Strategic Approach to Managing Student Career Expectations

Student Career Coaches,

I wanted to share my approach and the type of conversations I have for managing student expectations, particularly for those aiming to get into top firms but not meeting the usual minimum qualifications (non-target school, below-average GPA, etc.).

NOTE: I will never tell a student what they can and cannot do! If they are willing to work for it – then I invite them to co-design a plan with me.

Here's the detailed, consultative framework I employ with my clients:

1) Conduct Preliminary Research

First, I encourage the student to conduct thorough research on the industry and target firms. This helps them understand the landscape, key players, and typical entry-level qualifications, providing a solid foundation for our discussion.

2) Comparative Analysis

Next, I ask the student to conduct a comparative analysis of their peers.

This includes:

o? Grades and GPA

o? School ranking and location

o? Skill set and social capital

o? Awards and activities

o? Board seats and other relevant experiences

This analysis helps identify gaps and areas for improvement.

3) Informational Interviews

I recommend that the student conduct several informational interviews with recruiters, alumni, and peers in the industry. They should ask specific questions to assess their background and the likelihood of getting an interview. These conversations provide valuable insights and set realistic expectations.

4) Job Description Analysis

I guide the student through a deep-dive analysis of job descriptions for their target roles. They need to assess their skills, abilities, and knowledge against the job requirements, providing proof of their capability to meet expectations. It’s all about them self-discovering.

5) Job Route Analysis

I ask the student to backtrack and analyze the career paths of individuals currently in their desired roles. Understanding where these individuals were before securing their positions highlights potential steps and intermediary roles. *This is important so they can have a more comprehensive view of how careers are structured and how jobs are all obtained – not all are linear.

6) Explore Adjacent Roles

I’d encourage the student to look at adjacent roles within the same company or industry. These roles, while not the immediate target (e.g., consultant), can be valuable stepping stones (e.g., analyst on the same team).

7) Long-Term Career Perspective

Finally, I remind the student that this is a long-term career journey. Landing the ideal role may not happen immediately upon graduation; it may take one or two prior positions. Keeping the holistic goal in mind and a realistic timeline is essential if they are committed to this career path.

BONUS:

Next Steps I Suggest.....

o? Conduct thorough research and prepare a comparative analysis.

o? Schedule and complete informational interviews with industry professionals.

o? Perform a detailed job description and job route analysis.

o? Explore and apply for adjacent roles to build relevant experience.

o? Maintain a long-term perspective and be prepared for a step-by-step career progression.

This approach allows us to manage expectations while empowering students to make informed decisions and take actionable steps toward achieving their career goals. Typically, after completing these steps, the candidate lands an adjacent role or pivots based on the quantitative and qualitative insights they have gained.

Thank you for considering my specific strategic framework.

It will be highly effective in guiding our students toward successful career outcomes.

STUDENT CAREER COACHES, REMEMBER TO EDIT AS YOU SEE FIT - TO SERVE YOUR AMAZING STUDENTS!

Natascha F. Saunders, Ed.D.

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