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!
Events
What You Can't Miss This Month
This November, we’re spotlighting a series of can’t-miss events designed for career advisors and students alike. Whether you're looking for insights into what top companies seek in emerging leaders or practical strategies for optimizing student resumes, these events offer invaluable resources to support career development.
6th November: Webinar (in Italian) - "What Top Companies Look for in Future Leaders"
If you’re advising students on how to make a lasting impression on top-tier employers, this webinar is for you. Held in Italian, with speakers from top companies like SAP, Philips or Whirlpool, the session will cover what major companies are seeking in future leaders, focusing on the skills, traits, and experiences that set standout candidates apart. Ideal for career advisors aiming to guide students with insights straight from the industry.
Register here 12th November: Webinar - “Get Hired Faster: CV and ATS Secrets from a Recruiter”
This session is a must for both career services and students! A student recruiter from Gartner will reveal key resume optimization techniques and share insider tips on navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) effectively. Advisors, encourage your students to join for recruiter-tested strategies that make candidates stand out in today’s competitive job market, or join yourself if you’d like to get amazing insights of what’s behind ATS!
13th November: Webinar - “How to Run a Leading MBA Career Services Center”
This webinar is tailored for career advisors managing or aspiring to lead MBA career services. Learn best practices from Reina Shishikura, who brings over 14 years of expertise in higher education and career coaching, most notably as the former Director of the MBA Career Center at WHU. Discover her tips on running a top-notch career center, from engaging with alumni to providing resources that support student success in post-MBA careers. Discover strategies that can elevate your services to new heights.
Latest News in Higher Ed
MBA Applications Soar for 2024-25 Academic Year
Applications to graduate business programs are on the rise! According to the Graduate Management Admission Council's (GMAC) latest survey, U.S. MBA programs have seen an impressive 8.1% increase in applications for the 2024-25 academic year, with full-time, in-person MBAs experiencing the most notable growth. Among institutions offering traditional two-year MBA programs, a striking 72% reported a jump in applications. Even one-year, online, and part-time MBA programs saw renewed interest, reflecting a strong demand for diverse learning formats that align with evolving student needs.
The survey highlights that applicants are particularly drawn to programs with established legacies, such as MBAs and master’s degrees in accounting and management. These “traditional” programs saw some of the highest application rates in a decade, even surpassing the temporary surge seen during the pandemic. Notably, women and first-generation students were significant contributors to this increase, marking a positive shift toward greater diversity in business education.
In response to this interest, business schools have ramped up financial assistance for students. This year, almost half (47%) of U.S. business graduate students received merit-based scholarships or fellowships, compared to 37% just five years ago. The expanded financial support appears to be reinforcing enrollment, making advanced business education more accessible.
AI is also taking center stage in business education. The GMAC survey found that nearly half of the programs (44%) are incorporating discussions around AI ethics and societal impact, while 43% are developing classes to integrate AI into business decision-making. A smaller yet significant percentage (23%) trains students to leverage AI in day-to-day tasks, and 9% even offer AI-driven, self-paced learning options. Despite this surge in AI-focused curriculum development, only 13% of respondents have formal AI-related policies in admissions, with a large majority (63%) yet to establish one.
The 2024 GMAC survey, drawing data from almost 300 business schools across 40 countries, paints a bright picture for business education, reflecting a strong alignment between program offerings and market demands. This growing interest, combined with increased financial aid and innovative curriculum adjustments, offers career services teams valuable insights into the shifting landscape of business education and the types of opportunities that may appeal to prospective MBA students.
For career services, this is a call to action: as demand for MBAs grows and programs adapt to include AI and digital skills, students may look to advisors for guidance on choosing the best program format, leveraging financial aid opportunities, and positioning themselves for future AI-driven career paths.
What are we reading this week?
Book Recommendations
This November, we’re diving into some essential reads that provide fresh perspectives on higher education, career development, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking for insights on guiding students or expanding your own understanding of today’s educational landscape, these books are worth adding to your list.
- "Letters to Students: What it Means to Be a College Graduate" by Robert A. Scott and Drew Bogner This inspiring collection of letters offers guidance on navigating college, defining success, and building a meaningful career. Framed as personal letters to students, Scott and Bogner cover critical topics like how to set and achieve life goals, find a mentor, and make the most of college experiences. Each letter includes thought-provoking questions, making it a great resource for educators to share with students and spark discussions on finding purpose in their studies and careers.
- "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans Written by Stanford professors, this book introduces “design thinking” as a way to craft a fulfilling career and life. Based on a popular course taught at Stanford, Designing Your Life encourages readers to approach their lives as designers, using iterative thinking, prototyping, and curiosity to solve life’s challenges. This book is excellent for students and young professionals looking to map out their paths with more intentionality and creativity.
Tech
Immersive Technologies in Higher Education
Immersive technologies, from virtual reality (VR) to augmented reality (AR), are making waves in higher education, bringing new dimensions to learning that were once confined to video games and entertainment. Today, universities are exploring how VR, AR, and extended reality (XR) can enrich academic programs by offering students unprecedented, interactive ways to learn and engage.
Institutions are experimenting with immersive tools to bring abstract concepts to life. For instance, the University of Maryland uses AR to help students visualize anatomy, and the University of Southern California immerses students in key historical events using VR. Meanwhile, McMaster University in Canada employs VR to simulate engineering environments, enabling students to experience complex systems firsthand without leaving the classroom. This “learn by doing” approach empowers students to tackle real-world problems in a low-risk environment—a trend that’s gaining momentum.
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There’s significant evidence supporting the impact of these tools. According to a Chronicle of Higher Education survey, nearly 90% of college administrators cite immersive tech as a powerful tool for practicing real-world lessons in safe, controlled environments. Research shows that VR can decrease learning anxiety and boost student confidence, enthusiasm, and engagement, particularly in fields like science, engineering, and medicine.
Despite the excitement, universities face challenges in fully adopting immersive tech. High costs, faculty training needs, and content development barriers remain hurdles. VR headsets and development of 3D simulations require both financial investment and technical expertise, which some institutions struggle to provide. Moreover, instructors often need substantial training and ongoing support to make the most of these tools in the classroom.
Another area for growth is accessibility. As Rasha Faek, managing editor at World Education News & Reviews, notes, immersive technology is not universally accessible, and students with diverse learning needs require consideration to ensure inclusivity in VR environments. Tech companies can play a pivotal role here, partnering with universities to make VR and AR tools more accessible and affordable for educational use.
Looking ahead, immersive technologies offer unique opportunities to transform education. With proper support and resources, universities can create digital campuses, virtual labs, and interactive classrooms that reshape how students experience learning. For educators and career advisors, the growing adoption of VR and AR signals an exciting shift toward more interactive, student-centered learning experiences that mirror real-world challenges, equipping students with hands-on skills that can ease the transition into professional roles.
Latest in Career Development
First Year Seminars - The Secret for Student Retention?
Retention remains a significant challenge in higher education, with nearly one-third of students failing to graduate within six years. To counter this trend, almost 75% of four-year colleges have introduced first-year seminars to help students navigate the academic and social demands of college life, aiming to increase engagement and retention. Robert A. Scott’s recent article offers valuable insights into why these seminars have a powerful impact on first-year students.
First-year seminars, described as a “recipe for retention,” provide students with foundational support by focusing on essential skills and personal development. These courses are designed to address six key factors associated with student success: helping students set achievable goals, keeping them engaged and on track, providing a support system, fostering meaningful activities, creating a sense of connection, and promoting respect for diverse perspectives. When students understand why they’re in college and feel genuinely supported, they’re more likely to thrive both academically and personally.
Scott, along with his co-author Dr. Drew Bogner, highlights in their book Letters to Students: What it Means to Be a College Graduate that college is more than just academics—it’s about personal growth, community building, and career readiness. The first-year seminar introduces students to these broader goals, encouraging them to embrace self-reflection, try new things, and engage with diverse ideas. Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, students learn to explore their passions, consider their future roles in society, and develop key skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
The benefits of first-year programs go beyond retention, impacting lifelong career success. Research has shown that college graduates have a 9-10% higher return on investment throughout their careers compared to non-graduates, along with better health and civic engagement outcomes. These seminars, therefore, set the stage for students to maximize the benefits of a college education, equipping them with the tools they need for both professional and personal success.For career advisors, these insights underscore the value of encouraging students to actively participate in first-year programs, where they can build foundational skills that translate to greater resilience, adaptability, and engagement in their future careers.
Fun
Best Career Development Meme
Opportunities
Job Opening in Higher Education
Looking for new opportunities to support students on their career journeys? Here are some fantastic openings across higher ed institutions for career services professionals, each offering a unique chance to make an impact in student success and professional development:
- Careers Adviser - Nottingham University Business School Location: Nottingham, UK This role focuses on guiding business school students at the University of Nottingham toward fulfilling career paths. As a Careers Adviser, you’ll provide personalized career coaching, helping students refine their skills and job-search strategies. Perfect for someone with a passion for empowering the next generation of business leaders. Apply here
- Assistant Director, Careers in Computer Science and Technology - University of Chicago Location: Chicago, IL, USA Ideal for tech-oriented career advisors, this role supports students pursuing careers in computer science and technology. As an Assistant Director, you’ll work with students to navigate tech industry trends, connect with potential employers, and help them develop the skills needed for a successful transition into the workforce. Apply here
- Senior Careers & Employability Consultant - The Open University Location: Remote (UK-based) The Open University seeks a Senior Careers & Employability Consultant to support remote learners across diverse disciplines. This role is tailored for someone experienced in distance learning support and adept at creating virtual career engagement opportunities that align with the needs of adult and nontraditional students. Apply here
- Faculty Careers and Employability Consultant (Part-Time) - Nottingham University Business School Location: Nottingham, UK For those seeking a part-time role, this consultant position at Nottingham University Business School involves collaborating directly with faculty to support career development initiatives for students. This role is a great fit for someone with a strategic mindset and a strong understanding of employability trends in business education. Apply here
- Director of Career Development, Public Sector Careers - School of Law, University of Richmond Location: Richmond, VA, USA The University of Richmond is looking for a Director of Career Development focused on public sector careers within the School of Law. This leadership position involves guiding law students toward careers in the public sector, from government roles to nonprofit work, helping them leverage their skills and find meaningful pathways post-graduation. Apply here
Learn something new
The Fun Fact of the Week
Did you know that many companies and even some universities are experimenting with a four-day workweek? While it might sound like a “nice-to-have” perk, research is showing it could have serious benefits for both career satisfaction and productivity.
The idea of the four-day workweek took off in recent years, as organizations sought to improve work-life balance, boost employee morale, and reduce burnout. According to a recent study by the 4 Day Week Global Foundation, companies that implemented a shortened week saw productivity increase by an average of 25%. Employees reported feeling more engaged and creative, with less stress, leading to a lower turnover rate.
For career development, this trend could mean a shift in how companies recruit and retain top talent. Candidates are increasingly attracted to flexible work structures, and early adopters of the four-day workweek are gaining a competitive edge in hiring. It’s also impacting the way career advisors guide students—future job seekers may prioritize employers who offer shorter weeks or similar flexibility to support mental well-being and long-term career satisfaction.
As the concept gains traction, it’s an exciting time to consider how flexibility in work schedules could reshape career paths and open new opportunities for achieving a balanced, fulfilling professional life.
Would a four-day workweek be something you’d support in your organization? 🚀
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!