Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Tom, When visiting an institution, an accreditor will often ask for a summary of the job placement process. Specifically asking when the Career Services Team starts to work with the students. Is there a particular answer to this question that the accreditor is looking for? Additionally, in your experience, is there a process that you would consider a best practice that you can share? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Relationship-building Strategies

Jennifer, You described what I call "early and often" and is one of the best known ways to develop a relationship with students. Meeting with the students early in their program and then consistently though-out their lifecycle is key. When you or your employers visit the classrooms, do you require the students to participate (other than listening) in some way? When a student is directly engaged they will feel more valued and will remember the lesson or principle that is being taught. Have you experienced this? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Community Partnerships

Tom, I agree. Becoming a member of a group such as APSCU, whose membership is primarily career education institutions and personnel, affords a variety of benefits. For example, there are multiple opportunities to meet and network with other career education professionals. And the chances to connect with colleagues to discuss educational issues, debate industry concerns, meet industry leaders and be a part of relevant task forces are ever present. Being involved provides an opportunity for us to continue to educate ourselves and to grow, which in turn helps us stay relevant and helps move the industry forward. Don't you agree?… >>>

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Event Programming

Felicia, I agree with you and Missy. If they students are having fun, they will be more engaged and will learn and retain more- since they won't none fighting it! Our campuses host a Career Fest Week once a quarter. This event is for in house students and the idea is to teach the soft skills in a fun, non-threatening environment. The entire school is involved and fun activities are planned to teach the basics: dress for success fashion show, mock interviews/interview skits, resume contests, employer panels. All are planned with fun, food and prizes! The week usually ends with… >>>

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Targeting Intervention Strategies

Felicia, Perhaps both you and Vivian would consider asking the instructors to conduct some employment related activities in the classroom. If time allows, you could even conduct the activities with the instructors. Any activities where the students research and contact potential employers would be most beneficial. Can you think of an activity that would help on your campus? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

The Placement Model

Tom, You mention some excellent points, especially since the accrediting bodies are now being more specific in their directions and interpretations of a placement. How should we overcome these challenges when coaching students? And, should we also be coaching employers? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Institution-Wide Participation

Tom, Your view from an accrediting agency standpoint is most welcome, especially since it is one not very common in this forum. So that we may have a better understanding of how to improve our schools, (and to spur a discussion) what are some of the best practices that you have encountered that fostered cross- departmental interaction? Can you name a few specifics? Your point regarding evaluating the need for certain graduates is interesting. How do you propose that an institution do that? Feasibility studies are done before a program is instituted based on a showing of demand. How would… >>>

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Experiential Learning

Shannon, Externships are extremely beneficial. In instances where externships are not avaiable, do you recommending shadowing another employee or a volunteer position? why or why not? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Enrollment Management and Graduate Employment Outcomes

Shannon, The institution as a whole is more successful (with enrollments, retention, placement outcomes, and repayment of student loans) when all departments work together for the benefit of the student. Many institutions struggle to acheive this result. What is one piece of advice you can give to schools that are trying to do what you have done? or, specifically, how did your organization get to the place where Education is providing employer leads? Sheri Leach

Sheri Leach CHEP

Discussion Comment

Relationship-building Strategies

Shannon, Thank you for mentioning some key strategies. When you mention career fairs are you referring to your campus career fairs or community fairs? Both are important functions for both your students and Career Services Team members to attend. Obviously, when students attend career fairs, they have the opportunity to introduce themselves to multiple employers and to increase their chance of becoming employed. Oftentimes Career Services Professionals miss wonderful opportunities to introduce their students and graduates to employers. Outside job/career fairs are one such opportunity. The CS Team members can introduce themselves to the employers and start to establish a… >>>