Last week we dealt with the challenges of career uncertainty. This week we will focus on two other challenges – accessing career information and development programmes on campus; and communication and access to career information.

Accessing career information and development programmes on campus

Most tertiary institutions in the Caribbean have a career and placement service but some of these centres are not fully equipped. The result is that they do not provide some of the services that would help students to gain the skills and competences required to enhance their academics to compete successfully for jobs and services in a dynamic 21st century world.

Many centres focus more on job placement and lack the important component of the career development aspect (for example career counselling and programmes focused on preparation for the world of work). Often times in career centres, there is a need for highly trained counsellors in the area of career development to provide world class service.

Access to development programmes in career development such as leadership and mentorship are also limited. At the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona for the period 2001 to 2007, for example, more than 3,500 students apply to participate in the mentorship programme. However, only 175 could be accommodated. For the Leadership Programme, there is an enrolment of more than 500 students. Despite the growth in these programmes, there is the need for expansion and the continued introduction of new ones.

The broad based development of students must be encouraged and developed since student development is both a process and a holistic set of desired outcomes. As a set of outcomes, students’ development encompasses a host of desirable skills, knowledge, competencies, beliefs and attitudes students are supposed to cultivate during college.

These include:

. complex cognitive skills such as reflection and critical thinking;

. an ability to apply knowledge to practical problems encountered in one’s

vocation, family or other aspect of life;

. an understanding and appreciation of human differences; and

. a coherent integrated sense of identity, self-esteem, integrity, confidence,

spirituality and civic responsibilities. (Journal of College Student Development.

Vol 46 #5 Sept-Oct 2005 Pp 559; 560); and

. practical competencies, such as decision making, conflict resolutions and team

work.

Communication and access to career information

Accessing career information is usually not of interest to many students, except when they have entered the institution (if they are unsure of their career objective) and when they are ready to leave (if they need to find a job). Career development requires a planned approach and so students should use the services throughout their time on campus.

Many past students, however, will tell you that they have never used the service until final year or not at all. Some will see advertisements about programmes offered, read brochures but have not used the services. Too, lack of access to career information could prevent students from planning a career path or making an informed career decision.

As campus populations internationally increase, the use of the internet/intranet have been found to be good mediums for communicating with students. Career centres should therefore ensure that they have a website. Students should be encouraged to utilise technology.

Career services should use more than one mode of communicating to students. They include posters, brochures, campus radio station and news letters, peer counsellors/advisors, as well as faculty members.

Communicating with prospective employers can also be done using specially developed “Job Link” programmes. This makes it easier for students, staff and employers to access information. If the campus has a residential component, they should also collaborate with Halls of Residence and Commuting Student Advisors to help to access the entire student population.

Read next week’s Career Advisor for advise on how to deal with the socio-cultural as well as the economic and technological challenges of tertiary students, and how they may be addressed.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and Students Services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona.