Leverage the power of mentorship
We need to emphasize the importance and advantages of mentoring relationships as it relates to career readiness and ongoing workforce development. Of those with a mentor, 97 percent feel they are highly impactful and valuable, yet only 37 percent of professionals have a mentor. The power of mentorship also lies in the “pay it forward” approach: 89 percent of those who have been mentored will also go on to mentor others. Schools should invest greatly in student and alumni mentorship by assigning, or at least offering, every incoming student with a program mentor. Faculty members can also provide one-on-one guidance to students throughout their degree pursuit. This experience helps students create course plans, acclimate to the institution’s policies and procedures, receive motivation and support to stay on track, and more. In addition, recent Gallup research has found this key experience to be one of the strongest predictors of future workplace engagement and wellbeing.
The power of mentorship brings incredible value to students and their overall experience, as well as supporting career readiness. Mentorship can happen at varying levels, from one-off micro-mentorship opportunities to deeper connections that span decades-long careers. Further, mentors come in all shapes and sizes, from personal relationships to work peers or managers to educators and coaches.
Ensure equitable access to education
As leaders in higher education, we must also continuously find ways to break down barriers for non-traditional students to ensure equitable access to higher education. While online learning and mentorship opportunities are critical steps, we must also highlight career paths for those who might not otherwise consider them in the first place.
Education is a rewarding field that leaves a profound impact on our youth, but this workforce also lacks diversity. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics showed that fewer than 1 in 10 teachers were either Black, Hispanic or Asian American. This is in part due to fewer and fewer Black students entering into the field of teaching after graduation. According to a study from the Institute of Education Sciences, just 5 percent of Black students who entered education programs went into teaching in Indiana classrooms. These statistics are one of many examples of the importance of accessible pathways to education for all individuals pursuing a degree.
As more and more people seek out non-traditional options to earn their degree, it is imperative that we continue to explore how we can supportall learners to reach their fullest potential. By offering online competency-based learning options, mentorship experiences and ensuring equitable access to higher education, we can adapt to this evolving student landscape and open up more opportunities for all students in their educational pursuit.
Alison Bell has more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience and is the regional vice president of Western Governors University, a nonprofit, online university offering 60+ degrees in the four colleges of business, teaching, I.T. and health/nursing.
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