Alumni Look Back In Anger

This article discusses the rising inequality in higher education, with elite institutions experiencing growth in endowments and applications, while non-selective schools, like community colleges and regional public universities, face enrollment declines. The author highlights the importance of employment outcomes for students and examines the shortcomings of career services at non-elite schools. It suggests that these institutions should explore new approaches, such as partnering with service providers, integrating work opportunities into coursework, and distributing career services responsibilities to faculty. By focusing on creating more opportunities for graduates, non-selective schools can address the challenges of rising inequality and underemployment in higher education.

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New marketplaces connecting school and work like Riipen (an Achieve portfolio company) allow faculty to incorporate projects from employers directly into coursework, typically as capstone projects. By completing real work for real employers, students can impress and connect with real hiring managers. That’s a textbook definition of creating opportunity.