Introduction

The purpose of the service is to provide a breadth of easily accessible information that assists the student throughout the career planning process. Career services on line provide a comprehensive variety of resources and information which includes, assessment, occupational information, job search, interviewing techniques, resume, cover letters, employer, state employment agencies and relocation information. Some colleges also include a one stop center as part of their career service, which provide links to social services agencies and community resources.

History

Computerized information for career planning has been available for students on campus since the early 1970's. As we moved into the 90's and the emergence of distance learning there has been a natural transition to providing career resource on line. This has allowed the expansion and variety of information as well as ease of access.

Used as an adjunct to the career planning process. The online resources can be used in conjunction with career planning classes, one on one counseling or as a stand alone activity. Students are encouraged to use the information and follow up with an appointment with a career planning specialist or counselor for individual and personalized services.

Opportunities

Institution

Online career resource can be more cost effective for the institution. The internet allows access to websites that provide excellent information for the public at large. The institution can save money by not having to purchase hard copies of some resources and still provide quality information for students. This can also reduce the space needed for storage of hard copy material and information can be continuously updated.

Provides an opportunity for the institution to reach out to the extended community and provide services that may not otherwise be available.

Faculty and Staff

Online career resources gives the staff an opportunity to provide continuous access to comprehensive career resources as opposed to previously limited access through classes on campus or in resources centers. Online resources also allow students, potential students, alumni and the community to use the information while they are planning for a career, considering a career change, looking for or changing employment. Providing the on line resources can also serve as a recruiting tool for prospective students. It also provides the necessary resources for staff who teach online classes.

Staff can monitor and provide quality control related to the on line information.

Students

Challenges

The cost, technical support, staff training, research and site development, quality control and continuous updating are a few of the institutional challenges in providing web-based services. Privacy can also be an issue if the service is providing more than general information that requires exchange of confidential information such as career counseling through the site.

Access to resources can be very helpful at times but may not be enough for students to make sense of the information they have received. It is necessary at time to help students integrate what they have learned. Some sites have an email contact if the student wants to make an appointment to meet with someone on campus. This does not solve the distance issue. A helpful addition to the web site could be a question and answer chat room, with posted office hours, staffed by a career counselor or career development specialists. Access to a "real person" on line can provide vital support throughout the career planning process.

Issues

• Marketing
  Students are not always aware of the career resources that are available. They may learn about them through a online class or by surfing the site. Access to student service web sites in general and career resources specifically are not always easy to locate. Student service web sites are a marketing tool and should be designed with easy access in mind.
• Information Gathering
  Continuous updating of the web site. Ongoing research related to quality and relevance of resources.
• Updates
  Continuous monitoring for active web sites.
• Public Information
  Most of the information is available to the public. If a service is specifically for students (for example a Q&A chat room) it may need to be password protected to provide limited access.
• Training
  Technical training for staff responsible for the web site may be necessary.

About the Author

Donna Ford has been a professional counselor for over 25 years, and has recently retired as a counselor from Clackamas Community College in Oregon. She was also a placement officer at Portland State University. Donna received her Masters Degree from Western Oregon State University.

Donna has held leadership positions in professional organizations for 15 years. At the state level she is past president of Oregon Counseling Association, Oregon College and University Association and the Oregon Career Development Association. At the national level, she has served, as chair of the Western Region, President of American College Counseling Association, has been a member of the American Counseling Association Governing Counsel, and President of the American Counseling Association 1999-2000.

Associations and Organizations

• National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
  http://www.naspa.org/
  NASPA is the leading professional association for student affairs staff and provides resources for all student affairs areas.

Publications and Articles

• WCET Guide to Developing Online Student Services
  http://www.wcet.info/resources/publications/guide/guide.htm
  The guide provides an overview and good practice guidelines for providing Career Services on line.

• The National Career Development Association (NCDA), Guidelines for the use of the Internet for provision of career information and planning services.
  http://ncda.org/polwebb.htm
  NCDA is the national professional association for Career Counselors and Career Development Specialists. It also provides comprehensive links to internet sites for career planning.

Campus Sites

• Clackamas Community College
  http://depts.clackamas.cc.or.us/career/
  The One Stop Career Center provides a comprehensive career services including links to social service agencies, and other support services for college students and members of the community.

• Portland State University
  http://www.career.pdx.edu/
  PSU Career Center staff members assist Portland State University (PSU) students and alumni with career development and job search needs. This site provides a comprehensive online career service, with the exception of assessment and direct contact with a professional. A special feature on their web site is the PSU CareerConnect which is a web-based system for PSU students and alumni to access full-time career positions, part-time student jobs (including Federal Work Study Community Service and America Reads and America Counts), paid and unpaid internships, and on-campus interviews.

• University of California Berkley, University Health Services
  http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/Students/CareerLibrary/links/occup.cfm
  The "Assess my interests" link uses John L. Holland's theory of personality in a unique way to help students through the initial career decision process. This site provides comprehensive career information for students.
  
• University of Manitoba
  http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html
  Exploring Occupations: Getting You Started on Your Career Path!
  A comprehensive list of occupations designed to provide occupational information to help students become aware of their potential career options.
  
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/
  What can I do with a major in ...? This service provides students with an extensive list of majors and career information related to the major. The site is comprehensive for all aspects of career planning.
  

Corporate Sites