Adding Value To The First-Year Experience: Embedding Self And Major Exploration In The College Of Business Curriculum

Abstract

<p>This paper details the First-Year Career Development Program (First-Year Program) a component of a comprehensive multi-year program designed to guide business students through self-assessment and the selection of an appropriate business major and ultimately to prepare them to secure professional career positions. The First-Year Program is designed to integrate student self-assessment and career and business major exploration into the First-Year Experience. A survey of students who participated in the First-Year Program indicated a high level of student satisfaction. It further indicated that participants were more positive about completing their degree programs at the regional university where the First-Year Program is conducted. The First-Year Program was developed collaboratively by Career and Academic Planning Center professionals and College of Business faculty.</p>

KEY Careers: Increasing Retention and Graduation Rates With Career Interventions

“…The results of this study suggest participation in a career intervention is a statistically significant predictor of a student graduating within 4 years, as suggested by the literature (Damminger, Potter, & Pritchard, 2009; Folsom et al, 2002; Reardon, Melvin, McClain, Peterson, & Bowman, 2015). One reason students do not graduate within 4 years is due to the lack of vocational identity clarity (Cuseo, 2005).…”

“…Beginning the intervention immediately when a matriculate enrolls in higher education was found to be effective. The results of this study and relevant research suggested it is beneficial to have students engage in developing their vocational identity during their first year of college (Damminger et al, 2009; Johnson et al, 2002). Likewise, following up with students after the career intervention is recommended to ensure the most positive response on increasing 1-year retention and 4-year graduation rates.…”

“…Thus, finding effective programming initiatives is essential to foster student success and enable students to efficiently complete their college degree. Research suggested career interventions can significantly influence 1-year retention and 4-year graduation rates (Damminger et al, 2009). There are steps institutions can take to create a more career-focused environment to foster student success.…”

“…Investing in career development programming can significantly impact the student experience. An investigation conducted by Damminger, Potter, and Pritchard (2009) found 82.6% of students who completed a career intervention course during their first year of college reported they felt more confident in completing their degree. Researchers determined it was because students had investigated their interests and skills and felt more committing to a major after thoroughly exploring their options.…”

First Year Experience Course: Insights From The First Two Years

“…Many of the FYE courses described in the literature have attempted to address both frameworks (Damminger, Potter, & Pritchard, 2009). Courses often include discussions, reading assignments, and guest speakers which address both the strategies needed for academic success, and the needed information to socialize and integrate the new students into the university.…”