A Review of Career Development Services at MCLA

Submitted by the MCLA Student Affairs Committee

April 30, 2012

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Table of Contents

Committee Members Page 3

Charge to Committee Page 3

Review Process Page 3

Highlighted Recommendations Page 3

Practices MCLA Does Well Page 4

Recommendations/Areas for Improvement Page 4

Appendix A (MA State University/COPLAC Institutional Information) Page 8

Appendix B (Career and Personal Development Student Survey Responses) Page 13

Appendix C (Plus/Delta Needs Assessment) Page 20

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Committee Members Students: Staff: Faculty:Jaynelle Bellemore Adam Hildabrand Petra HejnovaMegan Cooney Lyndsay Isham-Morton, Vice Chair Alla KucherSarah DiMarino Beth Petri Rita NnodimTodd Foy Gina Puc, Secretary Graziana RamsdenOsakpolo Igiede Laura StandleyPaul McLatchyBrendan Peltier, Chair John Powers Adam Tobin

Charge to the Committee from the All College CommitteeConsider best practices for career exploration across the entire undergraduate experience to help inform program expansion and also strengthen the senior year.

Consider the scope of career development services and the various aspects of the senior year as these relate to positioning oneself for self-awareness, goal setting, and opportunities during undergraduate study and looking towards post graduation.

Review ProcessTo advance our work, the Committee engaged in the following actions: Review of practices and trends in higher education including a review of services offered at the other

Massachusetts State Universities and COPLAC institutions similar to MCLA (Appendix A) Informational meeting with Deb Foss and Sue Bailey from the Center for Student Success and

Engagement (CSSE) Informational meeting with members of the 2012 Class Council: Hawa Umarova, Amanda Schuler,

and Tyeson Bell Informational meeting with two recent alums: Kevin Pink ’09 and Michael Obasohan ’11, and review

of email responses from two other alums: Brandon Clinton ’10 and Jessica Gage ‘08 Career and Personal Development Student Survey of current students posted in Announcements for

Students and distributed at an SGA meeting and the Financial Aid Office (Appendix B) Plus/Delta Needs Assessment Exercise (to review what MCLA does well and what needs to change)

(Appendix C)

Highlighted Recommendations (further details in the report below)Marketing – Career Services provides a number of beneficial services to support student career development. Based on the information collected; however, they are not well known or advertised, and attendance at workshops/programs is low. In light of the tight resources on campus, an increase in the level and diversification of marketing tools and strategies would better enable us to educate the campus community of the services and programs offered by Career Services without a significant monetary investment.

Staffing – After assessing student needs and reviewing best practices and staffing levels at the Massachusetts State Universities and COPLAC institutions similar to MCLA, an increase in the scope of professional Career Services staff and delivery of services are important to adequately meet the needs of MCLA students. Students need to be well-educated about best practices, careers, internships, graduate school, etc, and one staff member is insufficient to meet the individual and collective needs of our students.

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Relationship between Academic Advisors & Career Services – While many students seem to use their Academic Advisor as a career development resource, they also note that, generally, Academic Advisors do not readily encourage utilization of MCLA Career Services. In order to capitalize on this relationship, increased collaboration between Academic Advisors and Career Services would provide more complete career development support for students. This collaboration should include comprehensive training for Academic Advisors about the services available in and benefits of using Career Services.

Based on the information gathered and the review of resources, the Student Affairs Committee provides the following assessment of MCLA practices as well as recommendations for improving career development services.

MCLA does well in terms of the following practices: Many students use Academic Advising (Faculty Advisors or Advising Services) for career and

personal development advice/support. The creation of the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) formalizes the tie between academic and career advising amplifying and improving opportunities for students.

The relocation of CSSE and its individual services into one central location should elevate its profile (Career Services in particular) and increase access and ease of referral. The establishment of this central location should mean that students are able to easily locate the office and gain access to resources and staff without worrying about finding a closed door.

Connections currently exist between work of CSSE/Career Services and academic departments. Examples include the use of ePortfolios in First Year Seminar classes, the offering of the Business Writing class, and Career Services class visits.

Career Services has developed their use of technology including the creation of a Facebook profile, an Internship database, and the “Senior Corner” in addition to the use of NACE Link, Sigi3 and Optimal Resume.

Diverse support efforts across campus provide information and guidance helping students to be successful on campus, in internships, and beyond MCLA.

The student employees in CSSE/Career Services are well-trained and friendly providing excellent support and assistance to drop-in students who need access to resources.

Work experience and student involvement opportunities are available through a number of campus offices and departments in the form of work-study, student employment, internships, service-learning experiences, and leadership positions. These opportunities help to promote holistic student development, complementing students’ in-class experiences.

Areas for Improvement/Recommendations Formalize the relationship with Faculty and CSSE/Career Services to enhance the overall career

development experience. This formalized relationship should include: - Increased collaboration between Career Services and academic departments to assist

students in identifying, applying for, and obtaining internships.- Increased faculty/staff investment in promoting the use of ePortfolio (see ePortfolio section for

further detail).- Comprehensive ongoing training for all academic advisors on: the scope of services offered

by CSSE/Career Services; understanding the value of services offered by CSSE/Career Services; building relationships with advisees; constructively utilizing advising time; and understanding all on-campus services available to assist students. Additionally, an increased investment in the role of the advisor is necessary as some do not provide adequate support for the needs of their advisees.

- Partnerships with other departments to assist with a Senior Year Experience Program as noted later in this report.

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Internships provide MCLA students with valuable, hands-on experience to prepare them for life after MCLA. In order to improve students’ experiences with internships the following are recommended:

- Increase the number and location of internships and diversify the opportunities available to students.

- Facilitate matching of students with internships both locally and nationally.- Coordinated opportunities should be available to match internships with students’ majors or

interests.- Communication with students in internships throughout the internship placement in order to

maintain a connection to campus.

ePortfolio- The ePortfolio is an excellent tool for students to showcase their work and their academic and

professional development throughout their time at MCLA. This comprehensive portfolio of work will benefit students as they search for graduate schools and/or employment opportunities. To this end, an increase in Career Services' role in and support of the ePortfolio is critical.

- The Committee advocates for systematic support and consistent use of the ePortfolio throughout a student’s MCLA career.

Development of Alumni/Employer/Parent Connections with Career Services. These connections/partnerships would provide students with additional resources and opportunities not otherwise available. These should include:

- A formalized relationship between CSSE/Career Services and Advancement to utilize the vast network of alumni as resources for MCLA students. The connection with alumni would provide opportunities for networking, information on careers; what to do with a certain major; resume/cover letter critiques; interview preparation, internship/employment opportunities, etc.

- Building relationships with employers and parents of students who are interested in providing internship or employment opportunities to MCLA students and graduates. Help these constituents understand and/or reinforce for them the value of a liberal arts education.

- Building relationships with employers and parents of students who are interested in providing career development assistance to MCLA students and graduates. This might include: resume/cover letter/interviewing support or assistance, networking or mentoring opportunities, information on specific career fields or what to do with a certain major, etc…

Employee Training, Development, and Outreach- A strong relationship between Career Services and MCLA students needs to be established

linking a face with the services provided. Career Services staff should visit classes and club/organization meetings to provide workshops or marketing services; partner with Resident and Peer Advisors; increase visibility in the Marketplace and other prominent areas on campus; present workshops during Orientation and First Days; participate in Admission events; provide on-going educational workshops; etc.

- Formalize the student employment position within CSSE/Career Services including increased training and responsibility. This formalized position would assist drop-in appointments, provide resume/letter critiques, assist with the marketing of programs/services, assist with online resources, etc.

- Increased training & professional development for Career Services staff to remain current on best practices is necessary.

- Increased staffing in Career Services is necessary to meet the needs of the MCLA community. Based on feedback from students (and the growing MCLA student population), Career Services and our students would benefit greatly from an increase in staffing. The low number of staff makes adequately serving a population of nearly 2000 students quite challenging.

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Marketing of Career Development Services and Opportunities- A well defined mission statement including goals and objective is necessary for Career

Services.- A clear functional description of the services offered by CSSE/Career Services is crucial to

students’ use of the services. This should be available in a variety of forms and through a variety of media:

Online on the campus website; On flyers; On clear signposts that provide students’ with a first orientation within the building of

CSSE itself. - Increased eye-catching advertising of career development events and services is essential

throughout campus. Many of the services currently offered by Career Services are not well publicized and hence not well attended. A diversified marketing plan is imperative to help students (and faculty and staff) know what is offered through Career Services. In addition, increased marketing of all career development events (sponsored outside of Career Services) is necessary.

- Career Services should increase outreach to clubs/organizations, faculty and staff, student leaders, and classes, while also increasing participation in Orientation/First Days to promote the services offered.

Senior Year Experience ProgramThe establishment of a comprehensive formalized Senior Year Experience Program led by a team of faculty and staff from CSSE/Career Services, Financial Aid, Student Development, and Advancement would greatly support the career development process of our seniors. A cycle of integrated programs, beginning during the spring semester of the Junior Year, should include (although not inclusive):

Academic connection with Capstone Experience/Senior Seminar Job Search and Prep Graduate Search and Prep Internship assistance Networking/Mentoring Financial Planning Etiquette/Professional Appearance Transition to Work/Life after College Being a Young Alum Senior year “check list” Countdown to Commencement

Whole Student/Career Development Program ExperienceStudents would benefit from increased support throughout the undergraduate experience including programming designed to facilitate career exploration and preparation. This should include a “check list” to assist students as they navigate their time at MCLA. Further exploration of a comprehensive four year career development experience program is recommended.

Shift in MCLA CultureCollege is the time for students to begin assuming responsibility for themselves, their academic education, and their career development. It is imperative that we strive to empower students to assume more responsibility for their own development to ignite investment in the career exploration process.

Student Employment ServicesThe Committee recognizes that a number of students make connections with Career Services through on-campus student employment including work-study. The management of on-campus student employment requires a significant amount of time that could potentially be used instead by Career Services staff to support in depth career development services, programming, and outreach. We recommend that student employment services move to Human Resources. This move would

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foster a relationship between student employees and Human Resources staff who house the student payroll process and manage our discrimination and complaint policies.

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Appendix A

Overview of Career Servicesat MA State Universities & Selected COPLAC Institutions

MA State Universities (other than MCLA)

Bridgewater State UniversityName: Career Services

Services Offered: Career Counseling, Guidance Choosing a Major, Effective Interviewing, Internship Planning, Graduate School Planning, Job Search Strategies, Resume & Cover Letter Critiques, Special Programs: Interview Makeover, Job Shadow, Mock Interview, Senior Job Search Boot Camp, On Campus Interviews, Resume Referral

Staffing: Director, Recruitment Coordinator, Assistant Director, Career Counselors, Internship Advisor, Office Manager, Office Assistant, Student Staff

Housed Within: Student Affairs

Mission Statement: The Office of Career Services assists a diverse student body in the process of developing, evaluating and initiating their career plans.  Our primary focus is on the undergraduate student experience. Services are also provided to graduate students and alumni.

Fitchburg State CollegeName: Career Services

Services Offered: Job Seeking Skills, Cover Letter Assistance, Resume Assistance, Portfolio Assistance, Career Fair, Part Time Employment Opportunities, How to get Letters of Recommendation, Career Counseling, Graduate School Advisement, Career Assessment/Interest Inventories and On-campus and Off-campus Career Events.

Staffing: Director, Administrative Assistant

Housed with the Academic Success Center

Framingham State CollegeName: Career Services and Employer Relations

Services Offered: On-Campus Job Registry, Job Search Strategies, Internships, Study Abroad, Graduate School Resources, Resume and Cover Letter Assistance, Resources for Veterans

Staffing: Director, Internship Coordinator, Career Counselor, Special Projects Coordinator, Student Staff

Housed Within: Student Affairs

Mission Statement/Values Statement: As an integral part of Framingham State University, we are committed to providing professional and comprehensive services to our students, alumni and employer partners. We will strive to build and promote mutual respect and teamwork within the office, the Enrollment and Student Development Division and in the University community. By providing individualized services, and utilizing web-based career search technology, we help students and alumni reach their career development goals, while being accessible from any location worldwide. We take pride in our services and will design and deliver resources that support lifelong career-related goals.

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Massachusetts College of Art and DesignName: Career Services

Services Offered: Career Counseling, Resume Critiques, Workshops, Job and Internship Listings

Staffing: Director, Internship Manager

Housed Within: Student Affairs

Massachusetts Maritime AcademyName: Career & Professional Services

Services Offered: Career Fair, Job Search, Workshops, Assistance with Licensing

Staffing: Director – Sea Going Professional Services, Assistant Director of Seagoing Professional Services, Assistant Director of Cooperative Education, Administrative Assistant, Associate Director

Mission Statement: The mission of the Career and Professional Services Department is to provide a coordinated continuum of services to students with assistance in professional and career development, including regulatory and licensing inquiries. 

The Career and Professional Services Department seeks to bridge students from their roles as academic learners to their roles as productive graduates with fulfilling careers.  At Career and Professional Services, we put our academic motto, Learn-Do-Learn, into practice by focusing on career development-oriented experiential learning opportunities.

Salem State UniversityName: Career Services

Services Offered: Seminars, Job Listings, Graduate School Resources, Internships, Employer Relations, Counseling, Mock Interviews, Resume/Cover Letter Critiques, Career Searches, Job Fairs

Staffing: Director, Assistant Director, Assistant Director Career Services/Internships, Recruiting Assistant, Career Resources Assistant

Mission Statement: Our counseling and programmatic services encompass all stages of the career development process remaining sensitive to the influence of personal development concerns. We assist clients in conducting thorough self assessment (clarifying values, interests, skills and personality preferences), provide access (print and technical) to occupational, job search, current labor market and graduate school information through our comprehensive Career Resource Center. Additionally we teach job search skills and strategies which enable students and alumni/ae to conduct successful targeted job searches. We seek to collaborate with employers to cultivate strong relationships resulting in challenging employment opportunities for students and alumni/ae while satisfying employer needs.

Westfield State CollegeName: Career Center

Services Offered: Choosing a Major, Job Postings and Resume Referral, On-Campus Recruiting & Networking, Career Fairs, Internship Fairs, Graduate School Fairs, Career Resource Library, Graduate School Advising, Community Service, Internships, Career Exploration and Advising.

Staffing: Director, Assistant Director, Staff Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Clerk

Housed Within: Student Affairs; Reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs

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Worcester State UniversityName: Career Services

Services Offered: Internships/Job Database, Seminars, Internship Assistance, Volunteer and Community Service Listings, Annual Job Fair, Career Counseling, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Career Information, Choosing a Major, Resume Critiques, Job Search Guidance, Graduate School Search, On-Campus Recruiters

Staffing: Director, Assistant Director, Testing Advisor

Mission Statement: The mission of the Worcester State Career Services office is to provide guidance and resources to our students and alumni for the exploration and attainment of students' career-related goals. We achieve this mission by: partnering with underclassmen, seniors, graduate students and alumni to facilitate lifelong career development and decision making; advising and providing our faculty with information and programs to help them better understand the career-related needs of students; involving alumni, parents, and employers as key networking resources; cultivating and growing relationships with local and multi-national organizations interested in the recruitment and employment of WSU students and alumni

Selected COPLAC Institutions Similar to MCLA

Eastern Connecticut State CollegeName: Office of Career Services

Services Offered: Career Counseling, Job Search Techniques, Resume Review, Interview Preparation, Mock Interviews, Internships, Job Listings, Graduate and Professional School Information

Staffing: Director, Administrative Assistant

Housed Within: Student Affairs; Reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Mission Statement: The Office of Career Services supports the lifelong career development of students and alumni through career counseling, educational programs, recruiting events, and useful resources. Eastern's 4 year career development plan:

Examine: Examine your interests, abilities, values and personality preferences. Use this insight to choose a major and career path.

Explore: Investigate potential career paths by engaging with campus clubs, leadership training, community service or on-campus employment.

Experience: Acquire real world experience through one or more of the experiential learning programs at Eastern.

Exit: Work with Career Services to design your post-graduate plan.

Keene State CollegeName: Academic & Career Advising Center

Services Offered: Resume/Cover Letters, Interview Preparation, Job Search Assistance, Internships/Research Assistance, Graduate School Assistance, Help Choosing a Major

Staffing: Director, Associate Director-Advising, Associate Director-Career, Job Developer, Coordinator of Employer Relations and Career Advisor, Academic Counselor, Senior Program Assistant, Administrative Assistant

Housed Within: Academic Affairs

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Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Academic and Career Advising department (ACA) to support students in the transition to Keene State College, in the clarification of academic focus and major, and in the successful translation of their academic credentials as preparation for life after the college experience. To accomplish this mission, ACA teaches students to develop self-advocacy skills and encourages them to utilize all institutional services. Academic and Career Advisors strive to teach in a supportive manner helping students take responsibility for their academic choices to support career ambitions.

St. Mary’s College of MarylandName: Career Development Center

Services Offered: Career Planning, Internships, Professional/Graduate School Resources, Job Search, Resume Assistance, Job Fairs, Mentoring

Housed Within: Academic Affairs. Reports to the AVP of Academic Administration

Mission: Through partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and other professionals, the SMCM Career Development Center supports past and current students in achieving professional readiness and developing the broad knowledge and skills that will enable them to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy. The center offers guidance, resources, and opportunities that empower students of all levels to take responsibility for building a satisfying career through reflection, action, and application of the liberal arts throughout their college years and beyond.

University of Maine at FarmingtonName: Center for Human Development (Career, Counseling, and Advising Services)

Services Offered: Career Exploration, Resume and Cover Letter Critiques, Job Search and Interview Techniques, Job Fairs, Internships, Graduate School Resources

Staffing: Director of the Center for Human Development, Career Counselor, Administrative Assistant, Assistant Testing Coordinator, Program Coordinators

Mission Statement: Our Center’s mission is to support and enhance student learning by providing opportunities for academic, personal, career, and professional development.  Our staff offers a variety of programs and services for UMF students and staff. 

University of Minnesota – MorrisName: Career Services

Services Offered: Career Fairs, Choosing a Major, Graduate School Assistance, Job/Internship Search, Job Application Tools, Internships, Summer Jobs, Alumni Career Network, Workshops, Sample Letters of Recommendation, How to Provide References, Career Library, Career Counseling and Guidance, Career Assessment

Housed Within: Student Affairs

Mission Statement: Career Services is committed to providing services and developmental opportunities that support the educational objectives of the University of Minnesota, Morris. The office maintains the philosophy and goals of both the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, while working in cooperation with academic departments to offer students the best possible services. Our goal is to teach students - by providing advising, counseling, resources, and support - how to become active participants in their own continuing career development.

Career Services operates as a comprehensive career services office in order to meet the needs of UMM students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The primary purpose of Career Services is to assist students and alumni in developing, evaluating, and/or implementing career, education, and employment decisions.

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Career Services also helps employers, internship agencies, and graduate/professional schools meet their respective goals.

University of Science and Arts of OklahomaName: Career Services

Services Offered: Internships, Teacher Placement Services, Common Interview Questions, Resume Examples, Career Fairs, Resume/Cover Letter Development, Graduate School Preparation, Job Interview Assistance

Housed Within: Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

University of Virginia’s College at WiseName: Career Services

Services Offered: Resume/Cover Letter Assistance, Job Search, Career Fairs, Resource Library, Internships, Part Time Jobs

Staffing: Coordinator of Career Services

Mission Statement: UVa-Wise Career Services offers students a wide variety of personal and online resources. From one-on-one and group information sessions to career fairs and campus interviews to an in-house resource library, we have what you need to make informed decisions every step of the way in planning your career or graduate studies.  All students, freshmen to seniors, find appropriate information for their current step on the career and/or graduate school planning ladder from UVa-Wise Career Services.  Stop in or contact us today to develop your own plan.

University of Wisconsin – SuperiorName: Career Services

Services Offered: Choosing Major, Grad/Professional Schools Assistance, Career Strategies, Connect Students to Alumni, Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, Part and Full Time Opportunities

Staffing: Director, Career & First Year Specialist, Office Manager/Career & First Year Specialist, Career Resource Specialist, Marketing Intern

Housed Within: Student Life

Mission Statement: UW-Superior Career Services, in partnership with faculty, staff and employers, provides students and alumni with opportunities and resources to identify career goals and develop life-long career management skills.

UW-Superior Career Services strives to be a recognized and valued service to the students, alumni, university and community as the premier provider of career development expertise and programming.

Counsel students in the exploration, development and implementation of their major and career plans. (Career Plans can include graduate and professional school, services and/or employment activities.)

Provide Career Assessment to students and alumni to help them identify their strengths, interests, skills, values and personality traits in order to make intelligent career and life choices.

Teach career success strategies for successful transition from college to career. Connect students and alumni to the community and employers by providing a web-based

recruiting system of postings for internship, volunteer, part-time and full-time opportunities. Provide a Network of Professionals to students and alumni by coordinating

programming and resources which offer opportunities for alumni and friends to connect with the university

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Appendix B

Career and Personal Development Survey Responses (73 responses)

1. What is your major?Accounting IDST (5)Art Education MathArts Management (2) Math/EducationAthletic Training (3) Mathematics/PsychologyBiology (2) Philosophy/EnglishBusiness (10) Philosophy/EducationBusiness/English PhysicsComputer Science Political Science/Public Policy (3)Early Childhood Education Pre-Physical TherapyEducation Psychology (13)Education/Sociology Psychology/English CommunicationsEnglish (6) Sociology (4)Environmental Studies TheaterHistory/Education Undeclared (3)History/Political ScienceHistory/Secondary Education

2. What is your class year? Circle one.

Senior – 19 Junior – 22 Sophomore – 13 Freshman – 18 Alums – 2

3. Upon graduating from MCLA, do you intend to…

24 - Seek full time employment 34 - Attend graduate school14 - Other:

Both (3)Continue working at my present full time jobAmeriCorps or full time employmentDisney College Program InternshipPart-time EmploymentNot sure/we shall see (2)No response (3)

4. From what resources have you received career advice/assistance?MCLA Offices: Advancement, Advising, Bursar, Career Services (12), Counselors, Dean of Students Office (2), Financial Aid, Learning Services, Student Development (4)

Academic Resources: Academic Advisor (16), Professors (16), Business & Psychology Departments

“The Psychology professors have given me so many opportunities to approach my years with ease due to the support they show for their students.”

Online Resources: Emails, First Class Announcements and Help Wanted Page, Internet (Indeed.com & Monster.com), MCLA Website

Outside Resources: Bottom Line (2), Employers/Past Jobs, Parents/Family, Friends/Peers, Personal Research (3), Alumni, Professionals within the career fields I am exploring, Summer Search assigned Professional Buddy

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MCLA Staff: President Grant, Deb Foss, Holly McGovern, Kate Heekin, Brandon Pender, Coaches (4), College Mentor

Other: Bulletin Boards, Club Activities, Resume Assistance, Study Abroad (3), Word of Mouth, Workshops, Work-Study

5. Where do you typically find information about internships and careers?MCLA Office: Student Development, Career Services (6), Financial Aid, Library, Spencer Moser (Center for Service), Advising Services

Online Resources: Websites (16), National Science Foundation Website, Email (2), First Class Announcements & Postings (10), MCLA Website (2), Monster.com, Berkshire Jobs

“I find information online when I look at graduate courses because I plan to attend graduate school as soon as I graduate from here and get a degree in Physical Education.”

Academic Resources: Professors/Faculty (8), Academic Advisors (15)(FPA Department, Physics Department, Math Department, Psychology Department)

Other: Walking down the hall in Mark Hopkins, Word of mouth, From mentors at Summer Search and Bottom Line Classes, My RA (she is very helpful), Independent Research (3)

6. What would help you most in finding an internship or job?Getting Started:

- Knowing where to look- I'm not sure where to start. I don't think there are many internships available for

Philosophy majors.

Online Resources: - Emails about jobs/internships- A web site that had links to different internships- Maybe just a really well updated and kept up MCLA site or forum that posts ONLY

internships and jobs- First Class Email, Search Engines, Networking (Berkshire Chamber of Commerce)- First Class has helped keep me informed- A majors meeting for everyone in the major- Online services from MCLA. But first fix the Internet on campus which is the worst of any

campus I have ever seen. Hotspot is by far the worst but MCLA net is not much better. - First Class

Majors/Career Field:- Knowing what were available for my major and future career- It would be helpful if there were contacts for specific jobs so people can contact them and

talk about the field and if they like it or not; things like that.- Regular job postings and/or links on websites for each major.- List of opportunities available to each major- Seeing what jobs are out there in my field

Postings/Marketing: - Having more jobs/internships be offered through the school and a better choice of ones- More information about the help or internships or services that might be known that could

be advertised to let me know about them.- Having open available positions for said internships!- Knowing more opportunities in terms of entry-level jobs in compares to a job or internship

posting where a lot of experience is required. So having job/internship postings that are actually achievable for graduating students or still in College students.

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- offering jobs/internships and presenting them to you when you enter the school especially if you are a transfer student

- An updated bank of internship/job opportunities both locally and nationally.- Being informed of them more than 2 days before the applications are due. Many times

when I get emails about internships or scholarships, I get the email less than a week before the application is due.

- More time to look and apply!- Internet flyers- More information on where to find information on internships- More advertisement- A list of available positions

Career Development Services:- On-campus activities- Some kind of career placement service - More social networking connections outside of the Berkshires. - A job fair - A class offered or more assistance from the school- Having job/internship fair, more postings.- Job placement test or mock interviews would help students decipher the job hunting

process- workshops

Assistance:- Talking to people who are in the field and know what I should be looking into.- Someone actively helping me- Having someone give me options of internships or jobs based on personal qualities and

desires and guiding me through the process of finding a place that works for me.- Someone to guide me through the process.- Going to my advisor.- If advisor was helpful- Guidance/assistance is needed- Talking to someone who has contacts for internships or jobs and how to go about

applying for such- Meeting with advisor - Career services faculty - Someone helping me with my options - Someone to guide me through what I need to do- Suggestions on where to look, because I am lost- More research and help from the department- People that help in timely manner

Other:- I am not sure what would help me.- My own drive, ambition, connections I've made, and personal resources.- I think I have received all the help I need, I think that if my professors continue supporting

me I will be all set in the future.- Hands on experience

7. Do you know where Career Services is located? Yes – 52 No – 21

8a. Have you used any of the services offered by Career Services during your time at MCLA?

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Yes – 32 No – 41

8b. If yes, which ones? Resume/Interview Prep Assistance:

- Tried to go to 2 resume building seminars last year, but they were both cancelled. The first I found out was cancelled when I got there. When I came back the next week, 5 students and I waited in the room for the resume seminar, but no one from Career Services ever showed up. I gave up on using Career Services after those experiences.

- Resume Building Seminar/Workshop – 7- Resume review (2)- Cover letter, resume and interviewing skills.

Job/Internship Search Assistance:- I set up a SIGI account (2)- Job off-campus- Internship information

On-Campus Employment:- Work Study (5)- It got me my job as a RASM- I received a job on campus- Job Opportunities

Study Abroad Assistance:- I have also used it for my Study Abroad preparation (2)- I tried to make an appointment with Sharon 7 times. She only met with me once, and it was

for a study abroad session that was already planned. Susan suggested a couple places for me to look online.

Graduate School Assistance:- I have talked with someone there about graduate school and I have picked up pamphlets

from their office.- Graduate School Advising

Other:- They co-presented at an event that I organized for students. - The First Class page- Career Services page on campus website- Learning Services- Deb Foss

9. How accessible are the resources offered by Career Services?

Not accessible at all 1 - 11 2 - 4 3 - 31 4 - 18 5 - 6 Extremely Accessible

10. How useful has Career Services been in your academic and professional development during your time at MCLA?

Not useful at all 1 - 20 2 - 16 3 - 20 4 - 10 5 - 5 Extremely Useful

11. What types of advertising do you do find most useful in learning about events and programs on campus? Circle all that apply.

Flyers - 43 Word of Mouth - 36 Student Announcements on First Class - 38

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Banners - 24 Facebook Communication - 32 Personal Email - 30

Other: Not Facebook – 1, Calling in Favors – 1, Mailbox flyers - 1

12. What time is most convenient for workshops related to career development (i.e. resume building, interview preparation, etc)? Circle all that apply.

Weekdays, morning - 7 Weekends, morning - 12 Weekdays, afternoon - 15

Weekends, afternoon - 34 Weekdays, evening – 37 Weekends, evening - 9

I prefer online workshops and information – 14 Other: ___________________

13. What resources have been most useful in preparing you for life after MCLA?Academic Resources:

- The History Faculty- My professors in the Philosophy and English departments.- Faculty (5)- My academic advisors (2)- Psychology Department- Professor Cohen

MCLA Offices/Staff:- Residential Programs and Services Staff- Coaches (3)- Career Services (4)- Student Development (3)- Advancement (2) – “Connections that I have received on campus at my job in

Advancement”- Administration staff - they always have an open door and are always helpful.- Advising Services (2) – “Advising Services has been my best friend!!!! Harris Elder, Deb

Foss, Jen Alibozik, Kate Heekin as well as Wendy Guerra and some other faculty and staff.”

- Center for Service- SGA- The Student Affairs Department- Financial Aid Office- Learning Services- ALANA Office

Family:- I think my parents have been the most helpful in preparing me for my life after MCLA. They

always keep me aware of job openings in my home town and they are always looking for internships that will help me get better at my field of study.

- Parents/My mom

Alumni:- Talking to alumni and learning about their experiences really helped understand whether I

would want to go to Graduate school or just go into the work force.- Former players

Friends/Peers (3)

Other:

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- Conferences- The APA graduate school book and - Internships- I've done everything on my own through the internet.- Advice from Bottom Line- “What Color is Your Parachute?” Book- I have not put in the effort really to use the resources available.- I’m only a freshmen so I haven’t looked into my life after MCLA in depth yet- Nothing except for walking through Mark Hopkins with all the pamphlets on the tables

14. What other feedback would you like to share with us in regards to career development services offered at MCLA?

Accessibility:- I emailed the office once to request help with my resume but no one ever replied back. At

the time I was rarely on campus during office hours to be able to walk over and talk in person. This set the tone for me to go to others for help.

- I have never used the career services, so I would probably just say make it more available as I have never even been there before.

- Stop offering career development workshops in the morning and early afternoon on weekdays when everybody's in class. Keep better track of scheduled appointments with students and when you have to cancel, do a better job of making sure you meet with that student later. I have graduated from MCLA with very little guidance as to how to find a job.

- Getting help on my resume was very helpful. Having to schedule an appointment with just one person was hard to do. If we could have a few people who were trained to do this so we could just walk in at a convenient time and not have to schedule an appointment.

Marketing:- I do know that the office tries to get its name out there, and I appreciate that. - I feel that there needs to be more advertising that there is other help when it comes to the

directing us towards career development since I didn't realize some of the resources that could help like Advancement that I just started using. I may have had help with some resources, but I feel that I still didn't have that much to help me after MCLA.

- Do more advertising on exactly what you can help with.- I feel like career services doesn't reach out and that a lot of students don't even know it

exists.- Great resource for many students that don't know about it. I think many more students

could benefit from the programs if people were to let them know about it.- I wasn't aware that there was a career services on campus, so I think more advertising

would help a lot of students.

Online Resources:- A website that has links to job offers, internships, scholarships, assistantships, etc.

Programming: - Over the course of the next 10 years, the higher educational system is going to undergo

rapid, rapid changes. People are going to have to start structuring their degrees and careers according to their interests. Stress that more to students. Reform the "get a job" mentality as it will soon be extinct.

- I think a variety of professionals should come to the college, who may have even went to MCLA, and speak about their experiences after college, and the ways in which students can better prepare themselves for grad school or a career. It can also be geared towards specific majors, like teachers, social workers, and even poets. Students can get a better understanding of what to expect, and be aware of before they graduate.

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- It'd be great if Career Services were somehow made more prominent to seniors in the Spring Semester. Maybe through a BIG career services fair or festival; or if professors required their senior students to attend a Career Services workshop or two for class

- Bring Back E-Portfolio Workshops please.

Other: - Continue your great work, though I have not used you to your full potential I know people

that have come to see you and had all the questions asked- More student jobs and a better tutor program. Tutor dept is great, it's the lack of tutors and

support that is bad- I would like to learn more about internships- Please get everyone on same page with what is going on, this school has major issues

with this- Think that the students need more motivation to go and use career services. I think that

career services needs more staff. There needs to be more communication between advisers and students; advisers must work to point student towards a direction specific to major as well as the individual and to use career services for specific purposes.

(Numbers in bold/parenthesis indicate number of responses)

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Appendix CPlus/Delta Needs Assessment Exercise

+ Close ties between Academic Advising and Career Services

are amplifying opportunities and promises to grow more now that CSSE is developed

Collaborations with academic side such as e-Portfolio and resume writing in class

Advisors encourage students to use and get involved in programs

Located now in Eldridge Hall… should elevate profile and access and ease of referral. There should never be a closed door.

Use of technology such as Facebook, SIGI +, etc…

In FYS, e-portfolios are solid and woven into program

Student involvement in campus work that matters helps to promote holistic development and positions for opportunities

Internship opportunities available

Participate in Career Fairs

Student employment creates a contact for a slice of the student population

Student workers in CSSE help drop-ins access resources

Diverse support efforts across campus not limited to Career Services

Δ Integrated comprehensive approach which includes alums,

student groups, faculty/staff, etc.

Change culture. Shift some responsibility onto the student to ignite investment in process

Formalize the relationship between career services and academic departments

Functional description of services offered by CSSE including signage, what is CSSE? What do we do?

Marketing of services and programs

Relationship of office with students/link a human face with the services provide

Investigate best practices and increase professional development for staff

More consistent use of e-Portfolio in Sophomore, Junior and Senior years (Systematic support of e-Portfolio use) & increase career services role in/support of e-Portfolio

Facilitate matching of students with internships & diversify internship opportunities

Coordinated opportunities to look at internship/field

Should student employment be housed in Career Services/CSSE?

Peer counselors (formalize the student employment in office)

Formalize senior year experience programming beginning in the second semester of Junior Year

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