The timing of this idea, coupled with the credibility of its protagonist, could finally be the catalyst for positive change within career services departments everywhere. Side note: I am not the first to believe that change is desperately needed…

Our situation is not unlike General Motors in that our profession has been operating on an outdated model which doesn’t necessarily speak to what consumers are looking for. Or how jobs get filled. The one size fits all approach definitely has seen its day. ~ Skip Sturman, Director, Dartmouth Career Services

So, what is this “radical idea?” Put simply,

Colleges should be building career communities.

Let me repeat…

Colleges should be building career communities.

What does this mean? I’ll let Sheila tell you herself:

“Most colleges and universities have alumni, parents and friends who are devoted to the school and would enjoy advising students about the career field in which they’re involved. Many times, schools have a formal alumni network, but what I advocate is a much more comprehensive initiative that is actively managed by the Careers office. Members of the Career Community would be tapped to give presentations on specific career fields; advise students one-on-one in their area of expertise; promote students to their companies; and source employment opportunities.”

The implications of this idea are enormous. Sheila is calling for schools everywhere to tap into their enormous alumni networks and unlock their hidden value. She is championing the idea that colleges and universities should leverage their vast alumni networks to build Career Communities – a bridge linking students and successful alumni.

Guess what?

This is exactly the model that TAG has built.

Moreover, TAG solves some fundamental issues inherent in building lasting Career Communities. These include:

1. How do you ensure that the Career Community [Alumni] gives good advice?
2. How can you build a Career Community without a further burden on overtaxed, resource-stretched staff?
3. How can you manage a Career Community in a cost-effective way?

The benefits of building a Career Community are incalculable:

• Add more value: Career Communities add value that lives as long as a graduate’s career.
• Differentiate your school: Career Communities facilitate career learning far beyond what’s available in most schools.
• Demonstrate commitment: Building a Career Community tangibly and explicitly communicates your commitment to your students’ career success.
• Bridge the divide: Career Communities help build meaningful relationships between students and alumni. It translates your network into action and unlocks a huge source of potential value.
• Increase Alumni contributions: A Career Community equates to better career placement for your students. Better career placement equates to higher future alumni contributions.
• Better alumni engagement: A Career Community provides an incredible engagement opportunity for alumni.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Over the past thirty years, careers have changed and parental demands for an economic value to their tuition investment have increased to a fever pitch. We can no longer “tweak” an outdated model. It’s time for revolution . ~ Sheila Curran

It’s true … we are on the cusp of a revolution in the career services industry. And TAG is here to lead the way.

P.S. To learn more about Sheila, click here.