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This study examined the career, social, and academic self-appraisals and educational aspirations of first-year college students of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Participants included 72 first-year students of Black, Asian, and White ethnicities. Career self-appraisals were significantly different for Black and Asian students when compared to White students, and subsequent analysis revealed that White students had higher career self-appraisals. Also, educational aspirations were significantly predicted by academic self-appraisals. Practice implications are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses data from a sample of agriculture graduates from selected land-grant universities in the south to examine workers' functions on the job in relation to data, people, and things as described in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Tabular analysis was conducted using gamma and pearson's correlation as measures of association.Findings indicate that agribusiness job holders were more involved in coordinating several data management task than non-agribusiness job holders. Regarding functions on the job dealing with people, non-agribusiness job holders performed less complex task of taking instruction without responsibility of supervising people. Agribusiness job holders less often performed more complex task of "precision work" with things in addition to the responsibility of handling things. Agribusiness job holders were more likely involved in coordinating several data management tasks, involved in more complex people related tasks of supervising or instructing but less complex task of handling things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of higher education is to prepare students to be productive and successful members of society (Huba & Freed, 2000). However, an alarming number of graduates do not possess the skills (i.e., reading writing, and mathematical) required by their employers (Spellings Commission, 2006). Consequently, educators have become increasingly concerned with enhancing student learning in the college classroom. As such, the purpose of this study was to assess students' learning in a junior-level Intercultural Communication course using three classroom assessment techniques (CATs): The Minute Paper, Misconceptions/Perception Check, and The Muddiest Point. Collectively, these CATs provided direct evidence of student learning and enabled the instructor to identify what the students found the most important, least clear, and their misconceptions. The data were further used to identify potential strategies of improving student learning this course. Thus, the use of CATs enable instructors to identify areas of improvement to ensure that student learning occurs and that the students are prepared for their future academic and/or professional lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much criticism exists concerning a lack of focus on real-world problem-solving in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) infrastructures. Many of these critics say that current educational infrastructures are incapable in preparing future scientists and engineers to solve the complex and multidisciplinary problems this society will face. Engineers must be trained to meet these challenges by incorporating a combination of learning paradigms to solve real-world, multidisciplinary, multifaceted problems. To assist in understanding how to solve these problems, Cost Engineering and Analysis and Project Management knowledge, integrated into an undergraduate Engineering Economy Course will provide students with additional knowledge necessary to produce quality Capstone design projects and obtain useful skills for today's engineering work environment. The content was designed as additional content embedded into the Engineering Economy course to introduce students to Cost Engineering and Analysis and Project Management. The method of introduction was through instruction, case studies, and ultimately application into a final group project that mimics the thought process of the Capstone experience and then, further used as a holistic approach to Capstone design projects. Integrating Cost Engineering and Project Management into an undergraduate Engineering Economy course proves to be a valuable addition to the engineering curriculum. This supplemental knowledge provides matriculating students with the skills necessary to successfully manage Capstone design projects and prepares them for project management activities in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have attempted to determine and compare the views of graduate and undergraduate college of business students pertaining to the skills and competencies needed for employment. A questionnaire was administered to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the college of business at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Three hundred and sixty undergraduate students completed the questionnaire and 153 graduate students responded. Both groups of students evaluated "integrity/honesty" and "good work ethic" as the two most important qualities needed for employment. Both the graduate and undergraduate students believed that "knowledge of a second language" and "extra curricula activities" were the least important qualities needed for employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND. Little is known about educational attainment, agricultural jobs and income among graduates from Historically Black Land-Grant College and Universities. In this study, we examined the impact of educational attainment on type of jobs among former students and determine if controlling for income, educational attainment has a positive impact on the type jobs after graduation. METHODS. Data are from a study of graduates from three Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities in Alabama and Tennessee. The questionnaire included questions on educational attainment, career mobility, college curriculum competencies and skill, opinions about agricultural careers, actual salaries, fringe benefits, and other personal characteristics. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square statistics were used for the analysis. RESULTS. The higher the level of education, the greater the tendency for these college of agriculture graduates to remain in agriculture-related careers. To these former students, the extent to which the work is intellectually satisfying appears to be more important than the income it yields. CONCLUSIONS. Graduate related work associated with an advanced degree is highly satisfying even within low incomes. * We thank Professor Henry J. Findlay for his helpful feedback on previous drafts. Address correspondence to Professor Andrew A. Zekeri (email: Zekeri@mytu.tuskegee.edu) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore employment opportunities, salary potential, and knowledge required by graduates of a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services degree. A survey was mailed to graduates of the program addressing these questions. The response rate was 41%. Of the respondents, 96.7% were currently employed, many within 1.5 months of graduation. Forty-three percent were currently in positions related to their degree, although 60% had used their degree since graduation. Salaries at graduation ranged from $21,481 to $24,480 with current salaries from $26,881 to $29,880. The Rehabilitation Services curriculum provides a good foundation for entry-level human service employment and for graduate education in human services and allied health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]