The College of Staten Island has taken a pioneering role in enhancing student career readiness through its innovative approach to integrating academic programs with workforce demands. The resulting Career-Infused Degree Map has garnered attention across the higher education landscape, inspiring similar efforts aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment and has been highlighted in a recent feature from Inside Higher Ed.
Kristi Brescia, academic career manager at CSI, emphasized the importance of this endeavor, stating, “We recognized early on that aligning our curriculum with real-world skills would significantly boost our students’ employability.” She further noted, “By mapping our courses to specific career competencies, we provide a clear pathway for students from classroom to career.”
CSI’s strategy involves outlining academic program requirements alongside a checklist of career-readiness markers that students should achieve during the academic term.
The impact of CSI’s initiative is evident in the positive outcomes reported by students and employers alike. Graduates are entering the workforce with confidence, equipped with competencies that meet employer expectations. This success has prompted other universities to adopt similar models, recognizing the value of curriculum alignment with industry needs.
The original article by Inside Higher Ed, “University System Maps Careers and Classes for Student Success,” was published on April 4, and is a comprehensive overview of this transformative initiative and its broader implications. The article provides in-depth insights and further commentary from Brescia on the development and impact of the program.
