Embedding Career Development into Academic Programs for Student Success

Le Moyne College is a private Jesuit institution in Syracuse, New York, serving over 3,000 students with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and holistic student development. Supporting students in aligning their academic pursuits with purposeful career paths is a core focus for RJ Rapoza, Co-Director of the Manresa Program and Associate Director of Career Advising and Development. In a recent webinar for higher education leaders, Rapoza joined PeopleGrove’s VP of Campus Partnerships, Kathryn Roman and Bryce Kirchhausen, VP of Employer Partnerships, to share insights on embedding career development within academic programs, including innovative approaches Le Moyne has implemented to support students at every stage of their career journey.  

The following is a summary of the presentation, which can alternatively be watched in full and on-demand here.

The Growing Demand for Career Development in Higher Ed

Higher education institutions are facing increasing pressure to justify the cost of attendance with tangible outcomes for students. As shared during the webinar, a recent study highlighted that nearly half of undergraduates report feeling uncertain about their job prospects, leading to higher levels of stress and anxiety. This underscores the importance of structured career development programs that can help alleviate these concerns and provide students with a clearer sense of purpose.

Insights Garnered

Our discussion was led by Kathryn Roman, VP of Campus Partnerships at PeopleGrove, who was joined by RJ Rapoza, Co-Director of the Manresa program and Associate Director of Career Advising and Development at Le Moyne College, and Bryce Kirchhausen, VP of Employer Partnerships at PeopleGrove. Here’s a summary of their insights:

1. Embedding Purpose in Education: RJ emphasized that career conversations should start early and be woven into various aspects of student life, from first-year seminars to co-curricular programs. At Le Moyne College, the Manresa program spans all four years, helping students connect values and experiences to potential career pathways. This approach fosters a reflective and intentional journey for students as they navigate their academic and professional development.
2. Scalability Challenges and Solutions: One of the biggest hurdles in embedding career development is scalability. RJ shared that while one-on-one support is ideal, it is often impractical for career services offices with limited staff. Le Moyne tackled this by using integrated tools like PathwayU, which connects career assessments with the college’s job board, allowing students to explore internships and job opportunities aligned with their interests independently.
3. Diverse Career Preparation Strategies: Bryce discussed how embedding project-based learning into the curriculum can offer students real-world exposure. While sourcing live projects for students to tackle is labor-intensive, providing hands-on experience and bolstering students’ resumes pays off. Partnerships with organizations like PeopleGrove can help source and facilitate these projects, reducing the burden on faculty and administration.

Key Strategies and Actionable Steps

Whether your institution is just beginning its journey or is looking to enhance existing career programs, here are some practical takeaways from the webinar:

1. Start Small: Begin with a pilot program or collaborate with one faculty member open to integrating career conversations into their curriculum. Small successes can pave the way for broader adoption and faculty buy-in.
2. Leverage Mentorship: Early exposure to career paths can be enhanced through mentorship. Connecting students with alumni, industry professionals, or peers boosts engagement and long-term success. The panelists noted that mentorship programs increase student retention and graduation rates.
3. Integrate Career Prep from Year One: Waiting until junior year to introduce career preparation is too late. RJ shared how Le Moyne’s freshman seminars focus on helping students define their roles as learners and develop an understanding of their motivations and goals. This approach encourages students to see career development as an evolving part of their academic journey.
4. Explore Non-Traditional Experiences: While internships are valuable, they can be difficult to scale. Consider incorporating micro-internships, project-based learning, and partnerships with non-profits to provide varied experiences that align with student needs and schedules.
5. Build on Success: Use pilot program results and faculty champions to gain administrative support for more significant initiatives. Bryce noted that when institutions see career integration reflected in student engagement and outcomes, these practices can become selling points for enrollment.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Relationships Over Transactions

RJ closed the webinar with a poignant reminder that career conversations should not be transactional but relational. Asking students reflective questions like “Why do you love this?” or “Who are you doing this for?” shifts the focus from just fulfilling requirements to understanding deeper motivations and aspirations. This approach prepares students for lifelong success and trains them to think about how they can build a meaningful career path.

Moving Forward

As institutions continue to adapt to changing student expectations and industry demands, embedding career development into academic programs will remain a priority. The strategies shared in this webinar offer practical ways to initiate or enhance these efforts, ensuring students leave college not just with a degree, but with the confidence and preparation needed for their future careers.

For those interested in learning more about student success solutions, bringing equity to experiential learning or increasing project-based learning opportunities through PeopleGrove, we encourage you to reach out. 

Thank you to all who joined the webinar, and we look forward to continuing the conversation about how we can collectively empower student success through innovative career development practices.

RJ’s recommendation for further learning: The Purposeful Graduate by Tim Clydesdale

The on-demand video version of this presentation from Le Moyne’s RJ Rapoza provides valuable insights for institutions looking to integrate career development into their academic programs and foster a culture of purpose-driven learning. His practical strategies and thoughtful approach offer guidance for those aiming to enhance student support, engagement, and long-term success across diverse student populations.