Career services leadership and advocacy

Just wondering, Reader- If your busiest employers disappeared tomorrow, would your students notice? They post jobs. They show up at fairs. They host info sessions every fall. But here’s the real question: Are they actually partnering with you—or just passing through? Many career centers track employer activity. But high activity doesn’t always mean high impact. Some of your most visible employers might also be your most transactional. They’re here for the seniors, not the student journey....

Hello, Reader- There’s a question echoing louder across campuses than ever before: “Is college still worth it?” Students are asking. Parents are asking. Presidents are being asked to justify it. And behind that question is something deeper: doubt. Doubt that the investment will pay off.Doubt that the degree will lead to a good job.Doubt that students are building the skills they need—despite how hard they’re working. That doubt is starting to show up in the data. They’re not just stopping...

Hey there, Reader- Have you noticed it, too? Experiential learning (EL) is everywhere in higher ed right now. It’s in your strategic plan.It’s in your president’s speeches.It’s on your to-do list for “someday soon.” But here’s the truth:Most campuses haven’t figured out how to move beyond the pilot phase. They’ve launched something—a course, a grant, a summer program.But the momentum doesn’t always last. Why? Because scaling EL isn’t just about adding more courses and programs. It’s about...

Hello! Your semester may be wrapping up—but make no mistake: something big is unfolding. While many of us have been laser-focused on events, advising appointments, and increasing FDS response rates (because of course we have), a massive shift has been accelerating outside our offices. And most people in higher ed haven’t caught up to it. The story? The value of higher education is being redefined—by policymakers, accreditors, and governors—and career services is suddenly sitting at the center...

Hey there, Reader- Here’s a painful truth: 2 in 5 students never engage with career services (NACE). Not because they don’t care about their future.Not because your resources aren’t valuable. But because they don’t know what you offer—or why it matters right now. That’s a marketing problem hiding in plain sight. And most career centers don’t even know they need a funnel. Yeah....not this kind of funnel... Wait—what’s a marketing funnel? It’s the journey that moves someone from: Awareness →...

Hi, Reader- Across the country, career centers are being told to trim the fat. But what happens when there’s no fat left? A 5% cut means scaling back hours or shelving a program.A 10% cut? That’s the difference between keeping your career management platform… ...or sending your staff to professional development they desperately need. And let’s be honest—your staff is already stretched thin. You’re covering more students, more employers, more reporting… with less support. You know what’s at...

Helllooooo, Reader- First Destination Survey season is here—and for many, the numbers aren’t looking great. If your FDS response rate is under 50%, you’ve got a problem. And if your knowledge rate is below 65%, you're not alone—but you are in risky territory. In a recent Ask Me Anything session with Career Services Accelerator members, the most urgent topic was clear: getting more students to complete the FDS. It wasn’t just about compliance or NACE standards—it was about credibility. What...

Hey, Reader- May 1st is College Decision Day. Students are committing. Parents are exhaling.Instagram feeds are full of campus lawn signs and celebratory selfies with captions like “So proud of my future Husky/Spartan/Seagull/Artichoke!” It’s a milestone. But it’s also a moment of vulnerability. Because once the hype dies down, the questions start creeping in: Will I make friends? Did I pick the right major? What am I going to do with this degree… and what even is a bursar? And yet, most...

Hey, Reader- Your space is saying something. 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. 🎧 Listen to the full...