An analysis of technology infusion in college and university career services offices in the southwest region of the United States in the twenty-first century

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to: (a) provide a recent analysis of technology infusion in career services offices (CSOs) in the southwest region of the United States, (b) address the three recommendations from the 1998 Charoensri study of technology infusion in CSOs, and (c) provide an empirical examination of the impact of selected technologies in CSOs since 1998. Field survey methods were adopted and modified for use with electronic distribution of the survey. A pilot study was conducted and suggestions were incorporated into the final version of the survey. CSO members of the Southwest Association of Colleges and Employers were electronically surveyed in the summer of 2004. The overall usable response rate achieved was 72.62%, nearly mirroring the 1998 response rate. There are several findings from this study. First, significant differences existed in CSO use of computer and communication technology in the 2004 national study compared to the 1998 regional study. The majority of the uses of technology by CSOs increased significantly over time. Second, significant differences were found in the use of selected technologies/uses of technology from the 2002 national study to the 2004 regional study. Third, institutional size and type were significantly different related to the use of one-way and two-way methods of communication and 15 selected uses of technology between CSOs, other CSO staff, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and employers. Fourth, CSOs have not increased the number of computer workstations from 2002 to 2004. Fifth, newer national vendor technology products used for job search assistance tasks were slow to be utilized in the southwest region, but regionally developed products were used more often. Finally, technology used to provide many of the services provided to students, alumni, and employers received above average satisfaction ratings (although varied) by CSOs. Overall, the data gathered and analyzed through this study further support previous research and confirm significant changes in CSO technology use from 1998 to 2004. CSOs have also experienced significantly higher technology use from 2002 to 2004. CSOs are satisfied with technology products used in a variety of ways in their offices.