Mission, Vision, & Assessment

The team at the Career Design Center is committed to continuous improvement via a comprehensive program of assessment and evaluation, which is ongoing. The assessment strategy in place at the Center is designed to:

  • evaluate each major program offering;
  • utilize satisfaction surveys;
  • gather first destination data for all graduates regarding employment and continuing education;
  • benchmark trends, opportunities, and challenges;
  • effectively prepare for each accreditation review; and
  • provide support and data for colleges, national associations, and key constituents.

This strategy is accomplished through qualitative and quantitative data gathering, which is used for program review and corrective action. An annual retreat is held in which all assessment data is reviewed by the entire Center team to celebrate successes and identify areas for continuous improvement. Furthermore, all staff is involved in state, regional, and national associations in order to benchmark with peer institutions.

Beginning with the intake process though the satisfaction survey, students’ goals are supported by the programming, advising, coaching, events, and services offered. Outcomes are ultimately determined by ensuring students leave with a complete bundle of skills that enable them to successfully develop lifelong job search skills.

Mission Statement

The Career Design Center empowers all students to design their career paths through university-wide career education, employer engagement and access to experiential learning, and post-graduation opportunities.

Vision Statement

To bring career education and opportunities to every USU student before graduation. Students/alumni are encouraged to visit early and often as they:

  • explore careers and majors that align with thier values, interests, skills, personality, and goals;
  • engage in activities to prototype career options and progress in career development; and
  • design their career plan and take action in building their way forward.

This programming is accomplished through a balanced, high-tech, high-touch environment with highly trained professionals and student career peers.

Goals and Learning Outcomes

The team at the Center works hard to be responsive to the career development and success of students and the employers who hire them. Center goals are developed around each of the three developmental and career goals of students/alumni. As a result of participating and engaging in university programs promoting career readiness, students will be able to…

Explore

  • Gather self-knowledge regarding skills, values, interests, personality, strengths, and culture
  • Utilize career resources to research fields of study, job families, occupational outlook, and qualifications
  • Reflect upon work and life views and how they align with major/career information
  • Understand how to use and the importance of prototyping to further learn about major/career options
  • Brainstorm and begin to design multiple great career and life paths

Launch

  • Utilize resources, tools, and techniques for obtaining post-graduation opportunities (i.e., employment, education, service)
  • Articulate personal values, skills, and abilities related to each of the NACE Career Readiness Competencies
  • Build a network with an understanding of the value of connection in professional life
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills for the interviewing process (i.e., elevator pitch, interviews, negotiations, etc.)
  • Prepare tailored application documents for specific industries and positions (i.e., resumes, cover letters, personal statements, emails, etc.)

Engage

  • Develop the basic skills, etiquette, and cultural awareness necessary to be effective in the workplace
  • Formulate strategies for designing prototyping activities
  • Evaluate how engagement in prototyping activities (i.e., job shadowing, informational interviews, service-learning, internships, student organization involvement, etc.) relates to designing career and life paths
  • Practice skills and abilities related to each of the NACE Career Readiness Competencies through engagement inside and outside the classroom
  • Identify and participate in various networking activities (i.e., career fairs, information sessions, Aggie Network, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Integrate self-knowledge with major/career options to craft flexible, short-term career goals that can be adapted as situations change

Foundational Documents

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) provides relevant resources for training of new career counselors, principles of conduct, and first destination data in addition to other resources.

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