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Developing a Backup Plan: Implementing a Career-Planning Course for Undergraduate Biology Majors
Julianne M Winters1, Haizhi Wang2, Laura E Duwel3
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3140.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|November 1, 2018
Summary
Undergraduate career-planning courses effectively boost primary and alternate career goals. This intervention helps students develop viable options, increasing job prospects after graduation.
Area of Science:
- Biology Education
- Career Development
Background:
- Career-planning courses are recognized as effective interventions for undergraduates.
- The impact of these courses on developing alternate career plans was previously unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a one-term career-planning course in an undergraduate biology curriculum.
- To determine if the course promoted the development of both primary and alternate career plans.
Main Methods:
- A pre/post survey was administered to undergraduate biology students.
- The survey assessed the development of primary and alternate career plans before and after the course.
Main Results:
- A significant increase was observed in students reporting primary career plans (37% increase).
- A significant increase was observed in students reporting alternate career plans (48% increase).
- Preliminary data indicate a 16% increase in students securing employment post-graduation.
Conclusions:
- The implemented career-planning course effectively enhanced the development of both primary and alternate career plans among undergraduates.
- This course model shows potential for supporting career development in various academic fields.
- Encouraging alternate career planning increases the likelihood of students having viable options upon graduation.
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