Supporting Career Exploration and Connection to Programs of Study for Online Students

September 2, 2020

Fellows:
Rhea Busick, Rhodes State College
Laura Emerick, Marion Technical College
Kelly Hogan, Columbus State Community College
Bruce Weaver, Central Ohio Technical College

Project Advisor:
Gretchen Schmidt, American Association of Community Colleges

Executive Summary:
Many students are forced to select a major or program of study without understanding the connection between programs and careers as well as availability of positions and salary expectations. Developing an online learning module that allows students to explore both academic and career pathways and related job opportunities will help students make more fully informed decisions and develop their individual career and academic plans in the first semester.

We recognize the importance of having a First Year Experience (FYE) course for all students. However, our project is designed to address the specific needs of students enrolled in online sections of this course. Online students may not be as connected with campus resources related to career exploration as students who generally attend classes on campus. In addition, students who select online classes may have difficulty visiting campus resource areas like Career and Advising Services during their hours of operation due to their personal and work schedules.

To that end, our project will offer recommendations for the design of a robust online module that allows students to explore career opportunities by pathway and interact with peers, faculty, and staff using tools that support remote participation.