Sheri LeachCHEP

Ruth, What a great model! I think giving the students the experience of service learning in their first module is wonderful. Interacting with employers early on, being encouraged to perform well, and encouraging them to ask questions will help the students gain the most that they can from their experience and from their program. Who provides the letter of recommendation and when is it presented to them? Sheri Leach

Mario, I suggest prizes related to jobs and employability. A portfolio cover (leather or leather-like) to use on an interview for their resume, references and awards, business card holders, a gift certificate for an on-line service to have business cards made, a pack of thank you notes and stamps, resume paper and envelopes. You can have fun with this! Sheri Leach

Jose , Agreed. Don't forget to visit the Career Lounge to interact with other professionals to get their ideas on how to implement these programs and to share some of you own! Sheri Leach

Mario, With time and staffing challenges, it is not always possible to meet with students one-on-one or as many times as you would prefer. Workshops are a great way to get information across to a group. Perhaps you can use your workshops or your review of resume/cover letters as a way to identify students who may need more assistance. Sheri Leach

Carol, That is a solid plan. I would recommend having an agenda for the first meeting and outline of how the two departments can help each other. What is your first reaction, do you think the idea will be well received? Sheri Leach

Ruth, This is true. Institutions who have strong extern/intern programs and Career Services Teams who have meaningful relationships with employers do this regularly. As a result, their placements outcomes are higher because of this practice. Graduates are usually happier and more satisfied, since they are employed sooner with the knowledge that they will be working in their field once they pass their licensure exam. This in turn reduces their stress and they are more successful on their exams. Sheri Leach

Carol, You mentioned some great best practices. An open door policy where students can visit the Career Services Department and feel welcome and respected is essential to the beginning of a sincere relationship. Also, the Career Services Wall is a great idea! To recognize graduates for their accomplishments makes them feel good about themselves and gives the other students much needed motivation. They don't even realize they are being motivated! Some campuses ring a bell each time someone gets placed, others are making announcements by the institutions' sanctioned social media outlet. Sheri Leach

Jose , I agree. Do you have any professional development strategies that you have implemented from which your students have benefited? Sheri Leach

Susan, You make a great point. College programs tend to be more general in nature and if a student is unsure of what path they want to take or lack self-confidence, they may be unsuccessful in their job search. Career Colleges on the other hand, prepare students for specific jobs in specific industries. Career Services in conjunction with other campus partners can help match the student with a internship or job in which they have the most chance of being successful. Sheri Leach

Carol, This is one of the benefits of the Career Colleges and/or the Skilled Trade programs that provide these (internship/externship/volunteer) opportunities for both Student and Employer. These interactions have been very beneficial in educating employers as to the quality of our education and our students. And, as you mentioned, it provides students with real world experience. Sheri Leach