Utilizing Career Readiness Competencies to Elevate Student Employment
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Student employees play a vital role in the success of an institution. But the struggle to hire students has become more pronounced in the last year. As educators, we have a responsibility to not only give students a paycheck but also help them connect with the broader skills and learning that result from on-campus employment. Adopting a career readiness framework for student employees can help add value for both you and your students.
Iowa State University embarked on this journey several years ago, resulting in the creation of the ISU Career Ready framework. Attendees will be given a brief overview of the data surrounding the need for career competencies. Next, we will cover the creation of the ISU Career Ready framework and highlight several departments and offices on campus implementing the competencies, most prominently Recreation Services. Finally, we will walk through and share a practical toolkit full of ready-to-use documents and materials to help you in your journey!
Tricia Stouder (Moderator)
Assistant Director of Work-study Student Employment
Iowa State University
Tricia Stouder works in the Office of Student Financial Aid, serving as Iowa State’s Assistant Director for Work-Study Student Employment. She holds a Masters of Science from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has been with Iowa State since 2010, working with training and development throughout her career. As an NSEA Student Employment Essentials trainer, she understands the regulations behind maintaining a strong (and compliant) student employment program. She strives to empower those lucky enough to work with student employees to help create transformational learning opportunities through work experiences.
Jason Vlastaras
Associate Director of Program Operation
Iowa State University
Jason Vlastaras is the associate director for student success and programs at Iowa State University. He began his journey in campus recreation, working as a personal trainer at the University of Florida. He received his master of business administration at Oklahoma State University, where he also served as the assistant director of fitness before coming to Iowa State University. At ISU, Jason led the committee to develop the ISU Career Ready framework. He also serves as the Alternate Director to CAS for NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation and has led committees related to assessment, research and professional development. Owing his career to the experience he had as a student employee, he believes career readiness competencies can be a valuable tool to enhancing student success.