KU School of Professional Studies redefines recruitment by putting career clarity first

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Professional Studies (SPS) is transforming the recruitment experience by placing students’ career goals, strengths and long-term purpose at the center of the enrollment process.

Rather than beginning recruitment conversations with program requirements or applications, SPS now helps prospective students gain clarity about who they are, what they do best and how those strengths align with meaningful careers. This student-centered approach supports more confident academic decisions and stronger alignment between students and their chosen programs.

“Recruitment should empower students, not overwhelm them,” said Deb Carter, associate director for admissions and enrollment. “When students start with an understanding of their strengths and career goals, they’re better equipped to choose programs that truly fit.”

As part of this approach, SPS recruiters guide students through a short assessment that identifies their top “Agilities,” clusters of work activities connected to nearly 1,000 occupations using national labor data. Students receive personalized insights into what energizes them, how their strengths appear across multiple careers and what education is required to pursue those paths.

“This flips the traditional recruitment model,” said Julie Myer, senior graduate recruiter. “Rather than asking students to fit into programs, we’re matching programs to students based on their strengths, interests and long-term goals.”

To support this work, members of the Professional Studies Recruitment team — Carter, Myer and Megan Borocki — earned certification as Certified Agilities Coaches through a research-driven career development framework created by The DeBruce Foundation. The training prepares recruiters to guide students through structured, strengths-based career conversations that translate self-awareness into actionable academic and career plans.

The approach benefits a wide range of learners, including first-generation students, transfer students, military-connected learners, working adults and graduate applicants. Following the assessment, students can explore career data related to job demand, salary expectations and required credentials, helping them connect personal insight with practical outcomes.

“Students deserve clarity,” Carter said. “When they see how their strengths connect to a future career and an academic pathway, everything comes together.”

By integrating structured career coaching into recruitment, the KU School of Professional Studies is advancing its student-centered mission, ensuring every learner can chart a clear, confident and personalized pathway toward their future goals.