News & Notes July 2026

Opening Reflection: Challenging the "Major = Career" Myth

One of the most important articles I have read recently is What Jobs Come to Mind? Stereotypes About Fields of Study by John Conlon and Dev Patel. The authors examine how students think about the relationship between majors and careers and find that many of us dramatically overestimate how often a particular major leads to its most recognizable occupation. For example, students tend to assume psychology majors become counselors, political science majors become lawyers, and journalism majors become journalists at rates far higher than what actually happens in the labor market. The research suggests that these “representative” careers come to mind so easily that they shape students’ beliefs, and ultimately their academic decisions.

Read the full article.

This research resonates deeply with the work we are building across Ohio State. A student-centered career ecosystem is not about helping students find the one predetermined job attached to their major. It is about helping them understand themselves, articulate their strengths, explore possibilities, and confidently navigate a dynamic labor market. Most careers are not linear journeys, and most majors do not map neatly to a single destination.

As we engage students, families, faculty, and employers, I encourage us to shift our language in subtle but powerful ways. Rather than asking, “What job does this major lead to?” we might ask, “What opportunities does this major help prepare students to pursue?” Rather than presenting majors as career pipelines, we can frame them as learning experiences that develop capabilities, perspectives, and transferable skills. And rather than helping students choose a single destination, we can help them build the adaptability and confidence to navigate many possible futures.

That mindset is at the heart of the ecosystem we are creating together.

—
Tricia Zelaya-Leon
Senior Director, Career Center of Excellence

Preparing for HB96: Advancing Work-Based Learning Across Ohio State

As Ohio’s new state operating budget legislation, House Bill 96 (HB96), takes effect, institutions of higher education across the state will begin preparing for new expectations related to the tracking, reporting, and expansion of student work-based learning opportunities. HB96 reflects Ohio’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the connection between higher education and workforce readiness, ensuring that students graduate with meaningful experiences that support successful career outcomes.

While additional guidance and reporting requirements will continue to emerge through the Ohio Department of Higher Education, institutions can expect an increased focus on documenting student participation in experiences such as internships, co-ops, clinical placements, undergraduate research, apprenticeships, and other forms of experiential learning. The overarching goal is to better understand how these opportunities contribute to student success and workforce preparation.

At Ohio State, CCOE is well-positioned to lead this effort. In partnership with the Office of Institutional Research, the CCOE’s Advisory Council, and a series of dedicated working groups, the CCOE will coordinate planning, implementation, and communication efforts throughout the academic year. These groups will meet regularly to share best practices, align data collection processes, and develop strategies to increase access to high-quality work-based learning opportunities for students across all colleges and campuses.

Most importantly, HB96 represents an opportunity rather than a challenge. Ohio State has long been committed to helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experience. By building a more coordinated approach to tracking and expanding work-based learning, we can better demonstrate the value of these experiences while ensuring that every student has pathways to meaningful and productive careers.

As guidance continues to evolve, the CCOE will provide updates, resources, and opportunities for engagement. Together, we will help position Ohio State at the forefront of career readiness and student success.

UCSC election results

We are pleased to announce the results of the UCSC Executive Board elections for the upcoming academic year. Thank you to all members who participated in the voting process and to everyone who expressed interest in serving.

Please join us in congratulating Katie Hipp (Chair), Mollie-Marie Workman (Chair-Elect), Jennifer Chilman (Treasurer), Addie Cheney (Secretary), Paul Newell (Career Coaching Team Lead), Zach Howman (Employer Relations Team Lead), Laura Pizoli (Technology Team Lead), and Tara Nord (Member Services Team Lead).

We are excited for the year ahead and grateful for the time, energy, and leadership these individuals will bring to UCSC. Their commitment to advancing collaboration and supporting career services across Ohio State will help ensure another successful year for our community.

Additionally, the Graduate and Professional Student Working Group did not receive any nominations during this election cycle and, as a result, will not be active during the upcoming academic year.

Congratulations to our newly elected Executive Board members, and thank you to all UCSC members for your continued engagement and support.

Creating impact with Career Trek

Summer break often means students are partaking in internships or work-based learning experiences, gaining valuable hands-on experience and skills that align with their career journey and goals, whether entering the workforce or continuing their education post-graduation.

One program providing students with worthwhile experiences this summer is the College of Arts & Sciences: Atlanta Career Trek. Organized by Andrew Freeman, Shirley Wu, and Zach Howman with the Career Success Studio, 41 students immersed themselves with site visits, networking, and Q&A sessions from top employers representing the business & technology, science, and art industries. Companies that participated include; Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Center of Disease Control (CDC), CNN, Warner Brothers Discover, Trilith Studios, and Alliance Theater. 

Open to all majors and May graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences, students explored the city of Atlanta, an area many alumni are calling home and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Students walked away with a sense of discovery, reflection, and confidence to take their next career steps.  

Industry in focus