career development are 2.8x more likely to say their degree was worth the investment. 
    (Lightcast, 2023 NACM Survey) 

Here are a few more reasons why career readiness is an important goal in higher education: 

  • Increased Job Opportunities: By developing essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, students become more competitive in the job market. They are better equipped to impress potential employers and land their dream jobs. 
  • Enhanced Confidence and Self-Awareness: Engaging in career exploration and development activities helps students gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and values. This self-awareness allows them to make informed career decisions and pursue paths that align with their goals. 
  • Improved Adaptability and Resilience: The skills acquired through career readiness initiatives prepare students to navigate the uncertainties of the modern workplace. They are better able to adapt to change, learn new things, and overcome challenges. 
  • Increased Lifelong Learning: By fostering a growth mindset and a sense of ownership over their career paths, students become lifelong learners. They are more likely to seek out continuous learning opportunities and remain engaged in their chosen professions. 

  • Enhanced Graduation Rates and Employment Outcomes: When students feel prepared for their careers, they are more likely to persist in their studies and graduate on time. Additionally, institutions with strong career readiness initiatives tend to boast higher employment rates for their graduates. 
  • Increased Student Satisfaction and Engagement: Students who feel supported in their career development are more likely to be satisfied with their overall educational experience. They are also more likely to be engaged in their coursework and extracurricular activities. 
  • Stronger Alumni Network: Graduates who are successful in their careers are more likely to be engaged with their alma mater. This can lead to increased financial support, mentorship opportunities for current students, and a stronger overall community. 

Career Development cannot do this work alone, and we know there are great things already happening in Career Readiness across campus. Through the use of shared language and further integrating career readiness into the St. Thomas culture, we can better equip our graduates for success in the workforce and contribute to a thriving economy.