SHORT TERM SPECIALIST REPORT #40
WESTERN UNIVERSITIES AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROJECT
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE, U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
"ESTABLISHING A CENTRALIZED CAREER PLANNING AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM: A SHORT COURSE REPORT"
BY
DR. JOHN ROBERTSON
ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
AND
DR. LAWRENCE R. CROUCH
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
INTRODUCTION - PURPOSE
This report outlines the objectives and course content for a short course in establishing a model career planning and placement/student advising service at the University of Sriwijaya (UNSRI). This course and subsequent follow up activities should result in the development of a pilot career planning and placement program at UNSRI which can serve as a common structure or guidelines for the establishment of similar programs at the other ten universities that are members of the Western University Agricultural Education Project.
Once established, the services provided by this office should offer considerable assistance in reducing the high level of unemployment and underemployment that has concerned both university and government officials. The staff of the office will assist students with individual skills assessments, career exploration, resume writing. Interviewing techniques, job hunting strategies, and identifying job vacancies. The office should also serve as a credential repository and mailing service for students and alumni. The office will be a centralized career planning and placement program offering career-related services to students in all majors and academic disciplines.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
OBJECTIVE 1
Assisting the universities in determining manpower needs and employment opportunities for graduates in the various majors and academic programs offered by the WUAE project universities.
OBJECTIVE 2
Developing an analysis of job placement and career advancement for graduates.
OBJECTIVE 3
Assisting in designing a curriculum to meet human capital needs and enhancing job placement.
OBJECTIVE 4
Assisting graduates in identifying appropriate career options through career planning using skill identification exercises, interest inventories, and value clarification activities.
OBJECTIVE 5
Aiding students in gaining practical experience in career related areas and translating academic experiences into meaningful career choices.
OBJECTIVE 6
Helping students in developing the skills needed to gain professional employment upon graduation and providing career assistance for alumni.
OUTLINE OF COURSE
DAY 1
Determining Manpower Needs and Employment Opportunities for Graduates in
the Various Majors and Academic Programs Offered by WUAE Project Universities - 1 Hour
Dr. Robertson
Identifying Appropriate Career Options Through Career Planning Using Skill Identification Exercises, Interest Inventories and Values Clarification Activities, etc. 1 Hour
Dr. Crouch
DAY 2
Analysis of Job Placement and Career Advancement of Graduates
A College Survey of Graduates - 1 Hour
Dr. Robertson
Gaining Practical Experience in Career Related Areas and Translating Academic
Experience into Meaningful Career Choices - 1 Hour
Dr. Crouch
DAY 3
Designing Curriculum to Meet Human Capital Needs and Enhancing Job
Placement 2 Hours
Dr. Robertson
Developing the Skills Needed to Gain Professional Employment Upon Graduation
and Providing Alumni Assistance - 2 Hours
Dr. Crouch
DAY 1
DAY 1 - DR. CROUCH
PHASE 1. CAREER PLANNING
This intent of this short course is to explain the objectives and purpose of a centralized career planning and placement program and to propose a four phase model which could be utilized to help resolve the present high levels of unemployment among graduates. Throughout this three day period the adaptation of several aspects of this model were suggested. In addition, a restructuring of the curriculum in response to industry demands and a needs analysis survey was proposed.
This "Four Stop Career Development and Placement Program" is based upon a student developmental model which views the activity of identifying an appropriate career direction and satisfactory work as an on-going longitudinal process. This process may begin as early as the freshman year of college and extend well into the student's working life.
The purpose of this program is to assist students in translating their values, attitudes and academic interest into meaningful career options, and in developing the skills needed to seek and obtain satisfying employment throughout their working lives.
Utilizing a step-by-step approach, student development specialists aid students in handling increasingly complex career related developmental tasks and stages. This approach intends to meet students where they are, developmentally, and help them move through the process of making logical career decisions. It is a progression which
DAY 1
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES OF CAREER PLANNING AND PLACEMENT
1. To support the academic endeavors of the university by integrating the career program into the total program of the institution.
2. To support and encourage each student who is attempting to make career/life plans and choices.
3. To help each student recognize his/her unique abilities, interests, and skills and to combine these creatively into a desirable career alternative.
4. To stimulate an awareness of the benefits of early career exploration by students; to provide knowledge of the types of jobs available; to provide experience in the procedures of applying for and accepting employment, as a part of the student's total education.
5. To provide an opportunity for prospective employers and graduating students to complete an interviewing process.
6. To enhance faculty support of and interest in the "career planning process."
7. To provide such a degree of service as to enhance the image of the university and our colleges.
