What are Hobnob Career Groups?

Hobnob Career Groups provide the first truly collaborative learning experience for students in the career exploration process. By utilizing a structured, peer group format, our Career Groups allow counselors to advise up to twelve times as many students in a comparable time period as possible through traditional one-on-one appointments — while retaining the personalized recommendations and advice for each student. This format helps address four critical areas for career counselors at high schools and universities who are faced with the mission of guiding students through the career exploration process.

1. Students outnumber counselors.

No counselor would be surprised by this fact. Most counselors wish they could close the gap between the number of students they’d like to reach and the number of students they’re able to reach. Hobnob Career Groups help balance the equation by providing an efficient group format for counselors to work with students. This lets students learn from each others’ progress while having the benefit of a counselor present to guide conversation, focus activities, and hold students accountable.

2. Students are often intimated by the career exploration process.

Students can be so intimidated by the concept of career exploration that they avoid it or put it off until the last minute. Hobnob Career Groups remove the mystery and anxiety from career exploration through a collaborative approach within student peer groups. This process challenges students’ preconceived notions and helps them learn from others’ experiences and knowledge in a way they’ll enjoy.

3. Students do not understand how to use their career centers.

Many students see career centers as “career placement offices” — places to turn when they want to find an internship or a job, but not for career exploration. Even the students that are aware of a career center’s benefits can be overwhelmed by the wealth of resources offered. Hobnob Career Groups help students take stock of which career center resources are available and hold them accountable for future appointments. This is accomplished through a three-pronged Career Action Plan that is signed by the student and counselor.

4. Students need more than results from an assessment.

Assessments have been some of the most popular methods to identify potential student careers. While generalized career aptitude tests are useful in providing information to students, they do not prompt further action from the student in career exploration. Hobnob Career Groups let counselors teach students the building blocks of career exploration. As the old adage goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Career Groups strive to teach students how to “fish” for an ideal fit in their career.

At the end of the day, Hobnob Career Groups help counselors reach students more efficiently while allowing students to have fun with effective career exploration. If you would like to learn how our Career Groups program can impact your high school or university career center, contact us!