Parents & Family: Succeed w/ my Student: Academic & Career Advising

While the Advising Center and Career Center are two separate organizational units, they work cooperatively to assist students in developing a comprehensive academic and career plan.  The work of the two units is highly integrated.

Integrating career and academic planning consists of a variety of programs and services that individually meet the needs of students at the point of their readiness and that have collectively sought to change the culture of the campus so that a holistic approach to educational planning is reinforced throughout the student’s experience.  Program components are divided into two categories: 1) direct programs and services for students, and 2) training and support for staff.

Integrated Academic and Career Planning Programs/Services for Students

1. Major/Career Connections Sheets:  Six Major/Career Connections (MCC) sheets have been developed – one for each of the Holland codes (RAISEC).   Each MCC includes a quick assessment for the student to determine their fit with that code, a list of majors within that code, and sample careers.   See http://uc.iupui.edu/students/academics/mccs.asp?id2=382  for an example).
2. First-Year Seminar Course:  All beginning IUPUI students are required to enroll in a first-year seminar course. Each semester several sections of the course for exploratory student are offered; these sections are twice the credit-hour load and the course content includes college success and career decision-making strategies.
3. STEP Ahead to Your Future: A Guide to Choosing Majors and Career):  This workbook was developed by staff in the Advising Center and Career Center for use with students enrolled in the learning community for exploratory students. The book also serves as a resource for advisors and career counselors when working individually with students.
4. STEP Ahead Workshops: Career Center offer workshops for each component of the STEP model. In addition, a brochure outlining the workshops has been sent to faculty members to encourage them to invite the Career Center into appropriate classes. 

Request a Presentation in your classroom or for your student group. We can present on a variety of topics; everything from choosing a major and career, to how to write a resume or search for a job. 

Training and Support for Staff

Advisor Binder:   Each academic advisor has a career binder that includes:

• A complete listing of IUPUI majors
• a listing of exploratory course in each major
• a summary and comparison of IUPUI majors in health fields, computer-related fields, and communication
• information on the STEP Ahead Model
• information/tips/techniques for assisting students with exploring and evaluating major/career alternatives
• A Major/Career Connections sheet for each of the Holland codes including a listing of IUPUI majors within each code
• A Major/Career Connections Major Profile for majors at IUPUI

Cross training for Career Counselors and Advisors:   Beginning in the fall 2004 semester, staff in the University College Advising Center and IUPUI Career Center meet monthly for cross-training and team building. These meetings have addressed the following topics:

• Purpose and goals of integrating academic and career planning
• Overview of the STEP Ahead model of career decision-making
• Introduction to E-Discover tool for self-assessment and exploration of majors and careers
• Follow-up interpretation of each staff member’s results and experience with E-Discover
• Discussion and role playing of academic policies and procedures that may impact major/career decision-making