Launching Your Career
Faculty/Staff: Jamie Noakes, Cliff Robinson, Noah Arney, Shawn Read, Robbi Davey, Tara Bond, Sarah Gibson, Brad Harasymchuk, Larry Iles, Kyra Garson, Amie McLean, Leanne Mihalicz…
Platform: Pressbooks
Site link (if applicable): https://launchingyourcareer.pressbooks.tru.ca
Description: The authors are excited to introduce the second edition of From University to Career: Creating a Successful Transition, expanding on the success of our original textbook. With over 7,000 visits across 96 countries, this resource has supported students, faculty, and career professionals in preparing for the evolving world of work. This edition builds on feedback, integrates emerging trends, and expands key topics to better equip learners for meaningful careers. New additions include chapters on career planning theory, cultural diversity, Indigenous inclusion, and the impact of AI on work-integrated learning. The design for this new version has been refreshed for improved accessibility and readability.
This resource has gained global recognition and adoption!
Impact Summary
- [To be] Used in course(s): CO-OP 1000: Career Management
- When: Used every semester by CEL team
- Estimated number of students using textbook(s): 120 (3 cohorts of 40 students each)
- Average price of textbook replaced:
- The average price of a career-related textbook in Canada typically ranges from $50 to $250 depending on format (print or ebook) and publisher – we are using a modest estimate of $50/ textbook
- Estimated savings: $50 x 120 students = $6,000
Impact Story
Written by Divya Chandak
Background
Jamie Noakes is the Chair of Career and Experiential Learning at Thompson Rivers University. She has been with TRU since 2010 and was recently promoted to tenured faculty. Over the years, she has worked on new curriculum and course development, and in 2019 she took on the role of editor for Launching Your Career, an open educational resource (OER) designed to support students through every stage of their professional development.
Inspiration and Idea
The inspiration for the 1st book, “From University to Career” was inspired by the writing retreat with Scott White in 2019. Right after launching “From University to Career”, the inspiration for “Launching Your Career” came during conference presentations and requests from audience members for annual revisions. Jamie had been reflecting on the need for accessible, up-to-date career resources for students. The retreat provided the spark that turned an idea into a project.
“I had been thinking about developing new and better resources that were free for students, an OER that’s available for all TRU students. I really got the inspiration from the writing retreat. When I brought the idea back to my team, everyone said yes, and soon we had authors championing different chapters.”
Her earlier experience at Kwantlen Polytechnic University also shaped the project. At that time, career resources were produced as printed guides, which quickly became outdated. Jamie wanted to create something adaptable, affordable, and sustainable. And the concept of an open education resource aligned with a textbook that could be updated very easily, was adaptable, so that other institutions would be able to use it.
“The use of an OER resource was the best way to mobilize knowledge for students and also to bring down costs.”
Collaboration and Support
“Launching your Career” was inspired after the First book, “From University to Career,” which was previously supported by editors in Open Learning and previous grant funding separate from TRU Open Press. After the first book was published, they applied for funding from TRU Open Press to fund another writing retreat to work on the second book, “Launching Your Career”. Funding opportunities, editorial guidance, and ongoing encouragement kept the work moving forward.
TRU Open Press funded the 2nd writing retreat with the original authors and some new authors, and then helped them finalize the book (pre-publishing and accessibility checks) as well as publish the book officially and create a print-ready PDF (with QR codes for interactive activities and videos).
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Managing a large number of contributors was both rewarding and challenging. Quick timelines, competing workloads, and new accessibility requirements added to the complexity. “I’ve presented a couple of times on herding cats, because that’s what it felt like at times. But honestly, everyone had the same passion for supporting students, and that kept us going.”
A pivotal moment came during the first edition when new accessibility standards required a last-minute pivot. With extra support from librarians and additional research assistants, the team overcame the obstacle and launched successfully.
“I remember thinking we might not be able to accomplish it on time. But then everyone came together, and being able to finally launch that first version was huge for us.”- Jamie Noakes
Impact on Students and Educators
Jamie hopes that Launching Your Career becomes a trusted starting point for TRU students. The resource covers resumes, interviews, job searches, and the transition into professional roles. By lowering financial barriers and creating adaptable content, the project is already making career resources more accessible to both students and educators.
“If students can’t come into our department, I hope this gives them reliable guidance wherever they are in their career journey.”- Jamie Noakes
Looking Ahead
Jamie sees open education expanding rapidly. Beyond textbooks, she envisions open research and increased collaboration across institutions. She also notes the growing adoption of OER by instructors and the rising awareness among students of its value.
“Open education can lower barriers, strengthen collaboration, and empower learners at every stage of their academic and professional journey.”- Jamie Noakes
Advice for Future Creators
For those considering an OER project, Jamie emphasizes planning, collaboration, and tapping into campus resources. “Have a really well thought-out project plan. Connect with TRU Open Press early, and use campus resources like the library. OER projects succeed through teamwork, not individual effort.”
