Identifying as a first-generation student herself, Destiny O’Rourke, the Student Support Services Director at Western Kentucky University (WKU), strives to present opportunities she didn’t have herself to students with backgrounds like her own. This goal has taken form in the implementation of Career Launch at WKU.
According to Destiny, 80% of jobs are a part of what is known as the hidden job market. The Washington Post defines the hidden job market as “the extremely high percentage of job postings that are never publicized and are instead quietly filled by internal candidates or referrals.”
This phenomenon spawned a partnership with the Career Launch Academy to establish Career Launch, a cohort career development program that provides its participants with internal advocates, networking opportunities, and social capital, ultimately allowing them to utilize their status as students to tap into this hidden market.
“These students have a sense of empowerment,” she shared. “They understand that they are building their future, and we're all just here to help. So we've given them the keys to say, ‘You know, dream big; let's start with your story. What do you want?’”
Career Launch has been officially implemented at WKU in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with weekly meetings consisting of activities such as coaching sessions, micro-learning videos, and assessments. The program is sponsored through collaboration units across campus: TRiO Student Support Services, the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, Career Services, and the Intercultural Student Engagement Center.
_insertContent=47563EE5-D4A8-4E95-BD0BC0CA9C5E6E6D,displayTeaserInlinePromoRight_Destiny said first-generation students at WKU are one group that will benefit from the presence of this program. “This is like the greatest kind of homecoming,” she said. “I get to think about, ‘What is it that I would have needed as a first-generation, low-income student?’”
In a student testimonial video, WKU freshman, Pia Bartlett, outlined her increased confidence in networking and interviewing as a result of her participation in Career Launch, and encourages other students to open themselves up to the same opportunities. “I feel ready to help excel my career,” she said. “The Career Readiness Course helped me to understand my strengths and weaknesses. I hope that you should definitely try and experience it; they can help with so many different opportunities.”
The program concluded this week with the cohort of 16 receiving certificates, showcasing their new skills, and connecting with WKU Alumni Association Career Consultants at their Wrap Up Event.
Reference:
Johanns, K. (2023, February 27). What is the hidden job market?. The Washington Post Jobs.
https://jobs.washingtonpost.com/article/what-is-the-hidden-job-market-/
For more information on Western Kentucky University's approach, please visit their website here.
