As the semester comes to a close, Illinois State University seeks faculty and staff assistance with collecting students’ post-graduate plans.
Collecting first-destination data from graduates is simple as they self-report using Project Nest, an online survey administered by Career Services. Although the survey is sent to the University email accounts of all graduating students, faculty and staff assistance are needed to help encourage students to complete the survey. Consider:
• Sharing the QR Code with graduating students you teach, work with, and know to complete it. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
• Including the Project Nest QR code or the link to Project Nest in communication to graduating students.
Value of Project Nest
After the survey has concluded, Project Nest provides valuable data to the University including:
• Information to share with prospective students and families about employment rates, average starting salaries for graduates, industry employers recruiting Illinois State students and graduate programs.
• Data to include in an annual report, accreditation documents, or other relevant reports.
• Knowledge regarding the readiness of graduates for what they will do after graduation and the contributions of major and non-major courses and co-curricular involvement in their knowledge and skill acquisition.
• Tangible data on the “value” of an Illinois State University degree and experience.
According to Career Services Director Pamela Cooper, “We are able to access data by college, program, and graduation year, the number of students hired within six months of graduation, starting salary ranges, graduate schools, and so much more. It also allows us to review exit survey data with graduates’ next steps and how they align with career aspirations.”
If you or your department, unit, or program already conducts an “exit survey” with graduating students, please contact Career Services.
