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Introduction
The purpose of the service is to provide a breadth of easily accessible
information that assists the student throughout the career planning
process. Career services on line provide a comprehensive variety
of resources and information which includes, assessment, occupational
information, job search, interviewing techniques, resume, cover
letters, employer, state employment agencies and relocation information.
Some colleges also include a one stop center as part of their career
service, which provide links to social services agencies and community
resources.
History
Computerized information for career planning has been available
for students on campus since the early 1970's. As we moved into
the 90's and the emergence of distance learning there has been a
natural transition to providing career resource on line. This has
allowed the expansion and variety of information as well as ease
of access.
Used as an adjunct to the career planning process. The online resources
can be used in conjunction with career planning classes, one on
one counseling or as a stand alone activity. Students are encouraged
to use the information and follow up with an appointment with a
career planning specialist or counselor for individual and personalized
services.
Opportunities
Institution
Online career resource can be more cost effective for the institution.
The internet allows access to websites that provide excellent information
for the public at large. The institution can save money by not having
to purchase hard copies of some resources and still provide quality
information for students. This can also reduce the space needed
for storage of hard copy material and information can be continuously
updated.
Provides an opportunity for the institution to reach out to the
extended community and provide services that may not otherwise be
available.
Faculty and Staff
Online career resources gives the staff an opportunity to provide
continuous access to comprehensive career resources as opposed to
previously limited access through classes on campus or in resources
centers. Online resources also allow students, potential students,
alumni and the community to use the information while they are planning
for a career, considering a career change, looking for or changing
employment. Providing the on line resources can also serve as a
recruiting tool for prospective students. It also provides the necessary
resources for staff who teach online classes.
Staff can monitor and provide quality control related to the on
line information.
Students
The career resources online makes information available for students
both on and off campus. Advantages for off campus include the ability
for place bound students to access information. It is readily accessible
for students with disabilities and can be used on campus by students
who are attending a career planning class or seeking information regarding
career/employment decisions and changes. Most of the resources are
not password protected and are available for alumni and the general
public. Information is available 24-7 and allows more flexibility
for students. Experience has demonstrated that students prefer to
use information on line rather than hard copy when they work on their
research projects.
Challenges
The cost, technical support, staff training, research and site
development, quality control and continuous updating are a few of
the institutional challenges in providing web-based services. Privacy
can also be an issue if the service is providing more than general
information that requires exchange of confidential information such
as career counseling through the site.
Access to resources can be very helpful at times but may not be
enough for students to make sense of the information they have received.
It is necessary at time to help students integrate what they have
learned. Some sites have an email contact if the student wants to
make an appointment to meet with someone on campus. This does not
solve the distance issue. A helpful addition to the web site could
be a question and answer chat room, with posted office hours, staffed
by a career counselor or career development specialists. Access
to a "real person" on line can provide vital support throughout
the career planning process.
Issues
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Marketing
Students are not always aware of the career resources that are
available. They may learn about them through a online class
or by surfing the site. Access to student service web sites
in general and career resources specifically are not always
easy to locate. Student service web sites are a marketing tool
and should be designed with easy access in mind.
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Information Gathering
Continuous updating of the web site. Ongoing research related
to quality and relevance of resources.
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Updates
Continuous monitoring for active web sites.
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Public Information
Most of the information is available to the public. If a service
is specifically for students (for example a Q&A chat room)
it may need to be password protected to provide limited access.
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Training
Technical training for staff responsible for the web site may
be necessary.
About the Author
Donna Ford has been a professional counselor for over 25 years,
and has recently retired as a counselor from Clackamas Community
College in Oregon. She was also a placement officer at Portland
State University. Donna received her Masters Degree from Western
Oregon State University.
Donna has held leadership positions in professional organizations
for 15 years. At the state level she is past president of Oregon
Counseling Association, Oregon College and University Association
and the Oregon Career Development Association. At the national level,
she has served, as chair of the Western Region, President of American
College Counseling Association, has been a member of the American
Counseling Association Governing Counsel, and President of the American
Counseling Association 1999-2000.
Associations and Organizations
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
(NASPA)
http://www.naspa.org/
NASPA is the leading professional association for student affairs
staff and provides resources for all student affairs areas.
Publications and Articles
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WCET Guide to Developing Online Student Services
http://www.wiche.edu/telecom/resources/publications/guide/guide.htm
The guide provides an overview and good practice guidelines
for providing Career Services on line.
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The National Career Development Association (NCDA), Guidelines
for the use of the Internet for provision of career information
and planning services.
http://ncda.org/polwebb.htm
NCDA is the national professional association for Career Counselors
and Career Development Specialists. It also provides comprehensive
links to internet sites for career planning.
Campus Sites
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Clackamas Community College
http://depts.clackamas.cc.or.us/career/
The One Stop Career Center provides a comprehensive career services
including links to social service agencies, and other support
services for college students and members of the community.
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Portland State University
http://www.career.pdx.edu/
PSU Career Center staff members assist Portland State University
(PSU) students and alumni with career development and job search
needs. This site provides a comprehensive online career service,
with the exception of assessment and direct contact with a professional.
A special feature on their web site is the PSU CareerConnect
which is a web-based system for PSU students and alumni to access
full-time career positions, part-time student jobs (including
Federal Work Study Community Service and America Reads and America
Counts), paid and unpaid internships, and on-campus interviews.
- University of California Berkley, University Health Services
http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/Students/CareerLibrary/links/occup.cfm
The "Assess my interests" link uses John L. Holland's
theory of personality in a unique way to help students through
the initial career decision process. This site provides comprehensive
career information for students.
- University of Manitoba
http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html
Exploring Occupations: Getting You Started on Your Career Path!
A comprehensive list of occupations designed to provide occupational
information to help students become aware of their potential career
options.
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/
What can I do with a major in ...? This service provides students
with an extensive list of majors and career information related
to the major. The site is comprehensive for all aspects of career
planning.
Corporate Sites |
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- Monster Track
http://www2.monstertrak.com/students/unreg/login.html
This site allows students and alumni from participating colleges
to use this database to look for a job.
- ReadyMinds
www.readyminds.com
ReadyMinds is a one-on-one distance career counseling service.
They provide state-of-the-art career counseling (via telecounseling
and online interaction) to help discover strengths, preferences,
and values and determine distinct occupations that suit the consumer.
ReadyMinds helps academic institutions extend the reach of their
services as they prepare students for the work world beyond education.
They also work with organizations and associations in the Higher
Education and non-profit sector to complement their current service
offerings. ReadyMinds works with these groups to increase value
productivity and establish new revenue streams.
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