Course Description
Career Champion training equips faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to support students throughout their career development. Participants learn best practices for career conversations, goal setting, referrals and connecting students with Career Center and campus resources.
Participants also receive resources to support their own professional development. Those who complete the training receive a Career Champion decal to display in their office, letting students know they are available for career-related conversations.
Level 1: Facilitating Career Development Conversations
Build a foundation in career development and explore the important role faculty and staff play in supporting students throughout their career journey.
Through discussion and practical activities, participants will learn how to initiate meaningful career conversations, recognize common student concerns and connect students with Career Center services and other campus resources. Participants will also explore ways to encourage career exploration, experiential learning and professional development.
Level 2: Experiential Learning Foundations & Career Competencies
Part I: Experiential Learning Foundations
Explore the value of experiential learning and the many ways students can gain meaningful experience through internships, co-ops, research, service-learning and other opportunities.
Participants will learn how to help students identify experiences aligned with their interests and goals, provide support throughout the experience, encourage meaningful reflection and connect students with additional resources when needed.
Part II: Career Competencies & Student Growth Featuring Suitable
Take a closer look at the career competencies employers seek and explore strategies for incorporating competency development into classroom instruction, student employment, internships and other experiential learning environments.
Participants will also learn how to help students recognize and articulate the skills they are developing and use the Suitable Career Readiness Assessment to identify strengths, areas for growth and next steps.
Level 3: Career Readiness in Action — Exploring the NACE Competencies
Put career readiness into practice by exploring the NACE Career Readiness Competencies and strategies for intentionally incorporating them into students' academic and experiential learning.
Participants will learn practical ways to help students recognize, develop and articulate competencies gained through coursework, student employment, internships, research, service-learning and other experiences. The session also explores reflection and career conversations that help students connect their experiences to future career goals.
By the end of Level 3, participants will be prepared to more intentionally integrate career development into their work and help students confidently communicate their skills, experiences and professional value.
Registration
Ready to become a Career Champion? Visit the Center for Teaching Excellence calendar to view upcoming sessions and register.