OFIC Attends CIC National Career Center Workshop
Exploring the Future of Career Services
What would it be like if there were a National Career Center for college students?
Melanie Garrabrant, Director of Talent Connections at the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), recently explored that very question at the Alliance for Strategic Innovation Career Services Design Workshop, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).
Held March 5–7, 2026, in downtown Chicago, the workshop brought together 30 higher education leaders, career services professionals, and workforce experts from across the country to discuss and design ideas for a potential National Career Center. The initiative was supported by funding from the Lumina Foundation.
Andy Chan, Vice President for Personal and Career Development, Wake Forest University
Assistant Professor Mandi Hummel, Ph.D., CCSP, from Tiffin University joined Melanie at the workshop. OFIC invited Tiffin University to participate because of its early leadership in implementing career-readiness across the Dragon Education Core (DEC), with TalentedU serving as one component of that effort.
Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in guided discussions and design activities aimed at identifying needs, framing opportunities, and generating ideas for a national career services resource.
“I was honored to be selected to participate in the Council of Independent Colleges’ Alliance for Strategic Innovation Career Services Design Workshop. The small-group think-tank sessions enabled me to contribute to passionate discussions and brainstorming, network with colleagues across the country, and share our collective work with TalentedU! I walked away energized, inspired, and motivated to continue highlighting the importance of career readiness education in colleges and universities.”
Shawn VanDerziel, President and CEO of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), shared insights on national trends in career services and workforce readiness. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, attendees developed and assessed early prototypes for what a National Career Center could look like, focusing on practical concepts to strengthen career readiness and workforce connections for college students nationwide.
Shawn VanDerziel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
The conference also provided space for reflection, collaboration, and relationship building among professionals dedicated to advancing student career outcomes. Special thanks to CIC for hosting such an engaging and productive event!