Read Time
INDIANAPOLIS — Strada Education Network and the National Survey for Student Engagement today released a new analysis of national educational survey data, pinpointing stark differences between the career preparation activities first-year college students intend to complete compared to what seniors had actually accomplished.
Research teams from the two organizations began partnering in 2019 to develop a new topical module focused on career and workforce preparation. The module was available for the first time in the 2021 NSSE administration and more than 90 U.S. institutions selected the module for administration to their undergraduate students. The resulting database of more than 55,000 completed surveys is a rich source for understanding current student expectations and experiences for career development. In addition to demonstrating a mismatch between students’ intentions and actual career preparation activities — particularly in the critical area of social capital development — the analysis identified equity gaps in career preparation, with first-generation students participating in fewer career-building activities than students whose parents hold at least bachelor’s degrees.
“NSSE is delighted to partner with Strada and the colleges and universities that chose this module to better understand students’ career-related experiences in college,” said NSSE’s Jillian Kinzie, Ph.D. “Results suggest the potential for greater institution investment in enhanced career-preparation experiences and internships, and the value of integrating career and educational goal exploration in courses.”
The analysis emphasizes the importance of supporting students throughout their college experience and encouraging participation in critical social capital-building activities that will position them to make a strong transition to the job market after graduation. The activities that made the most difference, the researchers said, were networking with alumni and professionals in their chosen fields and gaining on-the-job experience through internships related to their studies.
“We found promising indicators that, overall, seniors are graduating with a sense of clarity on their career plans and confidence in their budding workplace skills,” said Elaine W. Leigh, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at Strada who was lead author of the report. “However, we also found equity gaps, especially among first-generation students, in participating in activities like networking with professionals and alumni. These are areas where offering additional support to students can help them navigate the transition from college to career.”
The mismatch between first-year expectations and seniors’ experiences suggests that more intentional efforts are needed somewhere along students’ college journeys to ensure all students fully take advantage of the services and opportunities for career development on their campuses. Low participation rates among seniors also may reflect the pandemic’s disruption on access to career services in general, they said.
When seniors, and in particular, first-generation students, participated in social capital-building activities in college, they reported greater confidence in their workplace skills and greater clarity in their career plans.
The full report is available online.
###
About Strada Education Network
Strada Education Network is a new kind of nonprofit social impact organization, dedicated to increasing individuals’ economic mobility through purposeful connections between education and employment. Our approach combines innovative research, thought leadership, strategic philanthropy and investments, and support for a network of nonprofits. Together, we work to better serve the millions of Americans seeking to complete postsecondary education and training, gain clear value from those experiences, and build meaningful careers. Learn more at stradaeducation.org .
To create a PDF of the webpage, choose in opened window 'Save as PDF' option in 'Destination' select or something like that and click to save or print button.
Strada Education Network announced today the winners in the initial phase of a $10 million grant challenge aimed at helping higher education institutions identify and expand new solutions that will improve career and life opportunities for more students of color, first-generation students, those who struggle to afford education, and adult students and workers.
NSSE and Strada researchers identify gaps in social capital development in 2021 NSSE career preparation data
Recognized Economic and Workforce Development Leader to Join National Nonprofit in January 2022
Courses, faculty receive high marks, but valued education-career connections are less consistent, and females, first-generation, Black alumni are less likely to report successful outcomes
Grant competition seeks to connect learning with employment for first-generation students, those who struggle to afford education, and students of color.
$25 million grant from Strada Education Network taps the collective experience and insights of HBCU leaders to scale experiential learning and leadership development within the college experience .main-content__header-area .header-image .text-box { max-width: 100% !important; text-align: center; }
New organization will allow each constituent part to focus on mission delivery, gaining operating efficiencies by leveraging support services from Strada
Surveys and interviews with 2020, 2021 high school graduates who postponed their education plans due to COVID-19 also show advising, financial assistance, career relevance are important to bringing students back to campus.
Report also finds that more respondents rate shorter nondegree programs as worth the cost than longer ones
Combination to Create a Leading Labor Market Analytics Company
Strada Education Network’s latest survey finds that 32 percent of adults whose education plans were disrupted by COVID-19 are no longer enrolled or planning to enroll, up from 10 percent last spring
Strada Education Network’s latest Public Viewpoint research finds that fewer than 4 in 10 Black alumni and less than half of Latino alumni feel that it was worth taking out their student loans—but strong career support boosts their assessment.
Bill Hansen to Step Down After Eight Years Leading Nonprofit Social Impact Organization
University of Utah leader will drive Strada Education Network’s research, philanthropy, policy, and thought leadership on national stage.
Breaux, Jenkins and Olinger Join Governing Board; Coulis Selected as Board Chair for National Social Impact Organization Focused on Strengthening Education-to-Employment Pathways
Americans cited an unfair system for hiring and advancement, a lack of employer support for education or training, and insufficient skills or credentials as the top barriers to good jobs
Nearly two million college students (13 percent) at four-year institutions expect to delay their graduation because of COVID-19, and another 15 percent aren’t sure if they will.
Strada grant brings the number of JRF/Strada Scholars to 42; provides vital program support
Compared to a year ago, adults without degrees are 18 percentage points less likely to believe education and training will be worth the cost, and 25 percentage points less likely to believe it will get them a good job
Nearly four in 10 Americans say relevance is the No. 1 factor in choosing among education options, and when it comes to delivery mode, safety and convenience drive preferences for online-only education
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that a majority of Americans prefer online-only or hybrid education options; Black Americans have the strongest interest in and perceptions of the value of online education among racial groups
New results from the Strada Center for Consumer Insights find that Americans’ decisions about pursuing postsecondary education are heavily influenced by career value, logistics, and self-confidence.
Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research to Collaborate with Strada Center for Consumer Insights
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that workers who say they would switch careers are most interested in business, IT, and finance.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that 50 percent of Latinos and 42 percent of Black Americans have canceled or modified education plans.
Courtney Hills McBeth to coordinate national engagement efforts for social impact organization
Strada Center for Consumer Insights' weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that 65 percent of young Americans have either canceled their education plans, delayed enrollment, or made other substantial changes.
Strada Center for Consumer Insights’ weekly survey on the impact of COVID-19 finds that some Americans are already returning to work – and those with advanced degrees are far more likely to have found new employment
Strada Center for Consumer Insights analyzes its weekly survey of Americans on impact of COVID-19 by job field
Strada Center for Consumer Insights poll finds COVID-19 has disrupted Americans' education plans; thoughts about where they would enroll have shifted.