Webinar: Rethinking Career Prep: What Gen Z Liberal Arts Grads Really Need to Succeed by 12twenty

About This Webinar

Join Dr. Phil Gardner for an insightful look at what drives Gen Z liberal arts graduates’ success in today’s workplace. With over 30 years of research, Dr. Gardner will discuss why values and behaviors—not just skills—are essential to employers. He’ll address the unique challenges liberal arts grads face and reveal gaps in career services that can impact their transition to the workforce.

Agenda

Cutting Through the Clickbait in the recent Forbes article, “3 Reasons Gen Z Is Getting Fired From The Workplace,” to uncover what really matters for career readiness.
Realigning Career Services to better support Gen Z liberal arts students through focused career planning and development.
Integrating High-Impact Practices to connect academic experiences with career readiness.
Bridging Gaps in Traditional Career Models to better serve liberal arts students with tailored university support.

Dr. Phil Gardner

Faculty Consultant on Student Transition (CERI) at MSU

About Dr. Phil Gardner:

Dr. Phil Gardner is a leading researcher and former Executive Director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute, with over 30 years dedicated to understanding young adults’ transitions from college to career. His work examines the dynamics of the college-educated workforce, focusing on Gen Z’s workplace values, attitudes, and job market challenges. Dr. Gardner’s research spans key areas like the influence of internships, co-ops, and study abroad on early careers, as well as employer practices for retaining new hires. A frequent consultant for colleges, universities, and companies, he currently leads projects on psychological contracts in internships and job surfing behaviors among young professionals. Recognized by the NACE Academy of Fellows, Dr. Gardner has co-authored two recent books: Advancing Talent Development (2020) and Ensuring Success for Students Who Transfer (2023).

Jeff Beavers

Innovation and Technology Consultant | Moderator

Jeff Beavers has accumulated over 25 years of experience spanning campus recruiting, career services, and educational technology software systems. He has held roles at University of Illinois, Michigan State University, GE, Whirlpool Corp, AbbVie, and Yello. Currently, as an independent consultant, Jeff drives innovation in career services and talent acquisition. He also leads a 4-year USAID project in Africa, overseeing the launch of career centers at universities across Mozambique to support workforce and economic development.