2. Problem Statement
Morgan is a college senior majoring in
political science at a selective (and
expensive) liberal arts college. Morgan is
personable and has done well in school—3.5
GPA, leadership role in several clubs, club
soccer—and has no clue about what to do
next. Law school is a possibility (the poli sci
default), but by no means a certainty,
especially given $30,000 in undergraduate
loans. After two summer internships that
bolstered the resume but provided little in
the way of skills/knowledge, Morgan feels
anxious and unprepared for the world of
work—and huge pressure to find and
succeed in a job upon graduation. If only
there was a program to aid the transition…
School 2 Work
3. 25+ Ideas: College-based
(offered by the college/university as part of curriculum)*
1. Business basics boot camp: two weeks summer or winter break,
included in tuition (hard and soft)
2. The World of Work—2 credit course
3. A la carte business/work basics programs through career center—all
seniors encouraged/required to sign up for 5
4. Financial literacy/loan management consulting
5. Alumni series: monthly panels workshops on different topics
6. Alumni Alumni shadow programs
7. Local business people shadow programs
8. Alumni mentor programs—in-person of virtual (monthly, junior or
senior year)
9. Executives in residence: workshops and office hours
10. Live webinars w/alumni &/or local business people AND parents on
career options/the world of work
11. Video series—tips for work
12. Role paying sessions—interviewing; dealing with conflicts
13. Mandatory “work curriculum”
14. College sponsored internship program—match for “content” and
skills
15. Mini-internships in college departments/local businesses focused on
skill development
16. Mini-courses on basic computer skills: MS Office, Prezi, etc.
17. Expand Co-op program a ala Drexel—five years with students working
for companies for 2-4 semesters and getting paid.
18. Mandatory work-study quarter
19. Individual assessment plans (annual)/learning goals
20. Integrate work-related skills into all upper-level classes
e.g., presentations
21. Offer “MOOCs” with in-person evaluation elements
22. Tailor this class for undergrads—build curriculum
23. Design business plan/model competitions—semester-long
23. Sponsor business model hackathons with winners
24. Research & develop checklist for skill development—
required for graduation (engage parents & alumni)
25. Combine multiple elements of the above into skill-based,
online, and in-person programs
26. Each liberal arts class includes 1-2 sessions on applying
this to work
27. Student-run colleges (incentives to start/run campus
businesses)
28. Establish local business-university partnerships with clear
internship, hiring metrics
4. 25 Ideas: Beyond the
College/University
1. For profit or non-profit business basics boot camp for college
juniors and seniors or recent grads: two weeks summer or
winter break
2. Required gap year before starting college—with work
experience
3. National service year after college—required for all
4. Reinvent the college experience—happening anyway—two
years residential and two years work-study
5. Industry/company-sponsored work-study internships—tax
incentives
6. Bring back management training programs—provide financial
incentives for young workers to stay
7. Post-bacc work-study programs (mini-MBAs with work)
8. Non-executive MBA programs (community colleges?)
9. “Linda-style” work tips/exercises combined with tech
programs—membership based
10. Year-long (for profit?) membership service trying 4 internships in
different industries or functions
11. Design your own transition service—counselors, internships,
courses
12. Career counseling services for post-grads
13. Internship auctions
14. Internship services
15. Support groups (12-step?)
22. SAT prep-style Work Prep courses
23. Entrepreneur camps—build a business (See what it’s like)
23. Off to work apps—checklists, advice, etc
24. Many of the ideas under college-based converted to for or
non-profit
25. The Go to Work Game (Multi-player?)
5. MOST PRACTICAL
The college-based “School 2 Work Boot
Camp” incorporates both online and in-person
modules to provide juniors and seniors with a
realistic and visceral understanding of the
challenges and opportunities ahead. The in-
person modules could be offered during
winter break, just prior to the start of school
in the fall, or on weekend during the school
year. Online modules would include self-
assessments (hard and soft skills; personality
traits, e.g., and Meyer Briggs), advice,
exercises. In-person components would
include role playing, career panels,
simulations, etc. Successful completion would
make students eligible for special internship
opportunities. Good for schools (we help
ensure your kid will get a job), for parents
(eases anxiety), and for students (eases
parental pressure.)
MOST DISRUPTIVE
Mandatory U.S. National Service. All young
people are required to complete one year of
national service. Students who have graduated
from two- or four-year colleges are eligible for
tuition rebates. Placements will be paid and will
include teaching, community development, etc.
(similar to VISTA or Teach for America) and
possibly placements in non-profit organizations
that receive tax incentives for hiring youth.
Would increase the budget deficit—but also get
a lot of good things done!
MY FAVORITE
“Get to Work” the new, multi-player, online
game or app. (Are you listening Zenga?) Players
are recruited and join organizations where they
experience a variety of real and simulated
challenges including developing and completing
actual projects in teams, dealing with workplace
conflicts, ethical issues, acquiring new skills,
competing for promotions, etc. You can earn
points/money for successes and karma, spend
on mentoring and professional development,
lose for bad decisions and results, etc…
