As college costs soar nationwide, a Pittsburgh company has launched a new, first-of-its-kind web application that aims to help students become more self-aware, select the right classes and majors, manage their online reputations, graduate from college...
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) April 08, 2014
As college costs soar nationwide, a Pittsburgh company has launched a new, first-of-its-kind web application that aims to help students become more self-aware, select the right classes and majors, manage their online reputations, graduate from college in four years, and start on fulfilling career paths.
“According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the national average of students who graduate from college in four years is only 32 percent,” said Rachel Gogos, CEO of MyPath101. “Too many students don’t know who they are or what they want to do, so they end up choosing majors late, switching majors, or transferring schools. MyPath101 was created to empower students by giving them the self-knowledge and practical tools to pave the path to their futures. It’s like a virtual academic advisor, tech guru, and career counselor all rolled into one—and available 24/7.”
This innovative program is currently in use by the University of Pittsburgh, which boasts a 4-year graduation rate of 62%, almost twice the national average. Even so, the University’s Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance (CDPA)—which is ranked in the Top 20 Career Services Offices by the Princeton Review—saw a need for the confidence-building, competitive edge MyPath101 offers students, and participated in its pilot program. The pilot was so successful that the University of Pittsburgh now offers memberships for student use.
“We are in the business of helping students build their careers from start to finish,” said Cheryl Finlay, Director of the Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance at the University of Pittsburgh. “Because MyPath101 truly complements and reinforces many of the services and programs that our office provides, we were very excited to partner with them for the pilot program. Based on the positive feedback we received from students, we continue to encourage our students to join the MyPath101 membership site so that they will have access to these unique tools and resources that can help them make better informed career-related decisions.”
A student can join MyPath101 at any point during high school or college. The web app guides students through a series of action-packed modules that offer tips, techniques, and advice for every step of the college experience, from applying to schools to searching for jobs as graduation approaches. Modules include interactive exercises, articles, and instructional videos, and are divided into three core paths that are the keys to professional success: Identity & Personal Branding, Social Media Strategy, and Career Marketing.
Through innovative resources and tried-and-true advice from experts in education, social media, and career management, students come to understand who they are, what they have to offer, and how to get where they want to go in life. “MyPath101 is a fantastic tool to get you thinking about how you are perceived by yourself and others,” says Alyssa Belsterling, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. “It gives you a leg up on your competitors.” And University of Pittsburgh senior Craig Hoffman calls it “an excellent way to kick-start your career path.”
Schools can buy MyPath101 memberships for their students directly through a tiered pricing model determined by the quantity purchased. Alternatively, MyPath101 offers individual student memberships, either quarterly ($77) or yearly ($247). Before purchasing, students can download a free trial that includes materials from the app’s three paths. And every purchase helps a fellow student; the company has a charitable partnership with Beyond 12, a nonprofit organization working to increase the number of low- income, first-generation and historically underrepresented students who graduate from college nationwide. Each time MyPath101 sells a membership it provides Beyond 12 with one. MyPath101 believes that helping students live their best lives is the best way to ensure a brighter future for an entire generation.
About MyPath101
MyPath101 is a first-of-its-kind web application that empowers students to better understand who they are, where they want to go in life, and how to get there. It helps them make informed decisions that position them to graduate college within four years, and teaches them to manage vibrant online profiles that appeal to admissions officers and potential employers, giving them an edge in a competitive digital job market and starting them down the path to a fulfilling career. Created by industry experts, MyPath101 focuses on three areas: Identity and Personal Branding, Social Media Strategy, and Career Marketing. Quarterly and annual student memberships are available, as well as discounted rates for high schools, colleges and universities and other organizations. For more information, or to download a free trial, visit mypath101.com. For interviews contact Kelley Denny at kdenny(at)kdennyandpartners(dot)com.
A link to the release is available at: https://www.mypath101.com/press/pittsburgh-company-launches-first-its-kind-web-application-aims-help-students-graduate-time