Purdue data visualization tool allows high school students to see path to career

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Center for Economic Education is seeking partner schools to pilot a new data visualization tool that shows high school students a path to a career based on their interests and abilities.

The tool uses data from Purdue University college graduates to link college majors to careers, showing the pathway students took on their way to their profession, as well as several characteristics of students in each major and occupation such as average SAT scores, college GPAs, and salaries of graduates.

“It provides high school students with a deeper dive than they’re afforded by college brochures alone,” said David Perkis, director of the Purdue Center for Economic Education. “What are the SAT scores of a typical person in that major? What are their abilities? What type of salary can you expect on average coming from that major? What are the career options?”

The career visualization tool, an accompanying video game, and a teacher curriculum guide were developed through a partnership between Purdue’s Krannert School of Management, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue Center for Career Opportunities, and the College of Education, and was sponsored by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has chosen to pilot the software in several high schools across the state. Principals interested in participating in the pilot program should contact Perkis at 765-496-2956 or perkis@purdue.edu.

Guidance counselors and teachers can learn how to use the software and curriculum materials during a workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 31 in Purdue Memorial Union. Participants will receive a $100 stipend, two meals and classroom software and curriculum materials.

The event will feature a guest lecture on Indiana careers by Carrie Lively, director of apprenticeship and work-based learning at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

 Participants will also see a preview of “Academia Prehistoria,” a video game designed for high school students to better understand how their skills can be applied to college majors and careers.

Registration can be completed online at http://attend.com/PCCJuly2018. For more information, contact the Purdue Center for Economic Education at 765-494-7336 or pcee@purdue.edu.

State Street Redevelopment Project construction is in process. This work is closing portions of Stadium Avenue, McCormick Road, Airport Road and Williams Street and significantly affecting surrounding thoroughfares in West Lafayette.

Writer: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu  

Source: David Perkis, perkis@purdue.edu