Sheri LeachCHEP

Shaundra , Thank you for sharing this. You have a good process in place. Placement outcomes definitely increase when everyone on campus is involved and has accountability. And, as mentioned before, instructors are most effective since they have strong relationships with the students and are able to reach them in ways that Career Services is not. Sheri Leach

Sherry, Great idea! Maybe the staff can even participate and give their "elevator" speeches to the students! Sheri Leach

Ruth, I am glad to hear that. Sometimes it is career services that learns the lesson. For instance, I have learned that even if the education department contacts the student while on externship, Career Services should also stay in touch. Our focus is different and oftentimes we can educate the student as to the benefits of accepting a position at their externship even if they don't see the opportunity, (they don't like the hours or it isn't their dream job). Sheri Leach

Sherry, What activity would you plan for the students during a job skills Olympics event? Sheri Leach

Sherry, You are not alone. With full classes and staff reductions, there is just not enough time or personnel to do everything that we would like to. I suggest getting together with the instructors on a regular basis, perhaps set up a weekly meeting. The instructors know their students and can be your eyes and ears to barriers and can share them and other insights that will help you work more effectively with the students. Establish a "total campus environment" where everyone plays a part in educating and placing the student. Sheri Leach

Sherry, You mentioned some great practices. Advisory boards are a necessary evil, but if hosted with some thought they can be very productive. Please share a thing or two that you/ your organization has done when organizing and conducting advisory boards that kept the meeting from being ordinary. Sheri Leach

Ken , Do you have an example of a guest speaker that made a difference for one or more of your students? Sheri Leach

Ken , You make an excellent point. Campuses should build their brand. Identify what distinguishes you from the others and let people know about it. Sheri Leach

Ruth, That is a good recommendation. Does your institution talk to the student and the externship site to determine why the student wasn't hired? And if so, what is the follow up with the student? The conversation can be used as a teachable moment to help them excel in future situations. Sheri Leach

Carol, Have you seen the benefits of experiential learning? Specifically, in your experience do those students who have had a experiential learning experience have a higher employment rate than those who did not participate? Sheri Leach