Developing and Assessing Meaningful Career Readiness Metrics

Abstract

Return on investment and the value of a college degree are central topics related to U.S. higher education. National data indicate that alumni who received high levels of career support from their institutions are more likely to view their degrees as worthwhile investments and demonstrate a higher propensity to give back as alumni. Despite this, many colleges and universities prioritize metrics that provide little value to the student experience and focus on less impactful data. This piece illustrates how institutions can strategically develop and assess meaningful career readiness metrics focused on institutional effectiveness and student success beyond degree attainment. The process includes posing equity-minded questions that challenge current career readiness education models, aligning career readiness efforts with university priorities, and performing a comprehensive state of career readiness audit of the campus. By adopting these intentional, transparent, and collaborative methods, institutions can more effectively develop and assess metrics for measuring institutional career support and equitable student success.