Career Navigation Fundamentals
BUSA-X410.55
Presented in partnership with 
Career Navigation Fundamentals introduces the core concepts, frameworks, and practices that underpin effective career navigation for youth and young adults. Designed for current and aspiring career navigation practitioners working across schools, workforce programs, postsecondary settings, and community-based organizations, the course examines career navigation as an ongoing, nonlinear process that helps young people make informed education and career choices that lead to quality jobs.
Students explore how adolescent and young adult development shapes decision-making, why trusted relationships and equitable access to information matter, and how practitioners can support young people through exploration, planning, skill-building, and early career decision-making. Through applied exercises and practice-based reflection, students will translate foundational concepts into practical strategies they can use in advising, coaching, and youth-serving settings. Drawing on research and practice from education, workforce, and community settings, the course prepares students to apply foundational career navigation approaches in ways that are practical, youth-centered, and responsive to today’s changing labor market.
What you'll learn
- Define career navigation and explain its purpose, core concepts, and relevance for youth and young adults.
- Describe the major principles and framework(s) that shape effective career navigation practice.
- Explain how adolescent and young adult development influences education and career decision-making and the kinds of supports young people need.
- Identify key career navigation activities, including exploration, planning, skill development, and early pathway decision-making.
- Analyze how information, relationships, labor market insights, and tools can strengthen young people’s ability to make informed choices.
- Apply foundational, youth-centered, and equity-informed approaches to supporting young people in navigating education and career pathways.
Course Information
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This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
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Instructor:
Liz Keeffe
Liz has worked in education for more than a decade, including as a middle school teacher. Throughout her career, she has been committed to ensuring that all young people—regardless of background—have access to high-quality education and meaningful work opportunities. She sees career navigation as a powerful way to help young people connect their goals, strengths, and aspirations to education and employment pathways.