Brock University graduates continue to enjoy employment rates that outpace the Ontario average.<\/p>\n
Data from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) show that, six months after graduating, Brock grads have an employment rate of more than 90 per cent. Two years after graduating, the rate is more than 96 per cent. In both time frames, Brock\u2019s numbers are above the average for Ontario universities.<\/p>\n
A key factor behind this career success is Brock\u2019s emphasis on giving students a taste of the workplace through experiential education.<\/p>\n
And, this fall, Brock will reach a new milestone when it offers experiential education opportunities in 100 per cent of its academic programs \u2014 more than 1.5 million hours dedicated to experiential learning in 1,039 different course sections.<\/p>\n
Sandy Howe, Brock\u2019s Associate Director of Experiential Education, said the ongoing development of programming prepares students to take meaningful steps in their careers, both during their studies and immediately after graduating.<\/p>\n
\u201cExperiential learning is huge for career outcomes, employment and personal development,\u201d said Howe. \u201cWe are seeing a shift in post-secondary studies driving directly towards careers. Our programs help to clarify the path for success while offering real opportunities to set students on their way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of the diverse experiential learning opportunities available to Brock students include volunteering with rescue dogs for a Sociology course, travelling to northern Ontario to collect rock samples for an Earth Science course and planning outdoor learning activities for elementary school students in a Child and Youth Studies course.<\/p>\n
In addition to benefiting students, experiential programming also allows for the growth of faculty members, Howe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt offers faculty the chance to expand their CVs and pursue unique funding opportunities while also exploring diverse ways of teaching and learning both in and out of the classroom,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Cara Krezek, Director of Co-op, Career and Experiential Education at Brock, said the development reflects an ongoing commitment of numerous partners within the University to create the best possible learning environment for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we came together to operationalize experiential learning at Brock in 2015, we wanted to be a leader in the field. This achievement shows that we have realized that vision,\u201d she said. \u201cEnsuring students have access to experiences that complement their learning, and understanding how that learning is relevant to their future careers are key outcomes we wanted to achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the offerings continue to grow, Krezek and Brock\u2019s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education team are developing ways for students to more easily keep tabs on their course and work term experiences, as well as career outcomes. The group is preparing to launch a University-wide experience record through CareerZone, Brock\u2019s online portal for career opportunities including job postings and experiential offerings.<\/p>\n
While these developments are taking place, the team is also actively working with other post-secondary institutions to spread Brock\u2019s knowledge of experiential education.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just launched a tool kit with Georgian College and Niagara College, who led the MTCU funding project through the government’s Career Ready Fund, where we are contributing to open resources and we are freely sharing information and strategies,\u201d said Krezek. \u201cWhat we started championing four years ago is now happening across Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n