The Effectiveness of a Career Preparation Program from the Graduates’ Perspective

[Abstract] The purpose of this study was to analyze, discuss, and disseminate data pertaining to the attitudes and perceptions of graduates of a large University located in the southeastern region of the United States. Evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of graduates as to how effective the Career Services Department was in helping with their career development provided data that had not been collected by the University. The Career Services Department within the University has not researched whether or not its students perceive the programs and training material that the Office uses were effective in assisting the students in developing their career strategies. The University Career Services Department administrators have identified issues with regard to the Career Services Department methods of contacting students who may be interested in participating in the career development program. The researcher developed a 13-item survey instrument, including test items utilized by the Career Services Department to gather data regarding the University graduates ’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the career preparation program offerings and methodology. The instrument is a questionnaire that was used as a survey. It was administered to college students or alumni who have participated in a career preparation program either at the University or another college or University in the geographic area. [Keywords] career services; students ’ attitudes or perceptions; program effectivenes