Wayne State College recently announced an adjustment to the process of assigning advisors within the Career Scholars Program.  

Program participants will no longer be advised by faculty within their departments; instead, they’ll be assigned an adviser specifically for the program. 

The program is set up to provide an opportunity for students to gain both classroom and hands-on experience that will put them directly into the job market upon graduation. Students will have the opportunity to develop relationships with employers through on-site visits, job shadowing and mentorships over their first three years of school and complete the continuing education component of the program by residing on the Wayne State College campus. 

At the end of their senior year, career scholars will transition into a full-time job located in either Norfolk or Grand Island, working 30–40 hours per week over a nine-month period. Career scholars can also earn up to 18 credit hours while working in this capacity. 

These students receive considerable financial assistance through scholarships ranging from $5,000–$15,000 per year and can receive up to $33,000 to help offset their costs for tuition, fees, housing or other miscellaneous expenses. 

In the past, the advising model for those in this program included using professors in the discipline as advisors. This method was helpful to provide academic support, but it often did not reflect the distinct structure and expectations of the Career Scholars Program. The new advising system introduces specifically designated career advisors that focus solely on the Career Scholars Program, including its requirements and the associated career pathways. 

“Beginning advising with the Career Scholars team in the first semester of the freshman year helps students and staff establish early connections, fostering trust, engagement, and meaningful relationships,” said Dr. Katie Machovsky, Executive Director of Cooperative Education and Industry Liaison.  

This change is intended to contribute to a more consistent and tailored experience for students over the course of their four years of study. Dedicated advisors will assist students in connecting coursework with internship opportunities, preparing for their senior-year placements, and helping them to navigate professional expectations more effectively, Machovsky said. 

“Beyond assisting with first year course registration, the career scholars team aims to serve as an ongoing resource, guiding students throughout their college experience and preparing them for their senior-year internship and post-graduation employment,” Machovsky said. 

In addition, by working with advisors that have relationships with the employers and who understand the program’s requirements, students may also benefit from a larger pool of networking possibilities and greater support for placement into a career. The objective of this change is to create a more coherent and clear experience as students progress through their programs, from exploration to pre-professional work environments. 

“The Career Scholars team is committed to connecting with students early and intentionally, providing support and opportunities that empower them to thrive throughout their four years at WSC and beyond,” Machovsky said.