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Career Planning Curriculum for Senior Students’
Transition to the Workforce
Presented by: Temple Carter, M.Ed.
Lisa Chrans, M.A.
Jeremy Roethler, Ph.D
Senior Lecturers, University College
Texas State University
23rd National Conference on Students in
Transition
New Orleans, Louisiana October 17,
2016
SESSION
Address the challenges of senior students transitioning
from college to the world of work
Reveal areas where students are unprepared in career
development
Examine students’ low readiness for career interventions
Present Bachelor of General Studies Curriculum & identify
student learning outcomes
Explore BGS alumni post-graduation successes
Discuss progressive methods for assisting senior students
in workforce transitions
Preview the future of General Studies at Texas State
University
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Degree
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
SO WHY DO EMPLOYERS WANT
NEW EMPLOYEES TO FORGET WHAT
THEY LEARNED IN SCHOOL?
AS OUR STUDENTS
PREPARE TO GRADUATE,
HOW ARE THEY
PLANNING THEIR
TRANSITION FROM
COLLEGE TO THE
WORKFORCE?
“Under a ¼ of
students have the
tools and skills
necessary to find a
job.”
“Approx. ½ of the
Career Center
Directors agreed “the
majority of students
didn’t have résumés
ready to present to
potential employers.”
“Practice interviewing
is effective, but a
service students
used least.”
CAREER CENTER DIRECTORS
ARE SAYING….
—2012 NACE Survey of 600
Career Center Directors
WHAT EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT
COLLEGE GRADUATES AND THEIR
CAREER PREPAREDNESS
“Fewer than two in five (39%) hiring managers say
recent college graduates interviewed in the last
two years were completely or very prepared for a
job in their field of study.”
“Recent graduates have the workplace
competencies they need, but could not articulate
or demonstrate their abilities.”
“36% of Human Resources Pros reported that
recent graduates are “unprepared for the working
world,” and “33% said they have a bad attitude
when interviewing.”
--2013 Chegg Study of
1,000 Hiring Managers
--2013 Michigan State Univ.
Collegiate Employment Research
Survey
--2014 Millennial Branding
Consulting Firm and Career
Network Beyond.com
“COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AS
THEY BRING NEW STUDENTS INTO
THE COLLEGE, THEY REALLY DO A
LOT TO TRANSITION……THERE
HASN’T BEEN MUCH HELP, I THINK,
FOR STUDENTS AS THEY
TRANSITION OUT.”
—Michele Meyer, Northland College, V.P for
Student Affairs
COLLEGE VS.
WORLD OF WORK MINDSETCollege World of Work
You are the primary owner of your time Time is at the mercy of your employer
Financial awards depend on your
efforts
Financial awards are fixed and
determined by the employer
Work and leisure often are fused
together
Leisure comes when work is done
Work is directed by you Work is directed by your supervisor
Flexible schedule Structured schedule
Professors Supervisor
Frequent breaks and time off Limited time off
Personal control over time,
classes, and interests
Primarily responding to others
directions and interests
Primarily individual effort Often team effort
Intellectual challenge Organizational challenge
Focus on personal growth and
development
Focus on getting results for the
organization
STUDENT TRANSITION PROCESS
(Example)
High School College/University Career
• New Student Orientation
• Freshman Seminar Course
• Freshmen Mentors
• Varied resources and career
components
• Senior - major capstone
course with exit exam?
• Career Centers
• Job Fairs
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Degree
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, Texas
• Emerging Research University
• Enrollment: 38,849
CAREER TRANSITION CHALLENGES
FOR TEXAS STATE STUDENTS
Variables Contributing to Low Readiness for
Effective Use of Career Interventions
--Personal Characteristics
Acute and/or chronic negative thoughts and feelings
--Personal Circumstances
Acute or chronic external barriers
--Prior Experience with Career Interventions
Limited prior experience with career resources
--Unrealistic Expectations
“Students flourish when you can present what you’re doing in a
program, than just meeting with a counselor.”
—Robert Earl, Barnard College, Director of Career Development
It’s anything but “general”.
What Is the
Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)?
BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES
(BGS)
Initiated in Fall 2007
Individualized & interdisciplinary degree for students with a broad
range of academic interests
Combine three minors that support career interests
Two BGS core courses identify & synthesize connections within the
minor coursework (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student analysis required to integrate three disciplines provides
important workplace skills that are attractive to potential employers
Graduates have potential for a wide variety of employment
opportunities in numerous career fields
http://www.txstate.edu/ucollege/bgs.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69 minor options
2.25 TXST GPA required for each minor
No course below a “C” for minor credit
Aerospace Studies
Aging & the Life Course
Agriculture Animal Science
Anthropology
Applied Math
Art & Design
Art History
Biochemistry
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Coaching Athletics
Communication Studies
Computer Science
Consumer Affairs
Criminal Justice
Diversity Studies
Early Child Intervention
Economics
English
Exercise & Sports Science
Family & Child Development
Family & Consumer Sci.
Fashion Merchandising
Forensic Psychology
French
Geography
Geology
German
Health & Wellness Promo.
Healthcare Administration
Health Communication
Health Info Management
History
Honors Studies
Horticulture
International Studies
Japanese
Journalism
Leadership Studies
Mass Communication
Math
Media Studies
Med. & Renaissance Stud.
Military Science
Nature & Heritage Tourism
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Plant & Soil Science
Political Communication
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Recreation Administration
Religious Studies
Social Work
Sociology
Southwestern Studies
Spanish
Special Education
Sports Psychology
Studies in Popular Culture
Technology
Theatre
Value Studies
Women's Studies
Writing
--------------------------
BGS Minors
HOW DID THE BGS DEGREE EVOLVE
FROM 2007 TO 2016?
2007 2008
2009-20102011
2012 -2013
2014-2016
Launched GNST 1150-Interdisciplinary Experiences (1.5 hrs. per week).
Collected feedback from students and refined freshman course.
Continued to refine and add more assignments & activities.
Launched GNST 3350-Interdisciplinary Preparation (1.5 hrs. 2X per week)
Launched GNST 3350-Interdisciplinary Preparation to non-traditional students (satellite campus)
Collected feedback from students and refined courses.
Who Can Benefit from a BGS Degree?
Students who…
Intend to enter a career field not represented by a
specific major at TXST
Aspire to gain skills in multiple subject areas
See a solid connection between their professional
and/or personal goals and transferable skills from 3
minors
Change careers / seek first-time career planning
Is BGS a Good Fit?
Further is Discussion Needed for…
Students who…
“Wish to utilize all previous coursework” or seek a “fast track”
degree option
Are guaranteed a specific job post-graduation
Are still “Exploratory” in their career choice or academic path
Have been in the workforce for many years
(another degree option in Applied Arts is the BAAS)
Are pursuing Teaching or Nursing
CURRENT BGS MAJORS
220 (43% increase from 2015)
Average student age: 24
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Degree
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
GNST 3350- INTERDISCIPLINARY PREPARATION
ASSIGNMENTS
Self-assessment, Skills Matrix
Occupational Research
Group Presentation
Job Application Packet [Résumé,
Cover Letter, Thank-you Note,
Employer Research]
Employer Information Interview
Practice (Mock) Interview with
Career Services
Final Career Presentation
“What Color is Your Parachute”
Exams
ACTIVITIES
Self-assessment (Interests,
Personality, Skills, Values &
Motivation) Surveys & Discussion
Class Evaluation of Career &
Group Presentations
Soft Skills (10) In-Class Practice
Career Services Workshops (4): Job Hunting, Résumés & Cover
Letters, Interviewing Skills, First-Year
Professional
Networking Practice (Alumni Assn.)
Group & Class Discussion After
Each Assignment
“Colleges should be embedding career development into the fabric of
undergraduate education…this better prepares students for life after college.”
--Andy Chan, Wake Forest Univ., V.P. for Personal & Career Development
Recent graduates have the workplace
competencies they need, but could not
articulate or demonstrate their abilities.”
—2013 Michigan State Univ. Collegiate Employment
Research Survey
“The GNST 3350 class really
paid off. I used the one-page
format for my résumé and the
Performance Based Interview
Panel was really impressed. I
was nervous during the
interview but knocked their
socks off when outlining my
degree.”—BGS Graduate, 2012
GNST 3350: Interdisciplinary Preparation
What Do Students Learn?
Complete a project that links all three chosen
minors (written product & oral presentation)
The project includes research, literature reviews and
information analysis, resulting in an applied knowledge
written product
GNST 4350: Interdisciplinary Project
GNST 4350 SAMPLE PROJECTS
“Understanding Cultural Backgrounds and Applying Principles of
Effective Communication: A Series of Training Sessions for
Supervisors of CMC Steel Texas”
Minors: Communication Studies, Leadership Studies, Sociology
Promoted to Trainer and Supervisor at CMC Steel
“Nonprofit Fundraising Events: A Guide to Successfully Raising
Awareness and Funds”
Minors: Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration
Graduated in May 2016--Summa Cum Laude
“A Music Education Tour Bus for Southeast Texas”
Minors: Business Administration, Mass Communication, Music
Works for Austin Music Festival
A Texas oil company is interested in her touring musicians project
“A Program Proposal for Expanded LGBTQ-Specific Mental Health
Services at Texas State University’s Counseling Center”
Minors: Psychology, Mass Communication, English
Intends to pursue graduate work in Sociology/Diversity Studies
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Degree
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
119
64
25 27
48
90.878.1
87.5 92.5 100
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Number of Students
% Meet or Exceed Outcome
General Studies Program OutcomesOUTCOME #1
STUDENTS ANALYZE PERSONAL STRENGTHS, INTERESTS,
ACADEMIC PREPARATION AND DEMONSTRATE THE LINK
BETWEEN THESE QUALITIES AND CAREER POTENTIALS.
METHOD #1
Faculty review of a self-
assessment and skills matrix
assignment completed by students
in GNST 3350 will show that 70%
meet (equivalent to C letter grade
on the assignment) and/or exceed
(equivalent to higher than a C letter
grade on the assignment)
minimum expectations.
119
64
25 27
48
99.1 95.3 88.5100 93
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Number of Students
% Meet or Exceed Outcome
General Studies Program OutcomesOUTCOME #1
STUDENTS ANALYZE PERSONAL STRENGTHS, INTERESTS,
ACADEMIC PREPARATION AND DEMONSTRATE THE LINK
BETWEEN THESE QUALITIES AND CAREER POTENTIALS.
METHOD #2:
Faculty review and evaluation of a
Career Preparation assignment
(Formal Class Presentation)
completed by students in GNST
3350 will show that 70% meet
(equivalent to C letter grade on
the assignment) and/or exceed
(equivalent to higher than a C
letter grade on the assignment)
minimum expectations.
119
64
25 27
48
86.6 92.2 92 92.5 97
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Number of Students
% Meet or Exceed Outcome
General Studies Program OutcomesOUTCOME #2
STUDENTS MANIFEST KNOWLEDGE OF PREVAILING TRENDS IN THE
JOB MARKET, INCLUDING BEST PRACTICES IN JOB SEARCHING,
RESUME/COVER LETTER BUILDING AND INTERVIEW PROTOCOLS.
METHOD #1:
Faculty review and evaluation of
written examinations drawn
from the textbook and other
supplemental classroom
instructional materials
completed by students in GNST
3350 will show that 70% meet
(equivalent to C letter grade on
the assignment) and/or exceed
(equivalent to higher than a C
letter grade on the assignment)
minimum expectations.
119
64
25 27
48
87.498.8 96 93.5 93
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Number of Students
% Meet or Exceed Outcome
General Studies Program OutcomesOUTCOME #2
STUDENTS MANIFEST KNOWLEDGE OF PREVAILING TRENDS IN THE
JOB MARKET, INCLUDING BEST PRACTICES IN JOB SEARCHING,
RESUME/COVER LETTER BUILDING AND INTERVIEW PROTOCOLS.
METHOD #2:
Faculty review of a “Job
Application” assignment
(resume and cover letter)
completed by students in GNST
3350 (Interdisciplinary
Preparation) will show that 70%
meet (equivalent to C letter grade
on the assignment) and/or
exceed (equivalent to higher than
a C letter grade on the
assignment) minimum
expectations.
More General Studies Program
Outcomes
Outcome 3
– Students establish the connections between and among
their three minors in support of an integrated research
project and a coherent career path.
Outcome 4
– Students develop a formal written project that makes use
of research, analysis, and critical thinking skills; integrates
their three minors; and supports a specified career
outcome.
Outcome 5
– Students communicate as individuals and in teams
information about such topics as career preparation,
current trends in then job market, their fields of study and
their research formally to a professional/academic
audience using (where appropriate) technology and other
media.
Assessment: Plan of Action for 2016-
2017
33
“Based on the results from the 2015-2016 assessment cycle, General
Studies Degree program faculty have concluded that improving
student performance on Outcome 4 (Students develop a formal
written project that makes use of research, analysis and critical
thinking skills integrates their three minors, and supports a specified
career outcome) remains the priority for academic year 2016-2017.
The formal written project, divided into a formal proposal and the
project itself, is the capstone artifact for the General Studies program.
Based on the data for both 2014-15 and 2015-2016, it is clear that the
project continues to represent the most formidable challenge to
students in the program.”
Between 2015 and 2016 the number of final projects assessed as
“acceptable” by General Studies faculty declined from 91.3% to
87.1%. The drop in part reflects the continued growth of the program
(23 students in the GNST 4350 interdisciplinary capstone course to 62
in just one year) and the continued diversification of student
backgrounds, skillsets, and levels of preparation for the course.
Plan of Action: Project Preview Workshops
Developing appropriate capstone project topics appears to present a
special challenge for students with interdisciplinary backgrounds:
34
“….It became clear that
students… very often
appear on the first day of
class without any clear idea
of the topic of their project,
much less the information
resources needed to
support the project.”
“To improve on the
student process of
developing a topic….
faculty agreed to hold
workshops for students
within approximately 1
week in advance of each
semester.”
BGS Graduates
35
Number of Graduates Since 2007:
Approx. 411
(60 graduates so far in 2016)
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Degree
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
Making Beautiful World Music:
Learning Life Skills and Achieving
Cultural Awareness by Engaging
San Marcos Housing Authority
Youth in Constructing and Playing
Simple Musical Instruments
“I arrived at Texas State four years ago set
with the idea of becoming a music teacher. I
also became extremely fascinated in
psychology and the study of the mind. I
realized that music wasn't all I was good at,
and by combining my interests
I could create a field of ideas which would
influence many more than just the students
of a band hall setting.
I selected BGS as my major because it
was the most logical decision in
combining all I eventually want to do.”
Javier Resendez
BGS Alumnus
BGS Minors:
• Family & Child
Development
• Music
• Psychology
A Guidebook for Lewis-Clark State College & Lewiston High
School “Warrior Buddy” Program
“I’ve been really passionate about mental health since high school, but was having a hard time figuring out a way to make a college education out of it.
BGS allows me to study mental health in a more general way so that I can apply it to society and communities, rather than individuals.
The ability to take courses in a wide range of departments really sold the major for me, and I love it.”
Kelly Gourluck
BGS Minors:
• Health
Communication
• Psychology
• Sociology
BGS Alumna
A Warrior Fitness Boot Camp
for Wives of Deployed Army
Soldiers from Fort Hood
“I started as an ESS major and soon realized
that I wanted to understand my soldiers
more than just physically.
I desired a degree that was tailored to Ryan,
not a group of people, and General Studies
would allow me to do just that.
Having a BGS degree would also allow me
to broaden my fields of study, which will
help me be a better military officer.”
Ryan Wiersma
BGS Minors:
• Business
Administration
• Leadership Studies
• Mass Communication
BGS Alumnus
BGS Alumnus
“I’d like to extend my thanks for helping me hone an education that has
served as a foundation for the many projects and achievements I have
endeavored towards these last few years.
Texas State provided me a framework where I can create and manage
design on a very high level, champion a new product, and run business
strategy for a medical device startup, as well as teach young people how
to go out into the world and create things that matter. These all relate to
the education I received at Texas State, within the General Studies
program.”
—BGS Texas State University Graduate, 2012
—MFA University of Texas-Austin Graduate, 2014
GNST 4350 Project Topic:
Presentation to City Managers:
Intentional Community Design
as a Path to Economic
Growth”
Jesse K, University of Texas-Austin Design Lecturer
BGS Minors:
• Economics
• Public Administration
• Sociology
BGS Alumni (Sample Occupations & Education Post-Graduation)
Entrepreneurs (Restaurants, Clubs, Retail Stores)
Event Planner (Austin Music Festival)
Real Estate Agent (Houston)
Associate Recruiter (Arthur/Marshall, Inc.)
Assistant Store Manager (Kohl’s)
Outside Sales Associate (Austin IT Company)
Administrative Officer (Veteran’s Medical Administration
Service)
Fundraiser (Great American Opportunities)
Bank Associate (Amegy)
Law School (Oregon)
Graduate Students (Baylor, Univ. of Texas-Austin, TXST,
Abroad)
“I have gotten an offer letter from nearly
every company I interviewed with since
graduation, and I have no doubt that my
GNST courses are the reason why. Not
only have they helped me with my
interview skills, but made me more
thorough and attentive to detail in my
daily responsibilities at work. I just
wanted to say thanks, and tell you the
coursework was 110% relevant.”
–BGS Graduate, 2009
Why Am I Proud to Have a BGS Degree?
“I had a job lined up right after
graduation. I am absolutely positive
that without all the preparation and
training I received from the classes,
I would have never gotten the job
offer.
The teachings really do work. Out
of 500 interviews done in the
Austin/San Antonio areas, I was
offered one of four openings. Only
300 positions company-wide were
filled across the country and I was
one of those, so thank you.”
–BGS Graduate, 2011“I can honestly say that the
assignments in
General Studies have played an
important
part in my personal growth.”
–BGS Graduate, 2012
“Thank you for everything you taught me,
I got a job interview with the bank I
based my research project on, and now I
am interviewing with them!”
–BGS Graduate, 2009
SESSION AGENDA
Background & Rationale
Texas State’s Bachelor of General Studies
Curricula (GNST 3350 & GNST 4350)
Student Learning Outcomes
Alumni Self-Reports & Testimonials
Future Considerations & Session Summary
Questions & Discussion
Future of General Studies:
BGS Themes
• Approximately 11 themes
• Menu of select concentrations (minors) for each theme (students choose 3)
Sample:
Radio, Television, Film, Media,
the Arts, and Society
You will develop skills in radio, television, film, the arts and/or media, as well as in criticism and evaluation of art forms. You may develop an understanding of the artistic and creative processes. You may develop knowledge of advertising, promotion, and/or marketing. You may develop knowledge of the past in the arts, media, and society. (Approx. 22 concentrations available)
Future of General Studies:
BGS Themes, Promotion & Growth
45
Sample:
Global Politics & Cultural Studies
• You will develop an understanding of the history, customs, cultures,
institutions, practices, contributions, and struggles of people from
around the world. (Approx. 31 concentrations available)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
• GNST 4350 Poster Sessions / Project Presentations
• Students in Transition Conference in October: “Career
Planning Curriculum for Senior Students’ Transition to the
Workforce”
• Continued growth & promotion
SESSION SUMMARY
Employers and Career Services staff
agree that more should be done by higher
education to prepare students for the
workforce
Interventions such as career-oriented
coursework and career-related assignments
have shown positive outcomes in post-
graduation professional success
REFERENCES
Dominguez, Catarina [PACE Career Services Presentation, Texas State
University, Sept. 16, 2014]
Fischer. K. (2013). A college degree sorts job applicants, but employers wish it
meant more. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from
http://chronicle.com
Grasgreen, A. (2014). Career services must die. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved
from http://www.insidehighered.com
Grasgreen, A. (2014). New job for career services. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved
from http://www.insidehighered.com
Grasgreen, A. (2014). Qualified in their own minds. Inside Higher Ed.
Retrieved from http://www.insidehighered.com
Hassan.C. (2014). Survey: many college students graduate unprepared for job
search. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://usnews.com
Liptak.J. (2010). College to career transition inventory. Retrieved from
http//:www.jist.com
REFERENCES
Murphy. C. (2013). Students feel unprepared for the work world; I know I did-
especially emotionally. The Grindstone. Retrieved from
http://thegrindstone.com
Peterkin.C. (2012). College career-center director say students are unprepared
for a job search. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from
http://thevoiceofjobseekers.com
Sampson, J. P., McClain, M. C., Musch, E., & Reardon, R. C. (2013). Variables
affecting readiness to benefit from career interventions. The Career
Development Quarterly, 61, 98-109. doi:10.1002/j.2161-0045.2013.00040.x
[Unattributed]: Bridge That Gap: Analyzing the Student Skill Index:
[http://www.chegg.com/pulse]: [Fall 2013]
[Unattributed]: National Survey Finds College Doesn’t Prepare Students for Job
Search: [http://beyond.com]: [May 20, 2014]
Wiles, Russ: Six years after Lehman Brothers failed, the economy shows signs
of health: [http://azcentral.com]: [Sept. 15, 2014]
So…. Let’s Not Have this Interviewee be a
Graduate from Texas State!
Session Conclusion & Discussion
Thank you for attending and learning more
about the Bachelor of General Studies degree at Texas State
University.
What are you or your institution doing to
assist seniors in transitioning to the workforce?
Questions about BGS?Temple Carter, [email protected]
Lisa Chrans, [email protected]
Dr. Jeremy Roethler, [email protected]
Bachelor of General Studies Degree
http://www.txstate.edu/ucollege/bgs.html
