There has been a recurring theme in conversations with my college-aged coaching clients lately. “College advising isn’t helping me plan my future.” Ouch. As a higher-ed professional, it stings when I hear multiple remarks like this from different students. I have worked in college and university settings for 10 years, two of which I spent in a college advising related role. I have witnessed first-hand the struggles students and higher-ed professionals face. There is a disconnect between what students expect and what they experience with regard to planning for the future. Let me explain.
What Students Expect from College Advising & Career Planning
Most students go to college advising appointments expecting clarity and help to figure out their future. After all, these people are called “Advisors,” shouldn’t they be good at giving advice to students? Three of my recent clients have come to me and said, “I tried to talk to my college advisor, but he/she wasn’t helpful. I’m stuck. I have no idea what I want to do with my life, but I need to make a decision about my major.” Students walk in with high expectations for clarity and reassurance and typically walk out with an updated list of classes they need to take and maybe a link to a career interest survey to help them choose a career. Why does this happen?
What is Expected of College Advising Professionals
The role of advisors looks slightly different from college to college and state to state; however, generally speaking, these individuals are highly knowledgeable concerning college degrees, courses, and programs. Their job is to meet with students and help them be successful in forming an academic plan for their time at that educational institution. Most college advisors see the students in their caseload once a semester for about 30 minutes. They are absolute experts in helping students navigate which classes to take and when to earn their degree successfully at that institution.
The Big Disconnect
Have you identified the issues yet? First, most advisors see the students in their caseload twice a year for 30 minutes. How in-depth can a conversation about the future get in 30 minutes? Not very, especially when you need to figure out what classes the student must take to graduate on time.
Another issue is the area of expertise. College advising is just that, advising for college. These professionals are highly trained and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to academics and degree plans. Very few are also trained in the realm of career advising and career planning.
Finally, the last issue lies with the root word of “advice.” Students expect advice. They are unsure of themselves (which is why they are there), and they want advice, a career diagnosis so-to-speak, and for someone to tell them, “this is the path for you!” The issue with this expectation is no one can make that decision for a student. If students rely on someone else to determine their path, they are like to end up unhappy, unfulfilled, and lacking the confidence they so deeply desire.
So, what’s the alternative or addition to college advising?
If a student is struggling to find a career she is passionate about, a 30-minute advising meeting is not going to get her the confidence a clarity she needs. The career planning process takes weeks and hours to be done correctly. This is a quantity of time that many higher-ed institutions will struggle to devote to individual students. Most colleges and universities simply don’t have enough human resources to provide that individualized attention to as many students that need it.
The answer is individualized career coaching. It is a series of highly tailored, specific steps that will help a confused and overwhelmed student sort through his/her options and find clarity and confidence in a direction for the future. Then, when that career path is established, each college advising appointment is going to be extremely helpful. An academic goal will be set, a career plan will be laid out, and the student will be on his way to success.
How to Start Career Planning
If you or your child can relate to the frustrations outlined above, download my free Academic and Career Planning Roadmap. In this guide, I provide the sequential steps to help students find career clarity BEFORE investing thousands of dollars in higher education. Through spending time on the proper career planning steps, you will save time, money, and frustration!
Want help finding your perfect career?
As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to gain career-relevant experience! I guide students through the internship search, application, and interview process, teaching them life-long skills for career success!
Book a free consultation today!
