Engaging Students in POS

January 15, 2013

By Janet Max

Betsy Erwin brings a great depth and breadth of experience in Career Development to her new role building CPOS Labs, a program for student engagement at the Center for POS, as well as a deep appreciation for what POS can bring to the students, and through them, to the world. Some of the program’s ambitious goals are already being realized as the first cadre of students work on projects to expand our social media presence, assist faculty in translating research concepts into marketable tools and white papers, and investigate the viability of new degree programs. At the heart of Betsy’s efforts is a commitment “…to identify actionable ways to give students exposure to POS principles, allow them to be an asset to the Center, and take away tangible skills that will not only help them secure the career they want, but make them better at the work they do once they get there.” Betsy designed the CPOS Labs program to allow students to collaborate with one another, and to develop leadership and teamwork skills. For example, students take turns leading biweekly huddles, and are encouraged to build and lead teams to complete various projects, which are designed to help them develop transferrable skills. Among the most critical features of the program: access to the POS network of scholars and practitioners. Betsy is also working on developing relationships with corporations, with a goal to host events like conferences or panel discussions for students.

Betsy’s previous experience includes her role as Director of the Career Development Office at the Kellogg School of Northwestern University, and more than 10 years in the Office of Career Development at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about doing good in the world, and sees her work at the Center for POS as a great vehicle for her energy.

Betsy Erwin can be reached at berwin@umich.edu, for more information about CPOS Labs.