Thousands of first-year university students drop out each year. While it has traditionally been the responsibility of high schools to help young people explore their further education options, universities also have a role to play in educating future students at the high school level in order to increase retention rates and ensure young people benefit from their university experience.
The dropout rate suggests that young people require more information to make an educated decision about the university pathway that is right for them.
MyCareerMatch Recruit research found nearly three-quarters of all high school students do not know what they want to do when they leave school. It is thus evident that a large proportion of students are beginning university without clear intention surrounding their career and even their degree, likely contributing to the high dropout rate.
Many young people seek career advice from external resources outside of high school, with 76% wanting more personalised advice, 60% wanting more access to mentors/industry professionals and 52% seeking unbiased advice (Australian stats).
This means there is an opportunity for universities to step up and work with school career counsellors to ensure potential students are making the right course choices, particularly for those young people who have yet to make a decision regarding their future.
By clearly laying out the career pathways that are available through their courses, universities will be able to cut through to young people at crucial moments in their decision-making process and align future students to a course they feel they have a strong understanding of and are motivated to complete.
Retaining students is about career advice at the high school level and aligning them to the opportunities that are right for them. The troubling number of students dropping out in first-year speaks to a fundamental issue with the way the university assists young people choose a course that’s right for them.
By positioning universities as a trustworthy source of accurate career advice, young people will be more equipped to make informed decisions about the course that is right for them and will be more confident to choose their post-school option, increasing retention rates for universities and reducing drop-out rates.
So how do universities do this at a scale that doesn’t blow their budget or require an army of call centre staff? MyCareerMatch Recruit delivers on your behalf, trusted career advice on any scale. MCM Recruit personalises student advice and links recommended careers to your courses.
Our ‘school ready’ program, engages with teachers, students and parents and provides a clear career and course pathway. Let us help you increase student enrolment and retention by supporting schools with quality career advice and resources. Contact me and we will map out a strategy specifically for your budget and outreach program.
Nathan Chanesman CEO MyCareerMatch Recruit nathan@mycareermatchrecruit.com and visit https://mycareermatchrecruit.com to view case studies and examples of career advice students receive.
