The effects of career-readiness programming on the employment outcomes of Sonoma State University alumni

The purpose of this case study was to assess whether the Heuristic Model of Employability when paired with career-related programming, services and work-based learning activities produced equitable employment outcomes for Sonoma State University alumni. In addition, this case study sought to determine whether alumni of color and women participated in career-related programming and activities at the same rates as their counterparts. Quantitative data revealed that alumni who utilized career fairs, career-read iness workshops and work-based learning activities required less time to secure full-time positions after graduation. Data also showed that female respondents participated in work-based learning activities at higher rates than male respondents, male respondents utilized career-read iness workshops at higher rates than female respondents, and there was no statistical significance indicating whether alumni of color utilized • career-related services at lower rates than white respondents. The data from this case study reveal the importance of career services' programming (i.e. one-on-one advising, career-readiness workshops and career fairs) and work-based learning opportunities (i.e. internships) on the employment outcomes of graduates. The lack of career readiness programming within higher education institutions is an educational inequity. All students should have equitable access to career-related co-curricular activities, only then will graduates possess the requisite skills needed to navigate the workforce and find their "best fit" careers.