Abstract
This paper provides an overview of positive trends in student career development in higher education since the early 2000s. The ‘career pathways’ approach is considered as one tool for students and educators to utilize in campus-wide and departmental resources and programs. While college and campus-wide career development resources and programs are available to students, faculty and instructors can also consider course assignments and activities to further support students’ professional and career development. A review of one semester’s experience incorporating professional development assignments in an introductory public policy course can help instructors and institutional leaders further consider ways to appropriately balance and supplement existing campus-wide and departmental student programs and resources with additional professional development opportunities designed for and delivered at the course level.