Logic models are highly valuable visual tools that contribute to the design, planning, execution and evaluation of an idea, project, program, or organization. Not only do logic models establish a common frame of reference among stakeholders, but they also develop clear outcomes along with the resources and activities necessary to achieve them. By creating a visual display of the pathways from actions to results, stakeholders can improve thinking, find common understandings, document plans, and communicate and explicate what works under what conditions (Knowlton & Phillips, 2012). For career services professionals, logic models can serve as both an analytical tool that leads to lasting change within a program and a roadmap to clarify intended student learning outcomes of services offered. By identifying specific program outcomes (short-, mid-, and long-term) career services practitioners can measure and assess how and if the intended outcomes work purposefully toward the desired impact of the service.

 

The following career services program logic model (PLM) displays the elements and steps necessary to work towards the impact statement: students engage in careers that directly align with their values, interests, personality, and skills. These elements include resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes. Outcomes were adapted from NACE Professional Standards for College and University Career Services.

 

The PLM can be read from left to right (however, during PLM design, the impact is created first followed by the outcomes, resources, activities, and outputs). The first column identifies the resources necessary to achieve career services' activities which are grouped in the second column. Arrows link each activity to outputs in the third column. The grey columns indicate expected outcomes at various points in time. Accomplishment of all outcomes should result in achievement of the impact statement in the rightmost column. Download the career services program logic model here.