Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Randy, It's great that you have a PR firm that can ideally get your story out. It sounds like now you need the "story." Career schools and colleges have a lot to say. You just have to look in the right places. We suggest you start with your Alumni. What are they doing that is newsworthy? If you keep in touch with them you will know. Many go on to accomplish a lot in their jobs. Others contribute to the community and help others. Some of them may be involved in your school helping students prepare for the job search.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

may, Hi May, We believe that career services and employment skills should be introduced at the time of the admissions process. Career services, to be effective in our opinion, should be done every day and not wait until the last minute. We know of schools that require students to complete career services workshops, classes, and projects. It takes a long time to be sufficiently prepared for the job search process. It takes a long time to build self confidence needed to seek employment. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

Andrew, Good points. We go back and forth about job descriptions and how detailed they should be. Sometimes the job description is really about providing hiring guidelines. Once the "right" person is hired, then we think the measurable tasks and objectives need to be spelled out and the formal policies and procedures presented. Sometimes we think that after that the new hire should be left to create the ways to accomplish the tasks. Sometimes they can think of better ways. Sometimes they suggest additional tasks they can work on. It's an interesting process and doesn't work for everyone! Thanks, Susan… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

may, Very good points and well said. We work with so many school owners that require students to complete a full term of career services training. It takes a while to build employment skills. It takes a long time to build confidence. That's why training needs to start on day 1! We know many career schools that require Title IV students to especially take the training. They must get a job for which they were trained and have skills to stay on the job and succeed. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Roselyn, We agree. A budget is an important part of a Plan. It reflects what you want to look like in 3 to 5 years and what it will take to reach these goals. A budget can be measured and help point to successes and areas for improvement. It guides staff on what to do and where the priorities are. It's amazing how an organization can be run without a Plan. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Operating With Limited Resources

Roselyn, You are sooo right. In our opinion Alumni are extremely valuable to a school. It is of course a two way street. Offer alumni lots of benefits and reasons to stay affiliated with your institution. Then it is easy to ask them to assist in the classroom, talk to prospective students, help with placement, run workshops, and more. You'll see an increase in enrollments they refer, in retention, and in job openings they tell you about. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Shula, You have identified some very interesting challenges. Now to the solutions. We know similar schools that challenge everyone on staff to connect with 5 employers a day in the areas where their distance ed students live. It is amazing how many contacts are made and what happens when the relationships are developed. You learn a lot about the various geographic areas and the number of jobs that can be supported. It is also important to stay in touch with grads - your Alumni. They can also be a source of information about where the jobs are in their areas.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Carrie, You are right. A budget reflects your Plan and does need to be monitored and managed. We are so glad to hear the results of your structured Plan. What is important is that your entire Team is involved in the planning and management and are held accountable for areas that relate to them. In addition, it is important to have a strategy for change and improvement. Often as you work the Plan people see better ways to get results. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

Carrie, Yes, it is true that in many schools one person can wear many hats. What we do is list each job on our org chart. If one person has 2 or more responsiblities then they show up a few times on the org chart. Great guidelines for job descriptions. Eventually your size and revenues will grow and you can hire additional people. It will be easy to bring them on board since you will have a position on the org chart and the job description and responsibilities finely tuned. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Operating With Limited Resources

Carrie, Your career resources library sounds great. We also find that the internet is a great resource. We like to provide a list of urls and keep updating it. It's fun to ask everyone to contribute to the list. Perhaps employers can be asked for industry and association publications too. There are also online interactive tools to help students improve their interview skills. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz