The Career Sip: Your Weekly Dose of Higher Ed Hustle!

The Career Sip: Your Weekly Dose of Higher Ed Hustle!

First Edition of 2025!

Happy New Year, Career Champions! We’re back after the holiday season, recharged and ready to dive into another exciting year of higher ed insights, career strategies, and innovative tools to keep your career services game strong. We hope you had a restful and joyful Christmas break—now it’s time to hit the ground running and make 2025 your most impactful year yet!

This week’s Career Sip is packed with fresh trends, inspiring reads, cutting-edge tech updates, and exciting job openings to kickstart the year. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in a fun fact to keep things light and engaging as you ease back into the swing of things.

Grab your coffee, and let’s make this year one for the books! ☕


Latest News in Higher Ed

3 Strategies to Attract Students in 2025

As we step into 2025, higher education faces a pivotal moment. With shrinking enrollments and shifting student expectations, institutions must rethink how they attract and retain learners. The good news? Creativity and innovation are leading the way. Here are three key strategies that will shape higher ed marketing and engagement this year—and how career services can play a critical role in supporting student success.

1. Focus on Student Success Stories Today’s students are more skeptical than ever about the value of higher education. They’re asking tough questions about outcomes, costs, and job prospects. Colleges that can demonstrate clear success metrics—like graduation rates, transfer pathways, and job placements—will earn their trust. Marketing campaigns need to shift from broad promises to real, data-backed stories that highlight measurable results. Career services teams can be instrumental here, partnering with marketing departments to showcase alumni success, employer partnerships, and career development resources that directly address student concerns.

2. AI-Powered Student Engagement AI is no longer just an experiment—it’s transforming student engagement. From chatbots that answer questions in real time to predictive analytics that track student success, AI tools are freeing up staff time and providing more personalized support. At Forsyth Tech, for example, AI chatbots saved over 170,000 minutes of staff time last year. In 2025, scaling these technologies will be key to improving the student experience. Career services can leverage AI for virtual advising, resume reviews, and interview prep tools—creating smarter, more accessible pathways for students navigating their career journeys.

3. Flexible Learning and Alternative Credentials The rise of microcredentials, apprenticeships, and certificates reflects a growing demand for affordable, career-focused education. Marketing teams must position these programs as not just alternatives but smart, practical choices. For career services, this means building pathways that integrate these credentials into long-term career plans and helping students see their value in the job market. Highlighting alumni who’ve used alternative credentials to upskill or switch careers can make these programs even more compelling.

To thrive in 2025, colleges need to blend data-driven marketing, AI-powered engagement, and flexible learning pathways into a cohesive strategy. Career services teams are central to this transformation—offering the insights, tools, and support students need to succeed in an evolving education and job market. By embracing these trends, institutions can build trust, boost enrollments, and prepare students for the future of work.


What are we reading this week?

Book Recommendations

As we kick off the new year, we’re diving into three powerful books that challenge conventional thinking about careers, learning, and higher education. These picks are must-reads for career advisors looking to inspire growth, adaptability, and meaningful conversations with students.

1. Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson Failure is often seen as something to avoid, but Edmondson flips that narrative, showing how learning from failure can lead to growth and resilience. This book is particularly relevant for career advisors working with students facing setbacks—whether it’s a rejection letter, changing majors, or struggling to find the right path. With practical strategies to reframe failure as an opportunity, it’s a great resource for teaching students how to bounce back stronger.

2. Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg In a world dominated by hybrid work and digital connections, communication skills are more important than ever. Duhigg explores how effective communication builds trust, resolves conflicts, and fosters collaboration—critical skills for career readiness. Career services professionals can leverage insights from this book to coach students on everything from acing interviews to building workplace relationships in remote and hybrid settings.

3. The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset Transforming the Future of Business by Andrew McAfee For those advising students entering tech-heavy industries, McAfee’s book provides an eye-opening look at how innovation, transparency, and data-driven decisions are shaping modern workplaces. It’s a playbook for understanding the mindset students will need to thrive in fast-paced, technology-driven environments.

These books are packed with insights to spark conversations, reframe challenges, and prepare students for the complexities of today’s job market. Add them to your reading list—you won’t regret it!


Tech

3 Ways AI Will Transform Higher Education in 2025

AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s becoming the backbone of higher education, and 2025 is set to be a transformative year. From revolutionizing student engagement to streamlining operations, AI is reshaping how institutions attract, support, and retain students. Here’s what career services teams need to know:

1. AI Agents Will Enhance Student Support and Operations AI-powered tools are evolving into virtual advisors, offering students personalized academic guidance and reminders about deadlines or missing application materials. Universities like Georgia State have already seen AI reduce summer melt by 21%. In 2025, expect AI agents to go beyond answering questions—they’ll automate tasks, free up staff for strategic work, and act as proactive supporters in the student journey. For career services, this means more time to focus on complex, human-centered advising while AI handles routine inquiries.

2. Hyperpersonalization Is the Future of Student Engagement AI is bringing personalized learning and support to the next level. Tools like Purdue’s Course Signals predict students at risk of falling behind and send tailored alerts, improving retention. Career services can adopt similar strategies—leveraging AI to recommend resources, internships, and career paths based on students’ unique goals and challenges. This shift from reactive to proactive advising will redefine how we connect with and guide students.

3. Ethical AI Practices Will Be Non-Negotiable With great power comes great responsibility, and AI adoption brings ethical concerns. From data privacy to algorithm bias, institutions must lead the charge in setting transparent, equitable practices. Career advisors can play a key role by promoting ethical AI literacy, helping students understand its role in recruitment and hiring, and ensuring inclusivity as AI becomes a standard tool in education and the workplace.

AI is here to stay, and the institutions that embrace its potential—while prioritizing ethics and personalization—will thrive. For career services professionals, the challenge is clear: leverage AI to enhance human connections, streamline workflows, and deliver impactful student experiences. The future is now—are you ready?


Fun

Meme of the Week



Latest in Career Development

Addressing the Internship Shortage Crisis

Internships have long been a cornerstone of career development, providing students with hands-on experience, professional networks, and pathways to full-time employment. However, recent studies reveal a growing shortage of internship opportunities, leaving many students struggling to gain the experience employers increasingly demand.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91% of employers now expect job candidates to have internship experience prior to graduation, yet less than 60% of students report having completed one. This gap is widening as economic uncertainty leads companies to scale back internship programs and shift toward project-based, remote work that doesn’t always provide the mentorship students need.

Key Challenges

  • Equity Issues: Students from lower-income backgrounds often lack access to unpaid or low-paid internships, further widening socioeconomic gaps.
  • Remote Work Limitations: While virtual internships offer flexibility, they often lack the networking and on-the-job training that make traditional internships valuable.
  • Employer Hesitations: Companies remain wary of investing in internship programs amid concerns about ROI and logistical challenges.

Opportunities for Career Services Teams

  1. Building Micro-Internship Programs: Partner with platforms like Parker Dewey or Forage to create short-term, project-based experiences for students who need flexible opportunities.
  2. Leveraging Alumni Networks: Establish mentoring and internship pipelines through alumni who are eager to give back.
  3. Employer Outreach: Collaborate with employers to design innovative internship models, including hybrid and rotational opportunities, to lower their investment while maximizing impact.
  4. Funding Solutions: Advocate for stipends, grants, and scholarships to support students pursuing unpaid or underpaid internships.
  5. Experiential Learning Alternatives: Develop campus-based internships and hands-on learning programs tied to real-world projects to fill the experience gap.

The internship shortage presents both a challenge and an opportunity for career services professionals to rethink traditional approaches. By expanding partnerships, leveraging technology, and promoting equity, we can reshape the internship experience and ensure students are ready for the workforce—regardless of market fluctuations.

Start 2025 with a renewed focus on bridging the internship gap. Collaborate with employers, explore new funding models, and empower students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.


Opportunities

Job Opening in Higher Education

Explore these exciting opportunities to shape the future of students and advance your career in higher education!

Careers Education Manager

  • Organization: University for the Creative Arts
  • Location: Farnham, England
  • Description: Lead the Careers Education team at the School for the Creative and Cultural Industries, delivering innovative career development programs and workshops. Support students in navigating creative career pathways and building sustainable futures in the arts and culture sectors. 👉 Apply here

Senior Associate Director, Talent & Careers – Sector Head Consulting

  • Organization: IE Business School
  • Location: Madrid, Spain
  • Description: Take charge of consulting-sector career strategies, providing expert career coaching and fostering employer partnerships. Collaborate with top consulting firms to enhance student employability and strengthen industry connections. 👉 Apply here

Careers Advisor

  • Organization: University of Manchester
  • Location: Manchester, England
  • Description: Join the University of Manchester’s Careers Service to deliver tailored guidance and career coaching for students. Organize impactful events, provide employability resources, and help students prepare for the evolving job market. 👉 Apply here

Careers Consultant (Postgraduate Taught Students)

  • Organization: University of Bath
  • Location: Bath, England
  • Description: Support postgraduate students in achieving career success by delivering one-to-one advice, workshops, and strategic career planning. Collaborate with academic departments to integrate career development into academic programs. 👉 Apply here

Program Manager, Health Careers

  • Organization: University of California
  • Location: Oakland, California, USA
  • Description: Oversee health career programs, guiding students toward opportunities in healthcare professions. Develop partnerships, provide mentorship, and manage career-related programming for aspiring health professionals. 👉 Apply here


Take the Next Step! Whether you’re looking to mentor the next generation of creatives, lead consulting-sector strategies, or empower postgraduate and healthcare students, these roles offer meaningful ways to make a difference. Apply now or share with someone ready to make an impact in higher education!


Learn something new

The Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know that visualizing career goals can actually boost motivation and success? Research in psychology shows that creating vision boards—a collage of images and words representing goals—can enhance focus, clarity, and accountability. According to a study published in Psychology Today, people who vividly picture their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.

January is the perfect time for students and professionals to set intentions for the year, and vision boards can be a creative way to make those goals feel more tangible. Career services professionals can leverage this by hosting vision board workshops or incorporating visualization techniques into career counseling sessions. Encouraging students to map out their aspirations—whether it’s landing an internship, exploring industries, or developing new skills—can help them feel more in control of their journeys and stay motivated throughout the year.

Pro Tip: Pair vision boards with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) to balance inspiration with action steps. This powerful combination can turn dreams into structured, achievable plans!


That’s a wrap for our first Career Sip of 2025! 

We’re thrilled to start the year with you and can’t wait to share more insights, strategies, and inspiration in the weeks ahead. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and success—for you, your students, and your institutions.

Stay motivated, stay inspired, and as always—stay caffeinated, my friends! ☕

See you next week!



To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by CareerOS

Insights from the community

Others also viewed

Explore topics