Dr. Susan Schulz

Susan, We agree that employers and potential employers are vital contacts for the school and placement department. The more you reach out to them then the more you know about their needs. Employers can tell you the skills needed in a work-ready employee. They can tell you about training that will be needed in the future. Ideally they will tell you about the job openings - first! Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Susan, Very good point. Soft skills are important. How are they best taught and practiced in a career school? The answer is probably everywhere - classroom, workshops, by example, and more. It has to be in the consciousness of everyone on staff. Great to offer to alumni as well. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Susan, Yes, students have lots of obstacles that get in the way of being successful in school and life. However, it is easy to get everyone on staff to have a placement state of mind. Each employee and instructor needs to learn how to do that based on their job and involvement with students. It is a challenge but so rewarding. It changes the environment and culture of the school when people are talking about and planning for their jobs in their classrooms and in the hallways. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Susan, Very good points. We think the goal of every new student is mostly on employment. That's why we believe that career services must be offered hand-in-hand with the course training. Great idea to create a networking environment within the school. Creating an environment where students view faculty, staff, and each other as a valuable network is great for when they leave school and enter the work force. An Alumni Community will keep that going. MaxKnowledge offers a course to set up and run effective Alumni programs. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, Sounds like organizing employers by state and even city is a great idea. When you decide what works you might also apply that to companies that don't yet hire your grads. We know one school owner who requires their career services staff to locate 10 job placement sites in every state every day. While a lot of work, the school enrolls students from every state so is wise to do this. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, You are right that instructors have a lot of responsibility in the job search process. This means talking about how skills and competencies learned in class are applied to the job. Not all instructors know how to do this. In fact, we think very few. For that reason they need to be taught and asked to share with each other the best job search projects in the classroom. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, Thanks. We find that students and also applicants need a lot of direction about the career they feel they are interested in and in which they are enrolling. That's why we think career services should begin at the time of admissions. The school is responsible for guiding, coaching, and whatever it takes for the graduate to get placed in the field for which they trained. Sadly it is not something most are capable. We can train them however. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Gracie, Great that you are trying different forms of marketing. What is important is to measure all results. Are you reaching your target market? Are they qualified students and do they enroll and graduate and get jobs? Outdoor media and radio and TV can be too broad for many schools. It is important to know who your ideal lead is the how to reach them. Sometimes it is as easy and inexpensive as word of mouth and referrals. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

SHIKIRA, Wow. This is great. Connecting with employers has many benefits. Of course it is about jobs. It can also result in externship sites and feedback from employers about how well your programs prepare students to be work ready. In addition, employers can sit on your Advisory Boards and provide feedback about your equipment and learning materials. They can tell you about new jobs and new training that will be required. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz