Terrell Dunn, a higher education specialist, discusses the shift towards job-focused college experiences, the importance of job guarantees, integrating work experiences into curriculum, and colleges explaining their value for student support.
Colleges should focus on job outcomes and guarantee employment for graduates.
Providing students with exposure to diverse career paths and integrating work experiences into the college curriculum is beneficial.
Deep dives
Tectonic Shift in College Enrollment
College enrollment has significantly decreased, with public skepticism about the value of a college degree playing a critical role. Recent research highlighted high school students' doubts, leading to a decline in undergraduate enrollment from 2011. Factors contributing to the shift include concerns about job security post-education and alternatives like job training or certification courses gaining appeal.
Impact of Information Sources on Enrollment Decisions
High school students rely on various sources like counselors and parents for college information, receiving more positive narratives. In contrast, non-enrollees must seek information independently, often leading to negative perceptions. The study found a correlation between positive information received and enrollment decisions.
Shift in Job-Centric Perspectives on Education
Both high school students and non-enrollees view attending college as a pathway to securing jobs and economic stability. However, non-enrollees prioritize alternative education formats like job training due to perceived higher value and lower cost. Concerns over trade-offs during college, such as pausing work or student debt, influence their decision-making.
Guidance and Support for Post-Secondary Pathways
Navigate a shift emphasizing job-skill alignment, institutions should offer supportive measures like debt elimination, expert guidance on selecting majors or jobs, and assistance in securing internships post-graduation. Enhancing college value perception, integrating work experience with academics, and providing tailored career guidance can better align post-secondary paths with student aspirations.
There has been an exodus from higher ed - that much is understood. But what's causing it and what can we do to ensure students are still accessing pathways to opportunity? In this episode, Jeff and Michael grapple with this question with the help of Terrell Dunn whose recent research, done in partnership with HCM Strategists and Edge Research, addresses this very topic. They discuss the increasing focus on job outcomes revealed in her findings and consider the role of colleges in supporting - or even ensuring - employment for their graduates. The conversation touches on the importance of providing students with exposure to diverse career paths and the potential benefits and challenges of integrating work experiences into the college curriculum. This episode is made with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.