Pushing the Boundaries in Career Readiness | Immersive Learning | UM News Special Report | University of Miami

In an instant and natural feedback loop, University of Miami students are learning and gaining career readiness skills at the UM Toppel Career Center. Toppel has partnered with Javelin Learning Solutions to build an online simulation training program that helps ensure the students’ successful transition from college to the workplace. Toppel is the first university career center in the country to make use of Javelin’s innovative, tech-infused program, working closely with the industrial-organizational consultancy firm to test and improve it for the benefit of all students and universities. The program uses a video, cloud-based technology platform where students are able to access career readiness simulations to train on key competencies, such as communication skills, leadership and professionalism.

Recent research by the Association of American Colleges and Universities finds discrepancies between how career ready students consider themselves to be, and how this readiness is judged by employers. Javelin’s program is aimed at closing these gaps between higher education and the world of work—all through internet-connected devices.

The online training program engages students through a collection of job scenarios they’ll likely face as they transition from college to the workforce, including those involving skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, leadership and inclusiveness. Students’ video responses to these scenarios are recorded before they’re asked to self-critique their responses and compare them to model videos from the program. After the students reflect on their recorded responses and the model examples, they re-record their responses. Javelin’s research shows students demonstrate a significant improvement from their first to second video responses, regardless of their area of study.

“Javelin’s program allowed us to help our students practice and develop the eight critical NACE competencies in a low-stakes environment,” said Christian Garcia, associate dean and executive director of the Toppel Career Center. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness in terms of eight competencies: critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, digital technology, leadership, professionalism and work ethic, career management, and global and intercultural fluency.

“The simulations are based on real-world scenarios that our students will inevitably encounter in the world of work. The feedback we’ve received from our students has been very positive,” added Garcia.

The collaboration between Toppel and Javelin exemplifies how the career center is constantly seeking innovative strategies to ensure each graduating student is career ready.

“Career readiness training is so central to our overall goal and mission at Toppel; it’s at the heart of what we do,” said Carly Smith, associate director of career readiness at Toppel. “It’s our responsibility to ensure these students are ready to enter and succeed in the world of work when they leave school.”

Toppel sat down with political science senior Sarah Anne Farinelli to learn about her experience with the online career training simulation program.

Toppel: What was it like participating in the video training program? Describe your experience.

Farinelli: The training program was certainly unique compared to the other experiences I've had in preparing for the workplace. The simulation-style videos and recorded responses established a degree of pressure (they were timed) that made my recordings more candid, and thus a more accurate representation of how these situations would unfold in the real world. Of course, in a real workplace, there is no room for rehearsal or trial and error.

Toppel: What did you learn about yourself by participating in the video training program?

Farinelli: I learned that I was more prepared for certain aspects of the workplace than I initially thought! After recording my answers, it was enriching to see through each step what I could have done better. I certainly saw my responses and ability to articulate my thoughts eloquently improve with each step.

Toppel: In what ways did the program help you improve your career readiness skills?

Farinelli: The program helped me improve my career readiness skills by getting me to think about potential situations in the workplace that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered, particularly instances involving workplace conflict. Being able to witness actors deal with these situations provided a very hands-on learning experience.

Toppel: What aspects of the program were particularly helpful and why?

Farinelli: The model videos were helpful; they gave me an idea of how to properly respond to certain questions. But, being able to replay my own recorded responses was most rewarding. I could actively observe my facial expressions, intonation and articulation. This all tied together when I got my results back and was able to see that my submissions improved with each trial.

Toppel: Would you recommend this program to a fellow student? Why or why not? 

Farinelli: I would absolutely recommend this program to another student. Though it may feel somewhat intimidating to send off recordings of yourself, and a bit off talking to a computer screen and an imaginary person, the program taught me a lot, not just about myself, but also about the intricacies that define a real-world office environment.

Toppel: Any other comments on the program or your experience?

Farinelli: I found it particularly helpful to have a blank document on my computer open so that I could take notes and draft my answers, and then review them later. I’d like to be able to look back at the model videos and my recorded responses so I can keep learning from the experience. 

More About Toppel Career Center

Are you a UM student or alumnus trying to figure out what to do with your life? Are you pretty sure—even totally sure—you know your career goals, but need some help developing a plan or making connections? At Toppel, we’re in the business of career education, which means that we can help! We have a staff of highly trained career advisors who can support you at every step along your path to career success. Whether you’re looking to solidify your interests or skills, get ready for a job or internship interview, or make connections that will launch your career, Toppel has you covered. Some of our services include: career advising, resume critiques, practice interviews, career and personality assessments, and professional headshot photos.

Toppel Career Center is located at 5225 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33146. For more information, please contact Christian Garcia, associate dean and executive director of the Toppel Career Center, 305-284-5451, christian@miami.edu. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

More About Javelin Learning Solutions 

Javelin Learning Solutions is an industrial-organizational consultancy aimed at improving people via simulations. The company has administered over 500,000 simulations for customers since 1985. In 2016, Javelin Learning Solutions introduced a unique and innovative training solution that integrates remote video simulation technology and adult learning strategies to build career readiness skills.