About the Author
Cody Kangas
Executive Director, Career Services
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
As universities continue to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, the integration of a campus career ecosystem that emphasizes return on investment (ROI) is becoming increasingly critical. According to Rebekah Pare the career development department’s role has evolved beyond just placing students in jobs after graduation. Today, it is a core component of student success, institutional reputation, and long-term outcomes. A career ecosystem that prioritizes ROI helps to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also strategically positioned to succeed in the workforce. This works to maximize the University’s value proposition to students, employers, and alumni.
A New Model for Student Success
A career ecosystem with a clear ROI focus emphasizes the interconnectedness of various campus resources, designed to provide students with comprehensive career development opportunities. As outlined by Pare, ROI in the context of career services goes beyond employment rates. It involves tracking how effectively the University supports students in their transition from academic to professional life. This includes equipping students with relevant career skills, offering access to internships, career fairs, and industry-specific networking events, and ensuring that these resources are integrated into the academic experience.
Undeniably, Michigan Tech is uniquely positioned to deliver enhanced curricular and co-curricular experiences that serve and meet the critical needs of our Huskies—including Enterprise, Study Abroad, APMP, RSOs, and co-ops. This ultimately provides them with a competitive edge and prepares them to be self-aware, resilient, and confident global citizens. By establishing such a multifaceted career ecosystem, we can ensure that students not only graduate but do so with the skills, competencies, and experiences that employers are actively seeking.
Strengthening Industry Partnerships for Mutual Benefit
Jeremy Podany further highlights that ROI must also be seen from the perspective of institutional and employer partnerships. A well-established career ecosystem facilitates stronger ties between universities and industry partners, creating a two-way value exchange. Employers benefit by gaining access to a pipeline of well-prepared graduates. And universities enhance their reputation by demonstrating the employability of their alumni. This mutually beneficial relationship ensures that universities are continually adapting to the job market while enhancing their ability to attract top-tier students. By measuring the ROI of such partnerships, universities can further refine their career support offerings. Data on post-graduation employment rates (over 93 percent at Michigan Tech) and the quality of positions secured are particularly impactful.
Measuring What Matters: Data-Driven Success
Career Services at Michigan Tech also understands the importance of tracking outcomes and making data-driven decisions to continuously improve the career ecosystem. We can gauge career ecosystem ROI through metrics such as student satisfaction, career placement rates, starting salaries, and employer feedback. Recent evidence suggests we’re doing well in this regard. Our Fall 2024 Career Fair saw the largest employer turnout in University history (385 recruiting companies). The Wall Street Journal lists Michigan Tech as:
- No. 3 for Best Salaries among public colleges in the US
- No. 2 for Best Public College for Salary Impact
- No. 2 for Best Public School for Internships.
As we continue to focus on and broadcast this type of ROI, we better demonstrate our commitment to student success and their broader societal impact. A well-functioning career ecosystem doesn’t just support individual student outcomes. It also enhances the University’s long-term value in a competitive higher education market.