Entering college students’ interest in career counseling runs high, especially among students of color

Above, early findings from Noel-Levitz’s forthcoming 2014 National Freshman Attitudes Report and its Race/Ethnicity Addendum (to be released in spring 2014) indicate strong interest in receiving career counseling among today’s entering undergraduates, led by students of color.

An area of increasing importance to student retention and college completion, career counseling—and the effectiveness of academic advising related to career discernment—can make a substantial impact on incoming students’ desire and motivation to continue their education.

As shown in blue in the chart above, Asian students appear to be the most receptive to career counseling assistance, at 78.2 percent, while white/Caucasian students appear to be the least receptive, at 61.6 percent.

Overall, the percentages shown above for the survey item, “I would like some help selecting an educational plan that will prepare me to get a good job,” ranked second-highest of 25 measurements of entering students’ receptivity to institutional services that are documented in the report, only trailing students’ desire to receive instruction in effective ways to take college exams.

Across the 25 measures, Asian students and African-American students tended to indicate the greatest receptivity to institutional services, while white/Caucasian students tended to indicate the least receptivity.

Working to enhance diversity on your campus?

If enhancing diversity is a priority on your campus, consider sending a team to the upcoming 2014 Symposium on the Recruitment and Retention of Students of Color on April 14-15, 2014. Hear 20 sessions led by experienced practitioners and higher education consultants. Attending this forum is an excellent way to stay on top of the latest trends and to find new ways to continue building diversity.

You can also subscribe to receive the 2014 National Freshman Attitudes Report and other Noel-Levitz trend reports. If you have any questions about this research, please email me.