By Devon Graves

Chair, California State Student Association (CSSA)

A few weeks ago, as a student panelist on the Data-Driven Decision Making discussion for the Tapping Into Talent: Improving the Transition from School to Work  in Washington, DC, I was able to paint a picture of where students stand regarding the role data plays in the various decisions students make while in school.

Many college-bound students, when applying to college, focus on data surrounding college and universities’ acceptance rates, retention rates, financial support and the cost, among other things.  So, just like when seeking which college to attend, students are increasingly using data in their decisionmaking process when looking for jobs after graduation. Hiring rates, size of the company, room for growth and compensation are important information students use to help inform their decision.  More recently, new tools that streamline this process have become more readily available, increasing the use of data used by students to help make important decisions.

The moderator asked the three panelists–a student, technology innovator, and an employer–to address the issue of data for their respective groups. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear from the people who represent the other segments and learn how innovators and employers are using data to both help students while in college and ultimately hire them upon graduation.

From the discussion, we found that the connection between students, technology and employers is growing. Employers are already changing the way they search for employees, using the advancement of technology to help match potential employees to employers, especially for companies like Boeing who receive upwards of 500 applications for each open position.

As a student, I believe it is still important for employers to take a vested interest in students as soon as they enter college. Employers would benefit from participating in job fairs, internship programs and other student support programs that help create a connection to students long before they enter the workforce. By building a relationship with local colleges and universities, employers make a strategic investment to engage and educate its potential workforce to suit its needs, saving time and money down the road. As data becomes more valued in the university setting, it is more important than ever that employers invest their time and resources in our universities.

The new analytics that are filling the gap between students and employers are important to decisionmaking. As the innovation of new, effective tools increases, students will gravitate to them to help inform important decisions. I, like many students, am nervous for the day that I will need to start my job search. However, if tools like Koofers continue to improve, they will play a vital role in my search for a job.