Assessment of StrengthsQuest Initiative in Career Advising at Winona State University

1. Assessment of StrengthsQuest Initiative in Career Advising at Winona State University Vicki Decker & Trent Dernbach Midwest ACE Annual Conference Minneapolis, MN August 2, 2010 1

2. Overview Background Shingleton Grant What is StrengthsQuest? Observations Special Benefits Applications & Limitations Vicki What we plan to cover today is a little background on how we applied for and received the Shingleton Grant; We will talk about StrengthsQuest and what it is We will discuss how we have used SQ in Career Services � what we see as the benefits and limitations in using this instrument We also want to get you involved in the discussion. Hopefully when you walk away, you will have a better understanding of StrengthsQuest and be able to consider whether or not you would like to use it on your campus or in your work place. We hope to learn from those of you who are also using it what works best for you. Vicki What we plan to cover today is a little background on how we applied for and received the Shingleton Grant; We will talk about StrengthsQuest and what it is We will discuss how we have used SQ in Career Services � what we see as the benefits and limitations in using this instrument We also want to get you involved in the discussion. Hopefully when you walk away, you will have a better understanding of StrengthsQuest and be able to consider whether or not you would like to use it on your campus or in your work place. We hope to learn from those of you who are also using it what works best for you.

3. Background Spring 2008 Grant Funded by the WSU Foundation for $1200 Pilot project so successful funds were appropriated for the 2009-10 budget to continue utilizing StrengthsQuest Vicki Spring 2008, Winona State University Career Services applied for a grant to the WSU Foundation to purchase StrengthsQuest application codes as a pilot project; we had only used Discover in our department in the past, so this was a new step for us. We had three staff members who attended the two day training in Minneapolis to get an understanding of the instrument. The grant application was successful, and we received $1200 Bought 80 online codes � split between Winona & Rochester campuses � WSU is the oldest teacher granting school west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1858. We have also had a campus in Rochester, MN, since 1917 � it is approximately 40 miles between campuses Project was Successful � we asked students who took SQ whether or not they felt it was helpful and if they would recommend it to others � almost without exception, they affirmed both that it was helpful and they would recommend it Budget � we allocated a small budget for SQ and only offer it on an as-needed basis as determined by the advisor with whom the student meets Vicki Spring 2008, Winona State University Career Services applied for a grant to the WSU Foundation to purchase StrengthsQuest application codes as a pilot project; we had only used Discover in our department in the past, so this was a new step for us. We had three staff members who attended the two day training in Minneapolis to get an understanding of the instrument. The grant application was successful, and we received $1200 Bought 80 online codes � split between Winona & Rochester campuses � WSU is the oldest teacher granting school west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1858. We have also had a campus in Rochester, MN, since 1917 � it is approximately 40 miles between campuses Project was Successful � we asked students who took SQ whether or not they felt it was helpful and if they would recommend it to others � almost without exception, they affirmed both that it was helpful and they would recommend it Budget � we allocated a small budget for SQ and only offer it on an as-needed basis as determined by the advisor with whom the student meets

4. Shingleton Award Based on success of StrengthsQuest, WSU awarded $600 from Midwest ACE Part of grant used to send staff to annual SQ conference Majority helped fund purchase of additional SQ codes Vicki Because we offered SQ through the pilot project successfully, we wanted to continue its use and we felt what we were doing met the criteria for the Shingleton Award, so we applied for the Shingleton Award through Midwest ACE. We were awarded $600; we used $200 to offset travel costs for one staff member to attend the annual StrengthsQuest conference (in Nebraska) and the balance was used to purchase additional codesVicki Because we offered SQ through the pilot project successfully, we wanted to continue its use and we felt what we were doing met the criteria for the Shingleton Award, so we applied for the Shingleton Award through Midwest ACE. We were awarded $600; we used $200 to offset travel costs for one staff member to attend the annual StrengthsQuest conference (in Nebraska) and the balance was used to purchase additional codes

5. Open Discussion Who is using StrengthsQuest? How? What other assessments are campuses using? What successes and/or challenges are you encountering? Vicki Survey the audience to see who is using it; how; what results they�ve had How many of you charge for interest inventories? If you charge, how much? Do you simply recover the cost, make a profit, or subsidize it? Transition to Trent � discuss what SQ isVicki Survey the audience to see who is using it; how; what results they�ve had How many of you charge for interest inventories? If you charge, how much? Do you simply recover the cost, make a profit, or subsidize it? Transition to Trent � discuss what SQ is

6. What is StrengthsQuest? Discover and develop their greatest talents Use their strengths to improve their grades and increase their learning Strategically determine a rewarding career path Focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses Trent: Strengths development program developed by Gallup Organization based on positive psychology. It uses the Clifton StrengthsFinder to arrive at 5 top themes out of the 34 possible themes. Designed for higher education to capitalize on human talents through learning and developmental programs. Students, faculty, and staff use talents to achieve academic, career, and personal success Trent: Strengths development program developed by Gallup Organization based on positive psychology. It uses the Clifton StrengthsFinder to arrive at 5 top themes out of the 34 possible themes. Designed for higher education to capitalize on human talents through learning and developmental programs. Students, faculty, and staff use talents to achieve academic, career, and personal success

7. Steps Identify Affirm Envision Plan Teach Trent: �Identify� the areas of talent that can be developed into strengths�what comes easy, what do they enjoy? �Affirm� students� talents and help raise their awareness of how those talents may be developed�what environments do they succeed in, and what skills and knowledge do they need. Help students to �envision� their future�set goals for who they want to be and what they want from college. Help students �plan� to reach the goals they have set for themselves�connect their talents to the steps in their plan. Teach students how to apply their talents and strengths�there will be challenges and how can they use their talent to overcome. Trent: �Identify� the areas of talent that can be developed into strengths�what comes easy, what do they enjoy? �Affirm� students� talents and help raise their awareness of how those talents may be developed�what environments do they succeed in, and what skills and knowledge do they need. Help students to �envision� their future�set goals for who they want to be and what they want from college. Help students �plan� to reach the goals they have set for themselves�connect their talents to the steps in their plan. Teach students how to apply their talents and strengths�there will be challenges and how can they use their talent to overcome.

8. Purpose & Goals Increase student awareness of their strengths, talents, and abilities, and how to apply them in careers and academics Reinforce a student�s motivation to achieve in college Build students� confidence by increased awareness of their strengths and how to take that information and move forward Strategically determine a rewarding career path Utilize their strengths in job preparation including job/internship interviews Focus on strengths rather than their weaknesses Trent: As Gallup indicates: Your top five themes are clues to telling your story. How do you work best? What kinds of boundaries honor who you are? What do you need from a partner, a manager, or an organization? It's a starting point. The crucial next step is to understand what it means for you. Consider how your strengths work together to create the most effective version of yourself. You are the main character. Tell your story. Theme combinations are rare and powerful: There are 278,256 possible unique combinations of Signature Themes, and 33.39 million different permutations with unique order can exist. Compare that with only 16 variations of the MBTI!Trent: As Gallup indicates: Your top five themes are clues to telling your story. How do you work best? What kinds of boundaries honor who you are? What do you need from a partner, a manager, or an organization? It's a starting point. The crucial next step is to understand what it means for you. Consider how your strengths work together to create the most effective version of yourself. You are the main character. Tell your story. Theme combinations are rare and powerful: There are 278,256 possible unique combinations of Signature Themes, and 33.39 million different permutations with unique order can exist. Compare that with only 16 variations of the MBTI!

9. Pre & Post Surveys Measure particular learning outcomes related to the career development process Students meet for extended appointments with a WSU career advisor Do both surveys immediately before and after assessment Trent: Hand out samples of pre/post surveys run back to back Initially, students were required to make two separate appointments but now do both assessments at one extended appointment. This helps ensure that they complete both surveys AND that they follow through with having a career counselor guide them through the interpretation of their report. This way, students are assured that they will have a solid understanding of how the assessment works and what it is telling them.Trent: Hand out samples of pre/post surveys run back to back Initially, students were required to make two separate appointments but now do both assessments at one extended appointment. This helps ensure that they complete both surveys AND that they follow through with having a career counselor guide them through the interpretation of their report. This way, students are assured that they will have a solid understanding of how the assessment works and what it is telling them.

10. Goals of the Initial Assessment Motivations for taking StrengthsQuest assessment Gather information about each student (year, age, etc.) Check awareness of strengths, talents, and abilities Develop strengths, talents, and abilities to a level of excellence Increase motivation to achieve in college Gain awareness of strengths and abilities that contribute to success Capitalize on strengths, talents, and abilities in career and life planning Apply strengths, talents, and abilities to new areas of achievement where previously been less successful Utilize strengths in order to improve grades and increase learning Strategically determine a rewarding career path Trent: These are the actual goals that the initial SQ assessment had. When you look at them, they are very much trying to have the students examine their strengths, talents, and abilities in terms of: what are they, how can they continue developing them to a high level to excel in college, how can they use them in planning a successful career and life path, and how can they also challenge themselves by applying their strengths to other areas where they have not been as successful, thus increasing their strengths and talents. Trent: These are the actual goals that the initial SQ assessment had. When you look at them, they are very much trying to have the students examine their strengths, talents, and abilities in terms of: what are they, how can they continue developing them to a high level to excel in college, how can they use them in planning a successful career and life path, and how can they also challenge themselves by applying their strengths to other areas where they have not been as successful, thus increasing their strengths and talents.

11. Results TRENT: So far, the largest group of students has been freshmen, but the others are close behind. A few graduate students and alumni have taken it. Vast majority are between ages 18-21. Pre-assessment tells us that most students wanted to: Learn (or confirm) strengths and how to apply and express them in a career Discover majors/career that are a good fit Discovering things about myself I may not know Find areas I will enjoy now and later in life TRENT: So far, the largest group of students has been freshmen, but the others are close behind. A few graduate students and alumni have taken it. Vast majority are between ages 18-21. Pre-assessment tells us that most students wanted to: Learn (or confirm) strengths and how to apply and express them in a career Discover majors/career that are a good fit Discovering things about myself I may not know Find areas I will enjoy now and later in life

12. Post-Assessment Results 74% reported an increase in level of awareness of strengths, talents, and abilities 55% reported an increase in desire to develop strengths, talents, and abilities to a level of excellence 41% reported increased motivation to achieve in college and to have an opportunity to further develop strengths 41% reported increased motivation to achieve in college and to have an opportunity to further develop strengths

13. Post-Assessment Results 55% reported an increased awareness of their strengths and abilities that have contributed to their success 79% reported an increased understanding of how to capitalize on their strengths, talents, and abilities in career and life planning Became more aware of my strengths Gave better understanding of what fits with my strengths Gave me insight on the ways people think Positive way to encourage individual development Verifying your strengths vs. necessary strengths for your careerBecame more aware of my strengths Gave better understanding of what fits with my strengths Gave me insight on the ways people think Positive way to encourage individual development Verifying your strengths vs. necessary strengths for your career

14. 97% of students reported an increased understanding of how to apply their strengths, talents, & abilities to new areas of achievement & to areas where previously less successful 90% of students reported they believe they can utilize their strengths to improve their grades and increase their learning Developed a clearer idea of strengths and how to use/express them How to use them to be successful I can put a name to my talents and know how to utilize them Re-affirming what I knew about myself and highlighting hidden talents I can pinpoint my strengths now and know what situations I work well within and what to avoid. Gave me confidence to take the next step Developed a clearer idea of strengths and how to use/express them How to use them to be successful I can put a name to my talents and know how to utilize them Re-affirming what I knew about myself and highlighting hidden talents I can pinpoint my strengths now and know what situations I work well within and what to avoid. Gave me confidence to take the next step

15. 95% of students reported they believe taking StrengthsQuest will help them strategically determine a rewarding career path 100% of students who completed StrengthsQuest would recommend it to other students 100% of students reported they achieved what they hoped to through taking StrengthsQuest and discussing with a career advisor Better idea of career paths to explore It was nice to bounce ideas around with someone besides my parents and friends Given me a foundation to use when applying for and interviewing with new jobs Would definitely recommend to others This was so helpful and really opened my thoughts to careers I�ve been so scared to seriously consider in the past. Thanks! Helpful Fun experience, quite an eye-opener, boosts confidence and makes me feel empowered! I believe every student would benefit from taking this assessment. This tool is going to prove to be very useful throughout life in both personal and career wise. Vast majority would pay $15: the value and benefit StrengthsQuest gave me outweighs the $15 fee Better idea of career paths to explore It was nice to bounce ideas around with someone besides my parents and friends Given me a foundation to use when applying for and interviewing with new jobs Would definitely recommend to others This was so helpful and really opened my thoughts to careers I�ve been so scared to seriously consider in the past. Thanks! Helpful Fun experience, quite an eye-opener, boosts confidence and makes me feel empowered! I believe every student would benefit from taking this assessment. This tool is going to prove to be very useful throughout life in both personal and career wise. Vast majority would pay $15: the value and benefit StrengthsQuest gave me outweighs the $15 fee

16. Counselor Observations Recognition of how strengths can be utilized in decision-making and other areas of students� lives (academics, personal, etc.) Use in interviewing will be very powerful, especially if examples of strengths can be cited Noticeable improvement in students� abilities to articulate their strengths and provide examples of situations they have utilized their strengths Don�t just get a �job� TRENT: Students can use strengths in academics, career, personal life, even hobbies Who here has not heard the �What are your three biggest strengths� question in an interview? Being able to relate HOW, WHEN, and WHERE they used their strengths will be critical for interviewing purposes, especially those Behavioral-based questions If you can know your talents and strengths, you will likely find a way to use them in the working world that will lead to a more happy and successful career!TRENT: Students can use strengths in academics, career, personal life, even hobbies Who here has not heard the �What are your three biggest strengths� question in an interview? Being able to relate HOW, WHEN, and WHERE they used their strengths will be critical for interviewing purposes, especially those Behavioral-based questions If you can know your talents and strengths, you will likely find a way to use them in the working world that will lead to a more happy and successful career!

17. Counselor Observations (cont�) Clarification of the types of work environments that will be good fits Validated what they already thought about themselves, and it was OK to talk about their strengths as a �good thing� Significant changes in enthusiasm and self-confidence were evident with students in Rochester between first advising sessions and second TRENT: Fit is everything�hard to like a job or be motivated if you just get this sense you are not right for the role or environment Sometimes just having an assessment confirm what you think you know is very powerful�having that �proof� In cases where students had two separate appointments, there were significant changes in enthusiasm and self-confidence were evident with students in Rochester between first advising sessions and second When asked if the learning experience contributed to a higher level of self-confidence, every student said yes Also in terms of the Rochester campus, although I was not here at that time, in talking to the career counselor before me, they noted that the adult learners really benefitted as they had a much richer and deeper set of experiences to draw from. They were able to really understand their strengths and find meaningful ways to apply them. Overall, the experience of utilizing the StrengthsQuest as a tool in career advising has been overwhelmingly positive and beneficial. The feedback received from students validates this as well, and we look forward to analyzing additional feedback and data as we continue. TRENT: Fit is everything�hard to like a job or be motivated if you just get this sense you are not right for the role or environment Sometimes just having an assessment confirm what you think you know is very powerful�having that �proof� In cases where students had two separate appointments, there were significant changes in enthusiasm and self-confidence were evident with students in Rochester between first advising sessions and second When asked if the learning experience contributed to a higher level of self-confidence, every student said yes Also in terms of the Rochester campus, although I was not here at that time, in talking to the career counselor before me, they noted that the adult learners really benefitted as they had a much richer and deeper set of experiences to draw from. They were able to really understand their strengths and find meaningful ways to apply them. Overall, the experience of utilizing the StrengthsQuest as a tool in career advising has been overwhelmingly positive and beneficial. The feedback received from students validates this as well, and we look forward to analyzing additional feedback and data as we continue.

18. Benefits for Career Services Offers tool that assists in student preparation Potentially benefits employers in ensuring the right �fit� for new hires Engages both traditional and nontraditional students. Vicki SQ is one more tool that helps students identify their key strengths which, as Trent mentioned, then aids them in major selection, career decision making, and in knowing better how those strengths fit within different work environments It is also a great benefit to our staff � we all take SQ and then look at the combination of strengths we have on our team � it has allowed us to do some redistribution of functions based on the strengths of individuals. We now know why one person is better at detail work and another might be the planner for all of the office social gatherings. It helps each team member better understand how to capitalize on another person�s strengths and that there will be times when he or she will need to step up to the plate more Once employers have this knowledge, they can know how to best utilize individual team members� talents This instrument works well for both trad and non-trad studentsVicki SQ is one more tool that helps students identify their key strengths which, as Trent mentioned, then aids them in major selection, career decision making, and in knowing better how those strengths fit within different work environments It is also a great benefit to our staff � we all take SQ and then look at the combination of strengths we have on our team � it has allowed us to do some redistribution of functions based on the strengths of individuals. We now know why one person is better at detail work and another might be the planner for all of the office social gatherings. It helps each team member better understand how to capitalize on another person�s strengths and that there will be times when he or she will need to step up to the plate more Once employers have this knowledge, they can know how to best utilize individual team members� talents This instrument works well for both trad and non-trad students

19. Benefits for Students Identify areas of talent that can be developed into strengths Affirm students� talents and raise their awareness Help students �envision� their future Help students �plan� to reach goals and map them out Teach students how to apply their talents and strengths Useful for career planning as well as academic success Vicki Students get a better understanding of why they react a certain way to situations when they understand their five top strengths SQ helps them narrow down options when selecting majors SQ gives them an understanding of how their strengths relate to work functions SQ reinforces their strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses � the power of positive psychologyVicki Students get a better understanding of why they react a certain way to situations when they understand their five top strengths SQ helps them narrow down options when selecting majors SQ gives them an understanding of how their strengths relate to work functions SQ reinforces their strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses � the power of positive psychology

20. Practical Applications What are ways you have used SQ? How would you like to use it? Exercise in sharing 5 minutes then report back Vicki We would like to have you get into small groups for a few moments and consider the following items: If you have used SQ before, or even if you are just considering it as a tool, how have you used it or how would you like to use it? If you have already used it, please share some findings or conclusions you may have Please take about 5 minutes to discuss as a group and then report back to us using the paper & markers provided. Career advising Orientation classes for freshmen Team building and leadership training for students Staff and faculty development: Currently a colleague is conducting a survey of other colleges and universities using an online survey an in-person/phone interviews. Training & development courses Vicki We would like to have you get into small groups for a few moments and consider the following items: If you have used SQ before, or even if you are just considering it as a tool, how have you used it or how would you like to use it? If you have already used it, please share some findings or conclusions you may have Please take about 5 minutes to discuss as a group and then report back to us using the paper & markers provided. Career advising Orientation classes for freshmen Team building and leadership training for students Staff and faculty development: Currently a colleague is conducting a survey of other colleges and universities using an online survey an in-person/phone interviews. Training & development courses

21. Pros and Cons Advantages Strong research behind it Easy to use and apply Focused results Students find learning strengths beneficial Useful for resume/interview prep Emphasizes the positive Disadvantages Cost: $15 per student Need for campus �cheerleader� Become trained Advocate for training, workshops, follow up, etc. Does not relate results back to suggested careers/majors (i.e. Strong) Vicki Vicki

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23. Contact Information Vicki Decker Director Career Services Winona State University 507-457-5878 vdecker@winona.edu Trent Dernbach Student Success & Career Advisor Winona State University-Rochester 507-280-5079 tdernbach@winona.edu 23