The Career Architecture Process
As a result of Stevenson’s formal strategic planning process, the president, administration, and faculty of Stevenson developed and introduced the concept of Career Architecture SM to the campus.
Career Architecture SM helps prepare students for the world of work from the beginning of their academic journey at Stevenson. Whether students are deciding upon or anticipating a specific major, Stevenson University offers a distinctive approach to explore new paths, change destinations, and map their own vision for the future. With the support of our career experts and committed faculty, the process of Career Architecture SM helps students develop a personalized strategic plan based on motivated strengths, interests, values, and individual goals.
At SU, we strive to inspire our students through exposure to a wealth of experiences, professionals, and real-world scenarios. This invaluable framework, plus timely tools and coaching, empowers Stevenson students to imagine their future and design their careers with a competitive advantage achieved by graduation. The process is a personal exploration for students to help them design their career paths beyond their first job. Through theory, practice, and mentoring, students acquire a strategy for lifelong career management and learning that contributes to future success.
Career Architecture SM is comprised of three elements that are introduced at various stages during our students’ university years:
- Personal direction. We inspire our students to dream about their future and create their own journey through reflective pieces and exercises introduced to all students beginning in freshman year. This guidance is designed to help them explore individual skills, values, and interests. One-on-one advising and career counseling assist them in developing a strategic career plan. The goal is to establish a strong foundation of increased self-awareness that leads to the creation of a personal plan for life and work.
- Discipline expertise. Students build the expertise and relationships that they will need to start off competitive and stay connected in their field. Basic career skills are learned through curricula, in-class seminars, and a wide range of university experiences and activities. Students further develop expertise through internships, service learning, leadership roles, engagement in student organizations and clubs, capstone courses, and research. The goal is to develop these skills and know how to apply them to succeed in school, work, and life.
- Professional know-how. Stevenson imparts the skills and tools students will need to navigate professional challenges and opportunities. This is accomplished through career and exploration events and activities, including symposia, career fairs, exploration tours, shadow days, and informational interviews. Students also engage in career strategic plan development, resume and interview preparation, video mock interviews, portfolio preparation, participation in on-campus recruiting sessions, networking support, and job search coaching. The goal is to introduce methods for each student to discover which career options are the best fit and to introduce methods and opportunities for professional career management and work after graduation.
Stevenson’s faculty, the Career Services staff, and administrators all work with members of area businesses and organizations to identify career exploration and preparation opportunities for Stevenson students from the day they arrive on campus. Some of the activities available to students include distinct freshmen seminars, targeted career symposia and seminars, career fairs and networking events, in-class seminars, on-campus interviews, employer information sessions, networking, and etiquette dinners.