Purposeful Pathways: Preparing Chemistry Majors at Furman University for Post-College Careers
ACS Citation
Horhota, M.; Anderson, M.E. Purposeful Pathways: Preparing Chemistry Majors at Furman University for Post-College Careers. In Professional Mentoring Programs for Science Students: Career Mentoring for Students in the Physical Sciences; Beuning, P., Urbach, A.R., Eds.; ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 1470; American Chemical Society, 2024; pp 43-60.
Version of Record
Abstract
Furman University adopted a new strategic vision, The Furman Advantage, in 2016. Central to this vision is an integrated four-year pathway that uses mentoring and advising to encourage students to think intentionally about their classroom learning, engaged learning experiences, and career exploration and preparation. The pathway consists of the Pathways Program®, a common advising curriculum for all students during Years 1 & 2, followed by programming in Years 3 & 4 developed by academic departments to serve their majors. Goals for the Purposeful Pathways (Years 3 & 4) program include exposing students to potential career paths, encouraging students to reflect on learning experiences and connect these with future plans, and supporting students in developing a plan for their post-college pathway. Furman’s Chemistry Department began developing this programming in 2019 by conducting a departmental self-study to assess current departmental activities and identify areas for growth as well as by participating in workshops focused on designing professional programming for students. Through this process, the department identified three key goals: build departmental community for all students, provide opportunities for career exploration and preparation, and encourage student reflection to integrate learning experiences with career goals. We then created programming around these goals to maximize the impact of existing structures and leverage campus resources and partners. This chapter presents two examples for each goal of the Chemistry Department’s Purposeful Pathways Programming, highlighting how a combination of small manageable changes and the introduction of new activities connected to current departmental infrastructure can produce a sustainable and effective program.
Source Name
Professional Mentoring Programs for Science Students: Career Mentoring for Students in the Physical Sciences
Publication Date
6-18-2024
Document Type
Citation
Citation Type
Book Chapter