Attendees Explore the Future of Work at 2024 Academic Innovation Summer Conference
Faculty and staff from Cal Poly Pomona and other universities delved into the critical intersection of education and the evolving workforce at the 2024 Academic Innovation Summer Conference.
The three-day event themed “Exploring the Future of Work, was held May 29-May 31 and had 136 participants who engaged in insightful keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on workshops led by experts in education and workforce development. These sessions provided a platform for sharing innovative strategies and fostering collaborative networks to build a more resilient and adaptive future.
Attendees participated in two main tracks: Career Readiness in the Curriculum and Career Readiness through Campus Student Employment. These tracks offered a comprehensive exploration of integrating career preparedness into academic programs and campus employment opportunities.
In the Career Readiness in the Curriculum track, Management and Human Resources Professor Preeti Wadhwa, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary strategies.
“The curriculum track showcased a collaborative effort between faculty, staff, industry partners, and alumni, all focused on ensuring a successful college-to-career transition for our students,” Wadhwa said. “This track emphasized the development of ‘employability’ skills and competencies vital for launching successful career.”
Sessions in this track encouraged faculty to leverage campus resources and engage in hands-on workshops to enhance their curricula. Faculty and staff learned to design and assess career preparedness focused curricula using adaptable tools and methodologies for diverse teaching formats. They also gained valuable insights from an alumni panel on the skills and competencies valued in the workforce.
“The student employment track emphasized the crucial role of student employees in our university and the opportunity to align their jobs with career readiness competencies (CRC) from NACE,” said Xiomara Tapia, access specialist for the Disability Resource Center. “Sessions focused on integrating skills like communication, leadership, and critical thinking into job duties, enhancing students’ competitiveness in the job market.”
The conference also featured keynote addresses from distinguished leaders such as Jeremy Podany, Olukemi Sawyerr, and Matthew Brink, who shared their expertise and vision for the future of work.
The 2024 Academic Innovation Summer Conference successfully provided faculty and staff with knowledge and tools to better prepare students for the future workforce. Participants left with actionable strategies to integrate career readiness into their curricula and campus employment practices.
To learn more about the 2024 Academic Innovation Summer Conference, visit the Academic Innovation website or email ai@cpp.edu for more information.