University Career Services at George Mason University had a very successful fall 2013 semester. Student appointments increased 39% over fall 2012, career program attendance increased 66%, and website engagement increased 27%. On-campus interviewing positions increased 47% and UNIV course enrollment increased 24%. Signature events like the career fair, resume clinic, and practice interview days were well-attended and received positive feedback. Overall, the data shows consistent growth in student engagement and connections with employers. University Career Services continues to innovate and improve career preparation resources to support students.
2. Overview
Making Big Dreams an Attainable Reality
Fall 2013 has been a semester of success
for University Career Services
During the fall of 2013, George Mason University Career Services achieved strategic plan goals,
reached record engagement numbers, presented at conferences, and received awards for our
cutting edge and innovative work.
In addition to our overall success, we continued to create a presence across campus as a team
of customized connectors working in tandem with employers, faculty, staff, alumni, and
University divisions to achieve the highest levels of service for our diverse student population.
As we reflect on the fall and move forward into the spring, we do so with a sense of energy,
enthusiasm, and pride in the work being done to support students and the University overall.
With the role of University Career Services continuously evolving, we strive to consistently remain
at the forefront of innovation and position ourselves as thought leaders in the space. Always
learning and growing, we continue to expand upon our definition of success and challenge
ourselves to think both creatively and strategically. We unite in the belief that together we can
make big dreams an attainable reality.
Fall 2013 Report | 01
3. Highlights
Highlights: Our Semester Story
Our data displays a consistent story of increased engagement, stronger connections, and
positive response to change and innovation. From higher rates of turnout amongst the freshman
and sophomore classes to a consistent level of growth in student appointments, our story is one
of success.
Fall 2012 vs. Fall 2013
Student appointments increased by 39%
Career program attendance increased by 66%
Freshman and sophomore appointments increased by 134%
Website engagement (unique views) increased by 27%
On-Campus Interviewing internship positions increased by 47%
UNIV course enrollment increased by 24%
Fall 2013 Report | 02
4. Signature Events
Signature Event Highlights
Career Fair
2,308
Attendees
Our Fall 2013 Career Fair was organized by industry to
support our new model and better serve both students
and employers. Day 1 was STEAM focused while day 2
encompassed business and non-technical careers. We
received a strong turnout, positive feedback from
employers, and the opportunity to strengthen our
connections with stakeholders.
14%
Photo Booth
238
participants
Increase in freshman and sophomore
combined attendance
63%
Of employers attending the fair
predicted an increase in positions
offered over the next year
“Thank you for putting on a great career fair. You filled the house with highly
qualified and enthusiastic job seekers. I hardly had a minute to take a break the
entire time. Hats off to you and your staff for pulling off a great event.” – InQbation
Resume Clinic
280
Participants
The Fall 2013 Resume Clinic consisted of 2 days and 10
hours worth of students learning strategic resume writing
tips, making connections with employers, and gaining
valuable advice to help increase their overall level of
career readiness.
13
Employers from more than 5 industries
participated (2 of the employers were
Mason alumni)
Fall 2013 Report | 03
5. Signature Events
Practice Interview Days
As a result of our dedication to enhance student learning and expand programming related to
career readiness initiatives, we increased both the number of practice interview days and the
number of participating employers. This change was met with great enthusiasm from both parties.
Our post-event Employer Roundtable additionally gave employers a platforms for sharing best
practices with one another while offering our staff an opportunity to gain valuable hiring insights.
5
Days
100%
557
Applicants
Of employers would
participate in
Practice Interview
Day again
99%
162
Interviews
Of students had a better
understanding of areas they
could improve upon as a
result of the interview
student
learning
Industry Weeks
Industry weeks provide our office with an opportunity to support students across all majors and
academic disciplines who may be interested in specific industries. Through a week of events
focused on exploring and learning from professionals working in the space, students learn various
industry intricacies and day in the life scenarios that cannot be taught in a classroom setting.
Government Week was especially timely as it offered government employers and Mason students
the opportunity to connect after the setback of the shutdown.
STEAM Week
4 Events | 99 Attendees | 12 Employers | 5 Mason Alumni
Government Week
6 Events | 235 Attendees | 8 Employers | 2 Mason Alumni
Government Showcase Career Fair: 238 Attendees | 9 Employers
Fall 2013 Report | 04
6. Signature Events
On-Campus Interviewing
On-Campus Interviewing, running from September through November 2013, proved extremely
successful compared to the previous fall. With numbers on the rise, University Career Services
experienced an 8% increase in unique employers, a 9% increase in full-time positions, and a 47%
increase in internship opportunities.
137
Positions
43
Employers
796
Interviews
Diversity
“The staff was amazing! This
was my first on-campus
interviewing experience
and they made it so
wonderful and easy. I hope
to return many times.
Thanks to GMU for the
opportunity to meet with
such impressive students.”
-Hannah Truong, Geeknet
When asked what they value most about on-campus interviewing at Mason, the top
response from employers was the DIVERSITY of Mason students.
96%
of employers agreed
that the Mason
interviewing facilities
enabled them to
conduct effective oncampus recruiting
Employers felt that Mason students exceled most in
the areas of :
Appropriate
attire
Articulating
relevant skills
Overall
enthusiasm
Fall 2013 Report | 05
7. Career Programs & Outreaches
Career Programs
Career Programs have evolved at University Career Services to better serve students and to help staff
members continue to create a presence as customized connectors. All programs are run in
partnership with an employer, faculty member, department, or other University division to not only help
us spread our mission, but also to provide the best experience for students. This change proved
successful with an increase in both programs and attendees.
Career Programs
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
%
Attendees
1,283
2,135
66%
Programs
43
54
26%
Avg. Attendance
30 Students
40 Students
10
Outreaches
As we continue to expand and grow our connections University-wide, our staff is continuously
requested to present to classes. This helps our center to reach a larger student population, increase
student learning, and introduce our services.
Outreaches
Fall 2013*
Presentations
78
Attendees
1,777
*The number of outreaches were not tracked in fall 2012. Comparative data is unavailable at this time.
Fall 2013 Report | 06
8. UNIV Courses & Job Postings
UNIV Courses
With the strategic plan goal of increasing the number of UNIV courses offered, as well as the overall
enrollment, our team can reflect on a very successful fall semester in this aspect. Each course
increased by one section and experienced overall enrollment increases across the board.
Enrollment
University 200
University 300
University 400
67 Students
31 Students
97 Students
40% Increase
107% Increase
3% Increase
Job Postings
Job postings decreased slightly during fall 2013 compared to fall 2012. The .5% decrease represents a
minimal change within the context of the government shutdown that prevented an entire industry from
posting leading up to, and during, the shutdown.
Overall Postings
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
%
September
799
601
-25%
October
854
1011
18%
November
803
832
4%
Totals
2,456
2,444
-.5%
Fall 2013 Report | 07
9. Student Appointments & Conclusion
Student Appointments
The increased number of student appointments, along with the increase in program attendees, tells the
overall story of engagement during fall 2013. Appointments continue to increase in all areas as the
student population grows more aware of the new industry model and altered appointment structure.
Overall Postings
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
%
Total Appointments
1,279
1,777
39%
Career Counselor
298
395
33%
Industry Advisor
658
974
48%
Scheduled
824
1,186
44%
Walk In
433
529
22%
Totals
Conclusion
University Career Services continues to evolve as we push the boundaries of innovation and
consistently improve our methods used to educate and prepare students for meaningful careers.
Each semester brings changes in terms of hiring trends, shifting student population demographics,
new University-wide initiatives, and innovations within the University Career Services arena. Our goal is
to remain educated on all that is happening around us in higher education, various hiring industries,
and the economy overall, to ensure the best services for Mason students.
The results from our fall 2013 analysis display a strong trend of increased engagement amongst
students. We hope to continue this trend into the spring and beyond as we spark further awareness
for our center and find new ways for students, faculty, staff, employers, alumni, and campus partners
to get involved. We look forward to continue working together as a center to design initiatives,
programs, and resources to not only help the students here at Mason, but set an example for career
centers across the country.
Fall 2013 Report | 08