Even if your student ambassadors never said a word about career readiness on the campus tour, students, families, and community members are picking up the message loud and clear.
The question is—does it match what you want them to hear?
I joined the EdUp Campus Planning podcast to talk about how the physical and symbolic presence of career services can shape everything from student engagement to institutional reputation.
And because I know you’re not here for theory alone, I’ve included a few things you can implement right now—even if your office is somewhere between a storage closet and a surprise scavenger hunt.
1. Space is strategy
Location isn’t everything… unless you’re buried behind a locked door on the third floor of a building no one visits.
Students are busy. If your office is hidden, it’s not just hard to find—it’s easy to ignore. But a central, accessible spot turns career services from “I’ve heard of it” to “I walked by it twice today.”
🚶♀️ Out of sight = out of mind. In plain view = in the plan.
Try this: Add some signage near where students already go (think: food, friends, or printers that work). Sandwich boards. Floor decals. A sign that says, “Your future called. It’s this way.” Whatever works.
2. Space reflects values—and inspires possibility
Career development isn’t a chore. It’s an exploration of identity, purpose, and opportunity. When students walk into your office, what do they feel?
Pressured? Confused? Or inspired to imagine what their lives could look like after college?
✨ Your space shouldn’t say, “We fix resumes.” It should say, “Let’s build your future.”
Thoughtful design doesn’t require fancy furniture. It requires intentional messaging. Help students see themselves in the future—then show them how to start building it.
Try this: Curate a visual experience that shows the journey. Feature alumni stories on a “Where Are They Now?” wall, display a campus map with internship sites, or hang posters with real student quotes about their career paths.
3. If students don’t come to you—go to them
Not every career center is centrally located. And not every student has the time, comfort, or context to seek you out.
That’s why it’s time to ditch the “if we build it, they will come” mindset. Instead, start thinking: Where are students already?
🏃♂️ We have to meet students where they are—physically, emotionally, and academically.
Academic departments. Identity-based spaces. The student union. Even the residence halls. These are all powerful entry points for career conversations.
"Free career advising!!!!!!!"
Try this: Partner with one academic department or student org to host weekly drop-ins in their space. Keep it low-key. No PowerPoints, no pressure. Just your team, a laptop, and a sign that says, “Let’s talk about your future.”
4. Your space is a message to the outside world
Career services isn’t just for students. Your space is on display for every parent, legislator, donor, or campus partner who walks through your building—even if they’re just looking for the bathroom.
🎓 Your space doesn’t have to be big—but the message it sends should be.
Try this: Ask to be featured on the campus tour. If that’s a no-go, turn your lobby into a visual highlight: infographics, student success snapshots, or a big “95% of grads land jobs or grad school in 6 months” sign. (Assuming that’s true. Otherwise… you know, maybe a photo wall.)
Final thought:
You don’t need a capital project to send a clear message.
You just need strategy, a little creativity, and a willingness to show up.
🎯 This week, pick one way to make career services more visible, welcoming, or woven into the student experience.
Your future students—and your future self—will thank you.
Then tune into the podcast for more stories and strategies from campuses doing this work in smart, scalable ways:
