Leading-edge programs, strategies and research

The Gerald B. Mitchell Centre of Excellence in Career & Experiential Education (CoE) focuses on ensuring Brock University, and in turn, other post-secondary education institutions benefit from leading-edge research practices, programs and strategies as it pertains to career and experiential education.

Co-op, Career & Experiential Education (CCEE) is anchored by a vision to be the leader in quality experiences in co-op, career and experiential education in Canada.  This vision, and the department’s operations over the last seven years, allow for a strong foundation and alignment with the Centre of Excellence – having implemented leading practices and structures across the country that have been replicated nationwide.

The promising practices and research developed through the CoE can be transformed into services that enhance the quality and access of undergraduate and graduate student experiences, education, employer and community organizations’ capacity, and overall skills and talent needs of the region – all of which will help build a healthy learning environment, economy and job market for graduating students.

The CoE will support expansion in programs and services offered to students, community and employer partners and faculty; support research through research grants that will focus on the impacts of career and experiential education on various stakeholders; and will focus on how to assist students in skills translation and mobilization of skills throughout their academic career and beyond.

Brock Competencies & Skills Translation

The Brock Competencies and Skills Translation project started with the goal of developing and integrating campus-wide competencies by mapping the knowledge, skills, and attributes that students develop through curricular and co-curricular experience and reflection. Ten core competencies were identified through research, consultation with a campus-wide advisory committee, and student feedback in the form of focus groups. The Brock Core Competencies are integrated into CCEE programming as a tool for reflection, development of learning outcomes and supporting students with career readiness. Currently, discussions are underway regarding campus-wide integration and the development of Faculty-specific competencies.

Articulating career competencies with Laura Fyfe and Katrina Volpini of Brock University
Mindset in Motion (MIM) Podcast, March 2023, Season 3, EP. 5

Navigating a world without resumes
Alesia Dane and Laura Fyfe, Careering Blog, CERIC, June 2022

The myth of post-COVID skills
Laura Fyfe, Responsibilities May Include, University Affairs, August 2021

Career competencies and skills translation: helping students prepare for the future of work
Laura Fyfe, Careering Blog, CERIC, June 2021

Using play, optimism and curiosity to unlock success in your job search
Marisa Brown, Responsibilities May Include, University Affairs, March 2021

The power of play
Marisa Brown, Careering Blog, CERIC, June 2019