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

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

Welcome back to your go-to spot for the buzz in higher education career development, where the coffee is always strong and the news always fresh.

Dive into this week's Career Sip for the latest in higher ed strategies, career development tips, and a surprising fun fact that'll leave you craving more!

Don't miss out—read till the end!


Latest News in Higher Ed

New Jersey’s Bold Move to Bring Back Stopped-Out Students 

A groundbreaking initiative in New Jersey has successfully reenrolled over 8,600 students who had previously left college without completing their credentials, showcasing an innovative approach to addressing declining college enrollment. This effort comes as the looming demographic cliff—triggered by declining birth rates—pressures colleges to rethink strategies for sustaining enrollment and meeting workforce demands.

To support these returning students, 18 colleges will share $1.6 million in grants to cover unexpected expenses, reduce barriers like application fees, and develop specialized resources such as digital tools, personalized advising, and on-campus events. These targeted interventions are not just about getting students back in the classroom—they’re about helping them thrive once they return.

A National Trend with Local Impact

New Jersey’s initiative, which now includes 22 public colleges, is part of the state’s larger mission to ensure 65% of working-age residents hold a credential by next year. Progress is being made, with the attainment rate reaching nearly 59% in 2022. This effort has already resulted in over 350 graduates, marking a significant step forward.

The Garden State isn’t alone. Similar programs like North Carolina’s Project Kitty Hawk and California Reconnect are also making waves. Project Kitty Hawk, launched in May 2023, has reenrolled nearly 2,800 students within the University of North Carolina System. Meanwhile, California Reconnect has engaged thousands of former students, with promising reenrollment rates of over 8%.

Why It Matters for Career Services

For career services professionals, these initiatives are a wake-up call to engage with this growing population of returning students. Stopped-out students bring unique challenges and opportunities—they often juggle work, family, and financial constraints while pursuing their degrees. Career advisors have an essential role in helping these students navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Consider how your team can support these nontraditional students with career coaching, skills workshops, and access to resources tailored to their needs. Collaborating with campus-wide efforts to reduce barriers and improve retention can also strengthen outcomes for students and your institution. With innovative programs like these gaining traction nationwide, now is the time to think big and implement strategies to help returning students not only graduate but also thrive in the workforce.


What are we reading this week?

Book Recommendations

This week, we’re diving into Mailed It!, a must-read for anyone in higher education who uses email to connect with students, alumni, or stakeholders. Co-authors Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds deliver a practical, engaging guide that demystifies effective email marketing, especially for those working in alumni engagement, admissions, or fundraising. Their candid take on email—acknowledging its reputation as an "overwhelming time-suck"—will resonate with anyone who has wrestled with an unruly inbox or struggled to make their emails stand out.

Packed with actionable insights, Mailed It! explains how to build impactful email programs from the ground up. For career services teams, this book offers valuable tips on crafting messages that grab attention, deliver value, and drive action. 

From mastering subject lines and the "from name" field to understanding email metrics and call-to-action language, Budd and Kibilds provide tools that are both straightforward and effective. Bonus? Their advice on using AI cautiously to streamline email creation is timely and relevant.

The book’s blend of humor, data-driven insights, and step-by-step advice makes it an excellent resource for career services professionals looking to refine their outreach efforts. Not only is it easy to skim and implement, but it’s also a handy desk-side companion for ongoing reference. Ready to transform your email strategy? Mailed It! might just be the spark you need!


Tech

European and US institutions partner with Meta to embrace VR

Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just for gamers— as we’ve covered in past editions, it's becoming a transformative tool in higher education. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Meta, universities across the US, UK, and Europe are testing the limits of VR and extended reality (XR) to redefine teaching and learning. Institutions like Arizona State University, Imperial College London, and the University of Leeds are part of Meta’s Meta for Education Beta Program, exploring how metaverse technology can create immersive learning experiences.

Imagine virtual field trips to global landmarks, hands-on science experiments in risk-free environments, or digital "twins" of university campuses where students can walk the halls from anywhere in the world. The University of Leeds, one of Europe’s first “digital twin metaversities,” is already using VR for performance and theater classes, while Leeds' Dean of Online Learning, Margaret Korosec, highlights the potential for fully online degrees and enriching on-campus experiences alike. These innovations promise to make education more accessible and engaging for students unable to attend physical campuses.

For career services professionals, these developments signal the rising importance of tech fluency and adaptability. As Meta and other VR pioneers integrate immersive technologies into education, career advisors have an opportunity to prepare students for a world where digital collaboration and metaverse interactions could become the norm. Encourage students to explore VR-enhanced programs, which not only boost their learning but also offer exposure to cutting-edge tech that employers are increasingly adopting.

Additionally, VR opens doors for career services to host virtual career fairs, deliver immersive mock interviews, and simulate workplace environments—broadening access and engagement for all students, regardless of location. Keeping up with innovations like Meta's initiatives ensures career services can stay ahead of trends, positioning students to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.

The metaverse isn’t just coming—it’s here. Are you ready to guide your students into this exciting new frontier? 


Fun

Best Career Development Meme


Career Services Toolkit

Must-Have Resource of the Week

This Week’s Pick: "A Guide to Career Coaching Certifications" Elevate your career coaching game with this essential Ebook! Designed specifically for career services professionals, this guide dives deep into the world of career coaching certifications, helping you navigate the options and choose the best path to enhance your skills and credibility.

What’s Inside?

  • Certification Overviews: A breakdown of top career coaching certifications, from widely recognized programs to niche credentials.
  • Benefits and ROI: Insights into how certifications can boost your expertise and add value to your institution.
  • Cost and Time Commitments: A clear comparison of what each certification entails, making it easier to plan your professional development.
  • Specialized Focus Areas: Whether it’s resume writing, interview coaching, or executive guidance, discover certifications tailored to your interests.

Why It’s Valuable for Career Services Teams In today’s rapidly evolving job market, staying updated on career coaching best practices is critical. This resource is your roadmap to expanding your knowledge and providing even greater value to your students. Whether you're looking to specialize further or seeking credentials that align with your institution's goals, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Download the eBook here and start exploring the certifications that can elevate your career services offerings today!


Latest in Career Development

Gen Z’s Shift Away from Middle Management Roles

A survey by talent solutions firm Robert Walters reveals a significant generational shift: over half of Generation Z professionals are steering clear of middle management roles. The research highlights that 72% of Gen Z workers prefer career paths focused on personal growth and skills accumulation rather than managing teams. Stress, limited decision-making power, and reduced opportunities for personal development are among the top reasons cited for this reluctance.

This trend signals a potential challenge for employers and career services teams. With Gen Z professionals prioritizing entrepreneurial mindsets and digital-first approaches, traditional hierarchical structures are increasingly falling out of favor. Only 14% of Gen Z respondents believe traditional structures are still effective, while 30% advocate for flat, team-based organizations. However, an overwhelming 89% acknowledge the importance of middle management, suggesting that the role’s transformation could be key to bridging this generational divide.

What This Means for Career Services Teams 

For career services professionals, these findings are a call to adapt and innovate. Advising students on navigating non-linear career paths or building entrepreneurial skills can align with Gen Z’s career aspirations. Additionally, it’s crucial to highlight the evolving role of middle managers as facilitators and team enablers, emphasizing how leadership roles can still support personal growth and creativity.

By incorporating workshops or mentoring programs that showcase modern approaches to leadership, career services can help students see the value in roles that balance management with autonomy. Encouraging employers to create "unbossed" cultures—where middle managers empower rather than micromanage—can also ensure a better alignment between Gen Z's preferences and organizational needs. 

The future of work is changing, and career services teams are uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation for what’s ahead. 


Opportunities

Job Opening in Higher Education

Explore these exciting opportunities to make an impact in higher education and career development:

  • Early Careers Manager Organization: ICAEW Location: United Kingdom Are you passionate about shaping the future of early talent? ICAEW is seeking an Early Careers Manager to lead their initiatives supporting young professionals. This role involves creating impactful programs that foster career growth and development for the next generation of finance leaders. Apply here
  • HE and Careers Advisor Organization: Capital City College Location: London, UK Capital City College is looking for an HE and Careers Advisor to empower students with the guidance they need to navigate their higher education and career journeys. If you thrive on providing tailored advice and fostering student success, this role is for you. Apply here
  • Coordinator, STEM Careers, Internships & Co-ops Organization: Youngstown State University Location: Ohio, USA Help students excel in STEM fields! Youngstown State University is hiring a Coordinator to oversee career development programs, internships, and co-op opportunities tailored to STEM students. Be part of building future innovators and industry leaders. Apply here
  • Associate Director - Marketing & Communication, Talent & Careers Organization: IE University Location: Madrid, Spain IE University seeks an Associate Director for their Talent & Careers team to lead strategic marketing and communications efforts. In this pivotal role, you’ll connect students with transformative career opportunities while promoting the university’s career services globally. Apply here
  • Careers Counsellor Organization: International Schools Partnership Limited Location: Various International Locations Join a global network of schools as a Careers Counsellor, guiding students through academic and career planning. This role offers the chance to work with diverse learners, helping them achieve their goals and prepare for their futures. Apply here

Take the next step in your career or share these opportunities with someone who’s looking for their next professional adventure! 🚀


Learn something new

The Fun Fact of the Week

Here’s a quirky tidbit: Did you know that the coffee break was invented to improve workplace productivity? Back in the late 1930s, a company in Wisconsin noticed its employees were more focused and efficient after informal coffee breaks. So they institutionalized it—and the rest is history!

For career services professionals, there’s a fun takeaway here: micro-breaks matter! Whether it’s encouraging students to take short breaks during job applications or incorporating a quick coffee chat into career workshops, a little downtime can supercharge focus and creativity.

Bonus tip: Host a “Career Coffee Hour” where students can casually network over coffee and cookies. Who knew caffeine could be a career booster? ☕


That's a wrap for this week's The Career Sip. Keep brewing your career development strategies, and we'll be back next week with another steaming cup of higher ed updates. 

Stay caffeinated, my friends!



Andreza André da Rocha

Career Development & Guidance | Trainer | I help students to build a successful career in Germany

2mo

I LOVE the Career Sip! Keep up the amazing work dear CareerOS team 🚀

To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by CareerOS

Explore topics