Making the Connection: Moving Career Development

from Optional to Infused

in Higher Ed

Irene J Hillman

Manager, Career Development

Decosimo Success Center

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, College of Business

Decosimo Success Center at UTC College

of Business

Connect with Leadership

• Mission: The mission of the College of Business at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is to provide quality educational programs that produce academically-prepared and business-world ready men and women for a competitive global environment.

• Values: Intellectual Growth, Collegiality, Integrity, Creativity, Community, Diversity

• Objectives: “As we looked at our strengths, our weaknesses, and our challenges, several themes repeatedly emerged—strong emphasis on student interaction, a commitment to experiential learning, a close relationship with our community and region, and a dedication to our alumni.”

Connect with Leadership

• Mission: The mission of the College of Business at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is to provide quality educational programs that produce academically-prepared and business-world ready men and women for a competitive global environment.

• Values: Intellectual Growth, Collegiality, Integrity, Creativity, Community, Diversity

• Objectives: “As we looked at our strengths, our weaknesses, and our challenges, several themes repeatedly emerged—strong emphasis on student interaction, a commitment to experiential learning, a close relationship with our community and region, and a dedication to our alumni.”

Connect with Leadership

• Cite National/State Statistics

• Compile College-Specific Data

• Collect Input & Present Ideas

• Collaborate toward a Shared Plan

• Be the Resource

Decosimo Success Center:Three Keys to Student

Success Experientia

l Learning

CareerDevelopme

nt

Academic Advising

Connect with Students: Service Programming

• One-on-One Career Advising Sessions

• Internship/Job Posting & Distribution

• Career Assessments (CareerLeader)

• Resume Workshops

• Mock Interviews

• Exploring Business Majors Info Session

Connect with Students: Service Programming

• Bridge Events

• Business Card Workshop

• Resume Week

• Moc Interview Week

• Career Closet

Connect with Students: Academic Programming

• Experiential Learning: Academic Internship Program (BUS 3900)

• Success Seminar: Career Development (BUS 3410)

• Experiential Learning: Business Mentor Program (BUS 2900)

• Business LLC (UTSU 1999)

Lessons Learned

1. Seek ideas from faculty and staff on a one-on-one basis, taking the time to meet with members individually to discover insights requiring close inspection.

2. Don’t take on too much at once. Find priorities and focus on quality over quality.

3. Faculty advice in developing academic plans is gold - Seek it out like a 49er!

4. Tie business community into career development programs to make them robust, exciting, and unique.

Connect with Employers

• Info Tables

• Real Resume Reviews or Quick Questions

• Internship Program Development Assistance

• Internship & Job Posting and Email Notifications

• On-Campus Interviews

• Campus Tour Program

• Business Mentor Program

• Guest Speaking

• Bridge Events

• Career Closet Donations

Suggested Reading

A Roadmap for Transforming the College-to-Career Experience

Edited by Andy Chan & Tom Derry

(Wake Forest University)

Teaching Career Development: A Primer for Instructors and Presenters

Written by Debra Osborn

(NCDA Monograph Series)

Students First