The Pullias Center conducts research to better understand and support college students’ career development and pathways, with the goal of fostering confidence, direction and success in their professional journeys. We identify promising practices and systemic changes that educators and administrators can leverage to improve student experiences and outcomes, help students navigate their academic paths, connect their studies to future aspirations and thrive in the workforce. Postsecondary institutions across the nation have implemented the recommendations emerging from our research.

Our projects focus on how colleges and universities shape students' career aspirations, build students' career self-efficacy, how major and career decisions are affected by their experiences and environments, and how interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers can be cultivated and sustained. The questions we explore range from the broad (What strategies best support students in identifying a suitable major and career pathway?) to the targeted (How can advising and mentoring strengthen a student’s confidence in their chosen field?) to the applied (What practices most effectively expand equitable pathways into high-demand careers?).

Check out our projects here: