Career development is an on-going process, from identifying a fitting major to gaining experience through internships and practicums, and beyond. Of course, a key piece happens in the classroom, as students develop the skills and knowledge in their discipline that they will need moving forward. Connecting those skills and knowledge to a career can enhance students’ academic and career development.
For Lauryn Higgins, adjunct professor of advertising and public relations in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, dedicating a portion of her courses specifically to career development just makes sense. "My ultimate professional hope for every student who walks out of my classroom is that they find a career they genuinely enjoy and more importantly a career they can thrive in," she said.
Higgins dedicates time in the classroom solely to resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn bios because she believes it “is vital in the learning process because it’s going to be part of their career process for as long as they’re working." She adds, "So why not start now?"
There are multiple reasons why incorporating career development in academics is important according to Kris Scanlon, career development specialist in journalism and mass communications. “Students not only are receiving a liberal arts education, but… their major–specific classes are preparing them for their career.” Scanlon collaborates with faculty and will speak to classes about any aspect of career development or preparation.
Other courses incorporate employer visits to the classroom or required volunteer or shadowing hours. Connecting academics and careers often leads students to better understand and appreciate the content of a course. This supports their learning and helps them position their academic experiences in applications for internships, jobs, and graduate programs.
To learn more about incorporating career development into your curriculum, contact the faculty or staff member in your college's student career development area or reach out directly to Career Services at careerservices@unl.edu.
More details at: https://careers.unl.edu