At GCC, we believe there is not a career ladder but a career labyrinth.
The pathway is not linear nor is it universal.
Structure and support as well as context and connection help with navigation.
We find this when customizing programs for university and college partners from around the world. We find this through the personalized placement process for individual student participants. We find this when developing projects or placements in collaboration with employers or host organizations from a range of industry areas.
Employers or host organizations manage a portfolio of opportunities and challenges. Individuals create a portfolio of experiences and education. Universities and colleges develop, assess, and iterate a portfolio of offerings.
Each of those portfolios increasingly include short term programs or projects. This blog explores the trend by highlighting motivations, describing best practices, and sharing a few strong examples. Let’s consider…Why? How? What?
Why include short term programs or projects?
Accessibility. Time, money, energy…all in short supply. Quite simply, short term programs can fit where resources are limited.
Experimentation. Six month co-op? Can be a daunting commitment to industry, location, and job scope. One week professional exploration? Can be an eye-opening opportunity to try something new and challenge assumptions.
Relevance. Limited time and tight structure can lead to a laser-like focus on learning outcomes or pressing deliverables or clear connection with key career skills.
How best to develop and support short term programs or projects?
Intentional. When exploring options or brainstorming approaches, start with the end in mind based on learning outcomes, industry trends, company priorities, and employability frameworks.
Embedded. Capstone, kick off, mid-point…having a course that links to the short term program or project can deepen the learning, heighten the context, and reinforce accountability.
Thematic. When time is short, having a focus and framework to guide the learning as well as guide recruitment can be key.
What are some models for short term programs or projects?
One week professional exploration with skills-building modules. GCC examples include careers in data through a range of industry site visits in Singapore or employment options within the creative industries through networking in New York City.
Two week thematic travel. GCC examples include health and healing traditions – with community engagement – in India or the future of game design – incorporating a design sprint – in Vancouver.
Three week project-based learning developed in collaboration with global employers. GCC examples include team-based initiatives hosted through the innovation ecosystem in Lisbon or small group deliverables designed within the life sciences hub of Boston.
As the world of work evolves so do our portfolios.
Looking to add a short-term program to your university or college’s portfolio?
Interested in collaborating on a presentation or publication?
Keen to develop a team project or host an intern at your office?
Let’s talk! Connect via info@globalcareercenter.org to continue the conversation.
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