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Career Exploration

Make information on careers readily available to all students, empowering them to make informed decisions about programs of study that meets their skills, aptitudes, and aspirations.

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Connecting Learning to Purpose

A structured, intentional process that helps students discover, investigate, and connect with potential career pathways aligned with their interests, values, skills, and broader sense of purpose.

Limited Career Clarity

58% of Americans report job outcomes as primary education motivation, but lack clear career direction

Inadequate Preparation

Significant gaps exist between student career preparation intentions and actual experiences

UNDEREMPLOYMENT

52% of recent college graduates are underemployed one year after graduation

Photos by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library

Proof Points

Career exploration positively correlates with career decidedness, academic motivation, and perceived employability while helping students make informed academic decisions.

  • Career exploration shows positive association with career decidedness
  • Students with career connections demonstrate higher academic motivation and engagement
  • Career exploration positively related to perceived employability
  • 90% of the Class of 2024 indicated their institution prepared them for next career step

Benefits

Career exploration enhances student motivation and academic focus while providing institutions with stronger employer partnerships and improved graduate outcomes that demonstrate educational value.

Academic Focus

Students make more informed major decisions and reduce costly changes

Better Outcomes

Higher employment rates and stronger connections between education and career goals

ENHANCED MOTIVATION

Improved persistence and engagement through clear purpose connections

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We are shifting policy at the state and federal level, changing perspectives among educators and administrators, and implementing proven strategies across hundreds of campuses.

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