What is the purpose of a college education today? Is it:
A) Learn to be a great thinker
B) Obtain a degree
C) Teach life skills (career management included)
D) Learn cutting edge technology and methodologies
E) None of the above
From where I stand, most colleges don't understand how to prepare students for life after college. Two recent posts from great authorities on career management both find flaws with college career centers.
Career Management, It Take a Village from CareerSolvers (@barbarasafani)
Safani says:
"But nowhere on any of the handouts was there information concerning college career and placement offices…"
"…Schools need to have proactive career planning and placement offices
that know how to help students land plum internships and counselors
that can help students market themselves effectively on their resume.
They need strong relationships with employers and they need to be up to
speed on the importance of social media in a job search."
How to Manage a College Education from Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist (@penelopetrunk)
Trunk points out:
- Career centers cater to companies, not candidates.
- Career centers don’t understand social media.
- Career center staff is self-selecting for under-performance.
- Pick a school based on their track record for getting students jobs
If this is the reality, then parents need to teach career management to their children, and at an early age- pre-college. The best way to do this is to show by example. Live your life and be in control of your career. Know how to change with the times, understand how past experiences relate to future employers, be able to sell those experiences and invest in your own professional development. No one else can do this for you.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
