Shaping the Future of Education

Garrett Stern, Executive Director, Leadership and Professional Educator

As an expert who has gathered a broader perspective of the education sector, what are some of the prevalent challenges impacting the space, according to you?

 Some of the significant issues in education are a paradox that stems from a decrease in high school graduates and a declining interest among students to enroll in degree programs immediately after high school. In contrast, there is a growing need for constant education to stay relevant, particularly as technology advances rapidly, rendering previously acquired skills obsolete.

 The challenge lies in how educational institutions can iterate and adapt their offerings to cater to individuals not inclined toward the traditional education model. While the need for education has never been greater, there is a downward trend in desire among specific segments of the public, especially emerging high school students.

 “Universities need to refine their messaging and shift the focus from simply enrolling students in degree programs to providing relevant support for career development and lifelong learning.”

 On the other hand, leaders in the education industry must overcome the hurdle of positioning themselves in a desired manner to guide individuals throughout their entire career journey rather than just the initial years of education. While some universities have diverse programs such as master's degrees, doctoral programs, and certificate programs, many institutions struggle with addressing this challenge. The industry, as a whole, needs to find newer ways to effectively shepherd individuals throughout their education journey, and not just in the initial years.

 With pain points like these currently prevailing in the market, what are some of the trends that have emerged to mitigate them? 

One emerging trend is the increasing importance of post-secondary education for the economy's future. Recently, higher education has faced skepticism from both political and economic standpoints because the skills required in the workforce are constantly evolving, especially with the rapid advancement of technology. Students must understand that the skills acquired during their initial education may not be sufficient for long-term success. By emphasizing support for career development and lifelong learning, educational institutions can position themselves as valuable partners that can help individuals stay relevant in their chosen fields and adapt to changing industry demands.

Universities need to refine their messaging and shift the focus from simply enrolling students in degree programs to providing relevant support for career development and lifelong learning. To tackle the issues of scale, quality, and agility, institutions must also explore new processes and structures, allowing quicker approval of programs and credentials. In fact, the sector has to optimize official definitions and frameworks for certificates of completion, professional certifications, and other credentials to provide a clear understanding and recognition.

Essentially, there is a need to establish standardized frameworks for different types of credentials to create clarity and consistency across institutions and pedagogies. 

Can you provide an example of a project or initiative implementing these trends and process elements?

We are exploring the incorporation of professional coaching as a core component of the master's degree program. Rather than focusing solely on career advising, which assists with job placement after graduation, we are considering the inclusion of executive or leadership coaches who can guide students along their leadership journey. These coaches possess professional knowledge and have worked with other professionals, providing valuable insights and support to students as they progress through the program.

One example of a project we are working on is developing a leadership certificate program within a master's degree curriculum. Instead of adapting existing coursework into a certificate, we are intentionally designing certificates with input from companies through our advisory committee. These certificates are then integrated into a specific pathway within the master's degree program, allowing individuals to enter through the alternate credential lane and advance in their careers. This approach ensures that the certifications align closely with the professionals' needs and provide a valuable experience within the degree program.

 While most of our initiatives primarily involve process elements, we also leverage technology to enhance our recruitment and marketing efforts. For instance, we are implementing HubSpot, an enterprise system commonly used in businesses. Using HubSpot, we aim to scale our recruitment and marketing activities while maintaining the personal interactions integral to the university experience. We are also exploring automation within HubSpot to streamline appointment scheduling, follow-ups, and marketing journeys. This allows us to improve work efficiency, create a more formalized and automated system, and deliver a personalized experience to prospective students. 

How do you envision the future of the education sector?

I envision the sector's future moving towards a mindset of education as a service rather than a product. This means providing lifelong learning and support throughout an individual's career journey. Technologies will play a crucial role in enabling this vision by delivering quick updates from leading researchers, providing access to ongoing courses, and creating digital communities that foster engagement and connection.

On the other hand, Universities can leverage technology to engage with alums and the broader community in various ways. One approach is to provide them with access to key lectures, video series, and short courses as part of their benefits. This allows them to stay connected with professors and receive updates on relevant topics. By incorporating technology-enabled engagement, universities can create a sense of community and maintain ongoing relationships beyond completing a degree.

Would you like to share any advice with your peers on how they can better position themselves to deal with challenges in the education sector?

I advise universities to challenge tradition's limitations and explore new possibilities. Instead of solely focusing on formal degree programs and research, universities should consider offering services beyond tuition-based models. This can include consulting opportunities, research projects, and community engagement initiatives. By thinking beyond the tuition-only model, universities can identify ways to provide value to their communities and support their core undergraduate mission while adapting to the changing needs of society.

To embrace innovation and expand their role in the community, universities should be open to exploring non-traditional approaches. This could involve partnerships with local businesses for research projects or creating opportunities for students to gain real-world work experience. Through creative thinking and a drive to move away from traditional structures, institutions can position themselves as valuable community contributors offering services beyond conventional educational pedagogies.

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