When students need direction, Navigators lead the way
Pearson Pathways is a dynamic new online marketplace where people can connect with the online higher education they want and need to get ahead. A key component of Pathways is the support of Pearson's Navigators, dedicated subject matter experts who guide and counsel learners to help them achieve their goals. The Navigator service is free of charge to all Pathways users, and these counselors have a long track-record of success. Keep reading to meet one and see why they’re such an important part of this new online experience.
What makes you excited to get up and go to work every day?
For me, my success is based on the success of the people I serve. It’s so rewarding when a student tells me they’ve graduated from a program and thanks me for the role I played (pushing them to take that next step). So, making a difference and inspiring others to follow their dreams is what excites me to go to work every day.
How does your role as a Navigator impact learners in online programs?
One of my most memorable interactions was speaking with a student who expressed interest in a library science program. She was informed that the librarian where she worked would be retiring in a few years and they would be looking for someone to replace her. This student had to have a Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) to fill the position. So, she reached out to me.
The student shared her background, her struggles of running a business during the pandemic, and her experiences doing mission work. She spoke about going to different developing countries with a nonprofit organization delivering food and water, educating women in the villages on basic health, and assisting in administering vaccinations. She had participated in several missions with a friend, and I could hear the passion in her voice when she told the stories.
Although she called about the library program, I told her that as her advisor I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t share information on another program that she might be interested in. I informed her of the Master of Public Health Program with a Global Health concentration. I shared the curriculum, examples of practicum work other students had done, as well as career opportunities.
We ended up having a three-hour conversation that ended with her in tears thanking me for helping find a program that would fulfill her purpose.
She always wanted to do something like it but didn’t know what degree would help her find that path.
This student enrolled in the MPH Program’s Global Health Concentration. In the summer of her final year, she participated in the faculty-led trip to Geneva, Switzerland, and graduated. She has since started working in her field and participates in Student Spotlight Webinars with the university. All of which would not have happened if I hadn’t connected with her about her educational, career, and life goals.
How do you think Pathways helps learners?
It can simplify the process of finding, applying, and enrolling in an institution. There are two features within Pathways that stand out to me. One is the comparison tool. This allows learners to compare different program requirements, costs, and curriculum before making a decision. The second is the single application. This allows students to apply to multiple programs with one application and no fee.
What’s the biggest misconception prospective students have about online learning?
The biggest misconception that students have about online higher education is that the degree is not relevant. They feel that it is a watered-down version of the in-person degree program, so it’s easy. When, in fact, online learning takes more discipline and focus.
What advice do you consistently give students?
Be sure to take full advantage of all the resources available to you. Communicate with your advisors, your professors, and network as much as possible.
I recommend adult learners, especially, create a schedule and try to stay on task and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Any outside interests you would like to share (hobbies, volunteer work)?
Outside of Pearson, I love to cook, to travel, and spend time with my family. In addition, I also run a nonprofit organization with my father on the South Side of Chicago. We provide mentoring programs, music education, audio/video recording techniques, and workforce development training programs. We partner with the Chicago Public School System, the Alternative School Network, Community Centers and Park Districts. In addition, we host onsite programs for our community band and a visually impaired/special needs program. Our missions is “to be a catalyst in building healthy communities and enriching lives through the power of music and the arts.”
Pearson Navigators are part of the support provided to our institutional partners. They help students define their goals and select programs that are right for them. Find out more about how Pearson Pathways works for students and institutions.
About the author
Kijuana Carter
Kijuana has a degree in business administration and marketing from Roosevelt University and has worked in sales, marketing, administration, and education for over 20 years. Currently, she is an enrollment advisor for Pearson Pathways and the Executive Director for a nonprofit organization.
She lives by her sorority’s motto, “Greater Service Greater Progress.” In her work and personal life, she strives to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to achieve greatness. Most importantly to Kijuana, she leads by example and aims to be the change she want to see in the world.
