Nurturing Talent Together: 6 ways Colleges Can Address Trailing Partners
As job opportunities open up in different parts of the world, more and more people are becoming trailing partners who follow their partners to a new location because of their partner's job. Moving somewhere new can be exciting, but it can also be challenging for the trailing partner to find a fulfilling career and feel happy. Colleges and universities can create a supportive environment that encourages trailing partners to use their talents and achieve their goals.
Here are some strategies that colleges can adopt to support trailing partners:
1. **Dual Career Services**: Many colleges already offer career services for students and alums. Extending these services to include following partners can be immensely beneficial. This might involve job search assistance, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities tailored to the trailing partner's career aspirations. Collaborating with local businesses and organizations to identify job openings and establish partnerships can further enhance these services.
2. **Continuing Education and Professional Development**: Colleges can offer continuing education programs and professional development opportunities designed explicitly for trailing partners. These programs can help them acquire new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and enhance their marketability in the job market. Flexible schedules, online courses, and remote learning options can make these programs accessible to individuals balancing familial responsibilities and career aspirations.
3. **Networking Events and Community Building**: Creating a supportive community for trailing spouses within the college environment can alleviate isolation and facilitate networking. Hosting regular networking events, support groups, and social gatherings can help trailing partners connect, share experiences, and build valuable relationships. Additionally, colleges can encourage participation in campus activities and clubs to foster a sense of belonging and integration into the academic community.
4. **Resource Centers and Information Hubs**: Establishing resource centers or online portals supporting trailing partners can centralize information and resources. These hubs can provide information on job opportunities, childcare services, local amenities, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. Additionally, offering access to career counseling, mentorship programs, and partner-specific support services can empower trailing partners to navigate relocation challenges and pursue their personal and professional goals.
5. **Creating reciprocal relationships with nearby colleges**: In cases where trailing partners are also academics, finding positions at the same institution may be particularly challenging. However, in locations where colleges are located near other colleges, creating pathways for hiring partners can be mutually beneficial to all institutions as they also face the same challenge.
6. **Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Job Opportunities**: Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, colleges can advocate for flexible work arrangements and remote job opportunities for trailing partners. This may involve working with employers to implement telecommuting policies, flexible hours, job-sharing arrangements, and remote work options. Colleges can attract and retain top talent by promoting a culture of flexibility and accommodating the needs of trailing partners while fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Colleges and universities are vital in supporting trailing partners and harnessing their talents. By implementing targeted programs, services, and initiatives, colleges can create a welcoming environment that empowers trailing partners to thrive personally and professionally. By nurturing talent together, colleges can contribute to individuals', families', and communities' success and well-being.