What's Happening?
Columbia College Chicago has transitioned from using Handshake to a new career services platform called ColumWorks. This change aims to better support students pursuing creative careers. ColumWorks, powered by the career services company 12twenty, will
serve as the college's main portal for job searches, internships, and career events. The platform offers advanced search functionalities, allowing students to filter opportunities by various criteria such as paid or unpaid internships and on-campus employment. The decision to switch was not financially motivated, as both platforms cost the college about the same. The change was made to address feedback that Handshake was cluttered with irrelevant job postings, making it difficult for students to find suitable opportunities. ColumWorks is designed to be more customizable and tailored to the needs of Columbia's creative community.
Why It's Important?
The shift to ColumWorks is significant as it reflects Columbia College Chicago's commitment to enhancing career support for its students, particularly those in creative fields. By providing a more tailored and efficient platform, the college aims to improve the job search experience and outcomes for its students. This change could potentially lead to better job placements and career development opportunities, which are crucial in the competitive job market. The move also highlights the growing importance of specialized career services platforms that cater to specific industries, suggesting a trend towards more personalized career support in higher education.
What's Next?
As ColumWorks is a new system, students and staff will need time to adapt. The college encourages students to explore the platform and provide feedback to the Career Center to address any issues. The Student Government Association President has urged students to engage with the new system, emphasizing its potential benefits. The transition requires students to manually transfer their resumes and work history to ColumWorks, as data from Handshake does not automatically migrate. Alumni will also have access to the new platform, ensuring continued support for graduates.
