A recent LinkedIn post by Lucy Sattler got me thinking about one of her points regarding school counselors. “Not enough people on the careers team – which means too much work falls onto just one or two people.”

The US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics reported that during the 2021–2022 academic year, the national student-to-counselor ratio was 408 to 1—far above the recommended 250 to 1. The National Association for College Admission Counseling and the American School Counselor Association compiled a report to provide a glimpse at the 10-year trends in student-to-counselor ratios from 2004 to 2015. It states in 2015 that Arizona was the highest at 924-1 and Vermont the lowest at 200-1. Here’s a few other states to compare to: Hawaii 293-1, Massachusetts 423-1 and California with 760-1.

So, do we agree, there is a problem. How about a solution?

Why not tap into years of experience from the newly retired, semi-retired, alumni, gig worker, freelancer etc. Who is better to talk to an electrical engineering student than someone that toiled in the field for 30 years. The one aspect of life many truly comprehend is what they did for labor. Plus, with LinkedIn one can clearly see their experience. Also, as people age, they search for a new and different purpose. People enjoy giving advice and often to the younger generation. It’s such an untapped marketplace. Also, it empowers the college career advisor as they inform said students that they have a variety of experienced professionals at their fingertips and it’s a powerful recruiting tool as well.

Moreover, these occupational specialists can be retained per hour, per chat, per day. With alumni, some may volunteer, and others could be offered gift certificates as a stipend for the school store.

After health and wealth, a percentage of successful people enjoy nothing more than the air of superiority. As they don their alma maters polo shirt, an inquiry will occur whilst teeing up “Did you go to state?” The retort, “Yes. They approached me to speak with the undergraduates about my career. To preface Churchill “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.””

Is anyone aware of institutions that hire part-time, flextime, remote or contract career advisors? If so, what institutions? If not, why not? Please explain.

Thank you