Syracuse University recently announced plans to update its career advising model as part of the $100 million Invest Syracuse initiative, successfully allocating funding for a program that will strengthen student prosperity.

The program would hire advisers and life coaches for several colleges on campus, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Arts and Sciences currently has two career advisers for more than 5,000 students, and VPA has none.

The new advising program is a welcomed use of SU funding that will influence students’ success in finding internships and careers post-graduation. Tailoring advisers’ plans to students based on their majors and graduation requirements more closely mirrors students’ expectations and needs.

Having an adviser specialized in a specific field is beneficial for students hoping to restructure resumes and cover letters, plan their semester schedules and tailor their academic trajectory based on internships and study abroad plans.

While comparing SU to fellow Carnegie Institutions is challenging due to varying tuition prices and student populations, it’s still an important benchmark for the university to hold itself accountable to and strive to match. Comparing SU’s budget to peer institutions isn’t a cut-and-dry solution, but it does encourage the university to tailor programs to assist students in becoming qualified and exceptional job candidates.

The career advising program is a plan that promotes students’ livelihoods, which falls in line with Invest Syracuse’s emphasis on cultivating a more robust student experience.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.