Hillsdale College reported a 94 percent placement rate of graduating seniors in either a graduate school program or a desired profession last year. At first this number seems impressive, but in comparison to similar private college statistics it is nothing but average.
This statistic has always bothered me, not because of its numerical value but because of its conventional label. Hillsdale does not produce conventional students and hopes to attract increasingly qualified applicants. By 2019, the college seeks to be the most selective school in Michigan. Such an achievement will require not just a rigorous admissions process, but an overhaul of the college’s career placement strategy for graduating seniors.
The quality of employment for Hillsdale graduates is vital to the long-term success and reputation of the college. Beyond just the four-year experience, a degree seeks to prepare students for professional success.
In comparison to a vocational degree, a liberal arts education is often seen as an unconventional degree because it lacks a specific skill set. But in today’s job market, a liberal arts education is in high demand. A 2014 report conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that 93 percent of employers prefer applicants who can write, communicate clearly, solve complex problems, and adapt in new environments, over a specific major or minor.
If the college wants to increase its selectiveness it needs to direct more attention toward career placement. Hillsdale College needs to market their students’ unique and outstanding qualities to nationally competitive job markets. If the following proposals are properly implemented, Hillsdale could build a professional profile upon the college’s outstanding educational and independent reputation.
First students need to be connected to opportunities. Quite often the resources of the college’s friends, donors, and supporters are forgotten. I can’t tell you how many times I have met a donor at a CCA who had expressed interest in helping students pursue a variety of career paths. The college has over 2.7 million subscribers to its monthly publication. They have raised over 1.1 billion dollars in its 40-year fight for independence. The college should capitalize on these connections to advance Hillsdale students’ careers.
Conventional employment tactics cause students to miss out on valuable resources. Many colleges rely on alumni connections for student internship and job opportunities. If Hillsdale wants to stand apart, it must embrace its unconventional resources in a more aggressive and personalized way than Charger Connect. Some office — whether it be Institutional Advancement, External Affairs, or Career Services — needs to take initiative by connected willing supporters with ambitious students.
Second, Hillsdale must hire a full-time, professional cover letter and resume writer. The first thing that will make Hillsdale students stand out in the job interview process is a well-constructed cover letter and resume. Hiring managers decide within seconds whether the applicant is a viable candidate based on the quality of the cover letter. It is no secret that top job applicants from other schools hire professional resume writers to help construct their image for a certain position. The implementation of the Student Affairs Mentor program has motivated students to craft thoughtful resumes. But no matter how helpful a SAM may be, no SAM has the expertise of a professional resume writer. This is a simple change that would immediately improve the professional image of Hillsdale’s students.
Finally, the college must be more intentional about placing students in diverse careers paths. A liberal arts education does not limit students to careers in education, government, or non-profits. There is no better way to spread the college’s message and increase support than by actively placing students in jobs throughout the nation. The college needs to connect with organizations, companies, and industries outside of its conventional niches. We should strive to have recruiters and competitive programs visit campus in demand for Hillsdale students. I am the first to admit, I do not have a LinkedIn account, nor do I want one. I believe in the strength of personal connections. Connections are only useful when you establish a relationship. Try to connect personally with alumni by accessing the listserv through the Alumni Office.
In addition, I believe that each student is on a different career journey. The Hillsdale community, however, must always strive to meet the challenges of modern life. Such a challenge requires us to leave the Hillsdale bubble and bring its message to new platforms.
