The Career Sip: Your Weekly Dose of Higher Ed Hustle!

Welcome back to your go-to spot for the buzz in higher education career development, where the coffee is always strong and the news always fresh.

Dive into this week's Career Sip for the latest in higher ed strategies, career development tips, and a surprising fun fact that'll leave you craving more!

Don't miss out—read till the end!

New Federal Guidance Targets DEI Programs on Campus

The Trump administration has doubled down on its efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued new guidance clarifying which campus programs may now be considered illegal under the administration’s interpretation of Title VI, the federal law barring discrimination in education based on race, color, and national origin.

While cultural programs and heritage celebrations—such as Black History Month events and Holocaust Remembrance Day—are not automatically illegal, the guidance warns that colleges must ensure they do not exclude students of other races or discourage participation. However, identity-based scholarships, student support programs, housing options, and graduation ceremonies are likely to be in violation of federal policy. The administration has also warned institutions against privilege walks, DEI-related disciplinary actions, and mandatory trainings that emphasize racial stereotypes.

How Colleges Are Responding

Institutions across the country are scrambling to comply, with some preemptively shutting down DEI offices and removing identity-based programs from their offerings. The University of Iowa, for example, has discontinued three identity-based living-learning communities, while Ohio State University closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Meanwhile, the University of Southern California has erased references to a Black and Indigenous scholarship from its website.

These changes come amid mounting legal challenges. The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association have filed a lawsuit, arguing that the guidance attempts to regulate classroom content in violation of the First Amendment. Additionally, a federal judge recently blocked parts of Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders, though this latest guidance remains in effect.

For career services professionals, this raises critical questions about how to support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds without running afoul of new federal interpretations. As institutions weigh their next steps, career teams must find innovative ways to foster inclusivity, such as:

? Broadening mentorship and networking initiatives to ensure access remains equitable.

? Reframing scholarship and grant opportunities to align with new legal standards.

? Advocating for alternative career readiness programs that promote diversity without relying on race-based distinctions.

With legal battles intensifying and institutions under pressure to comply, career services professionals must stay informed and proactive in ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

What are we reading this week?

Book Recommendations

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins

Transitioning into a new role—whether it's a student entering the workforce, a professional stepping into a leadership position, or even a career services professional taking on a new challenge—can be daunting. That’s why this week, we’re diving into The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins, a must-read for navigating career transitions successfully.

This book provides a step-by-step roadmap for making a strong first impression, building credibility, and accelerating success in a new role. It’s packed with practical strategies that career advisors can use to: coach students and alumni on how to approach the critical first months of a new job, help professionals navigate promotions or career shifts with confidence or apply transition principles to career services work—whether onboarding new team members or strengthening employer partnerships.

Watkins’ insights emphasize the importance of quick wins, strategic networking, and adapting to workplace culture, all of which are crucial for career success. By integrating these concepts into advising sessions, career services teams can equip students with the mindset and tools needed to hit the ground running in their careers.

If you’re looking for a book that bridges career development, leadership, and strategy, The First 90 Days deserves a spot on your reading list!

Events

Insights from Portugal’s Leading Experts

Career services are evolving rapidly, and universities worldwide are rethinking how they engage students, build employer partnerships, and enhance employability.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas and proven strategies to take your career services initiatives to the next level, this is the webinar for you!

?? Date: Tuesday, March 11th

?? Time: 17:00 - 18:00 CET

?? Speakers: Fernanda Correia – Psychologist & Career Facilitator, University of Porto | Helena Faria – Head of Career Services, ISEG | Moderated by: Albert Segura Mollà, Head of Career Services at CareerOS

Why You Should Attend:

-> Boost Student Engagement – Get actionable tips to increase student participation in career services.

-> Strengthen Employer Collaboration – Learn how to build strategic partnerships that lead to real job opportunities.

-> Enhance Student Employability – Discover Portugal’s approach to preparing students for the workforce.

-> Expand Your Career Services Impact – Ensure career services are a key part of the student experience.

?? Spots are limited! Register now: Sign up here

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Portugal’s top career services leaders and walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately. See you there!

Tech

Expanding Digital Education for Equity and Access

How can digital education truly level the playing field for students from underserved backgrounds? A fascinating new discussion with Annie Sadler (Stanford Digital Education), Martin Kurzweil (Ithaka S+R), and Matthew Rascoff (Stanford University) dives into this question, exploring innovative programs that use online and hybrid learning to bridge the gap between high school and higher education.

Programs like UT Austin’s OnRamps, the National Education Equity Lab, and Davidson Next are pioneering new models that bring college-level coursework to students in high schools that typically serve low-income communities.?

These initiatives aren’t just about early exposure—they actively prepare students for the academic challenges of college while also opening recruitment pipelines for higher ed institutions looking to diversify their applicant pools. The result? Students gain confidence, essential skills, and real college credit, while universities foster a more inclusive admissions process.

But what about the role of AI in all this? The conversation also touches on how generative AI could transform these programs—personalizing learning experiences, improving scalability, and providing more tailored support for students.?

However, the experts caution that AI should enhance, not replace, human interaction in education. The key challenge? Making sure AI tools reduce inequities rather than deepen them.

Want to dig deeper into how digital education is shaping the future of equity in higher ed? Read the full book here: Recentering Learning: Complexity, Resilience and Adaptability in Higher Education?

Fun

Meme of the Week

Latest in Career Development

The Soft Skills Crisis

The workforce isn’t just facing a skills gap—it’s facing a soft skills crisis. According to new research, employers are struggling to find young professionals with strong communication, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. The study, commissioned by Inspiring Learning, found that over one-third of Gen Z employees lack communication skills, while 28% struggle with resilience and 27% lack problem-solving abilities. The data paints a clear picture: technical skills alone aren’t enough to succeed in today’s workplace.

For career services professionals, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. While employers prioritize teamwork (55%) and communication (52%) over technical skills like computer literacy (26%), nearly half (43%) of young professionals feel they were never taught soft skills growing up. And unfortunately, 27% of UK workers report receiving no support in developing soft skills on the job. This means universities and career centers must step up to fill the gap.

How Career Services Can Strengthen Soft Skills Development

1?? Make Soft Skills a Core Part of Career Programming – Embedding communication, problem-solving, and resilience training into career development workshops can give students a competitive edge. Mock interviews, networking practice, and group projects can reinforce these essential skills.

2?? Encourage Experiential Learning – Employers emphasize that real-world experience—not just coursework—is key to developing soft skills. Internships, volunteer opportunities, study abroad programs, and leadership roles in student organizations all provide valuable experience in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.

3?? Normalize Professional Communication Early – It’s no secret that many Gen Z professionals avoid phone calls in favor of digital messaging. Integrating phone etiquette, public speaking, and workplace communication best practices into career programming can help students develop confidence in verbal communication.

4?? Use Employer Partnerships to Strengthen Soft Skills Development – Companies like Great Western Railway are actively investing in soft skills training for apprentices, recognizing that technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Career services teams can leverage employer partnerships to offer mentorship programs, leadership training, and hands-on workshops that reinforce these competencies.

Soft skills aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential for career success and long-term employability. Career services teams play a critical role in preparing students to meet employer expectations by prioritizing soft skills development alongside technical training. If universities and employers work together to make soft skills a core pillar of career readiness, graduates will enter the workforce not just with degrees, but with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in any industry.

Opportunities

Job Opening in Higher Education

Looking for your next career move in higher ed? Here are some exciting opportunities to make an impact in career services, employability, and student support:

?? Careers and Employability Placement Officer ?? GBS Malta | Malta Help students bridge the gap between education and the workforce by coordinating career placements and employability initiatives. This role involves building employer relationships, supporting students with job placements, and enhancing career services. ?? Apply here

?? Careers Information and Events Assistant ?? University of Reading | Reading, UK Support the delivery of careers events, employer engagement activities, and career information services. This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping students access career opportunities and resources. ?? Apply here

?? Careers & Employability Officer (Term Time Only + 4 Weeks) ?? Hopwood Hall College | Manchester, UK Provide career guidance, employability workshops, and one-on-one support to students. This role is focused on helping students build career confidence and secure meaningful opportunities. ?? Apply here

?? Staff Counselor ?? Colby College | Waterville, Maine, USA Support student mental health and well-being by providing counseling services to staff and faculty. This role focuses on fostering a healthy and supportive campus environment. ?? Apply here

?? Health Careers Coordinator, Netter Center for Community Partnerships ?? University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, USA Develop and coordinate programs that help students explore and prepare for careers in healthcare. This role is perfect for those passionate about career pathways in health and community engagement. ?? Apply here

Know someone looking for a new opportunity? Share these job openings and help them take the next step in their higher ed career!

Learn something new

The Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know that the first-ever International Women's Day in 1911 was inspired by a demand for better working conditions and career opportunities for women? ??

At the time, women made up a significant portion of the workforce but had little to no labor rights, lower wages, and almost no access to leadership roles. Fast forward to today, and while we’ve made incredible strides, the global gender pay gap still sits at around 20%, with women holding less than 30% of leadership roles worldwide.

Here’s an even more surprising fact: According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, it will take 131 years to fully close the gender gap in economic participation. That’s right—131 years!

So, as we celebrate International Women's Day this Saturday, let’s not just reflect on progress but also recognize the work still to be done. Whether it’s mentoring women in leadership, advocating for pay equity, or encouraging more women into high-growth fields like STEM, career services professionals play a huge role in shaping a more equitable future.

Something to bring up in your next elevator chat, right?

That's a wrap for this week's The Career Sip. Keep brewing your career development strategies, and we'll be back next week with another steaming cup of higher ed updates.

Stay caffeinated, my friends!