Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Linnet, Yes, records certainly need to be updated on an on-going basis. This process can be made easier if you keep in touch with your grads - your Alumni. Alumni are sooo valuable to a school. You need to know where where grads are working. It's easier if you know where they are by staying in touch and having a reason for grads to tell you each time they change contact information. Happy Alumni can refer students, help with retention, and tell you where the jobs are. Keeping in touch with Alumni is the magic. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Linnet, Good points. We think that instructors have many many opportunities to talk about life on the job while they are in the classroom. Both theory and skills can be presented explaining how the skills and knowledge are used in the workplace. The joys and frustrations of work need to be talked about. When you make career skills an everyday focus grads will have the skills and comfort level needed for the job search process. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Linnet, We agree. Learning employment skills takes a long time. Building confidence takes an even longer time! That's why we believe that placement training needs to start on day one and continue every day. It can't be just a class or a few workshops at the end of the program. Everyone on staff needs to be trained to talk about job search preparation. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Linnet, Hi Linnet, We agree that the Placement Department can impact the entire school. Prospective students really focus on jobs. They aren't that interested in hearing about the courses! They want to know they will be trained to feel comfortable and have skills to get through the job search process. That's why career services starts with admissions. We find that success is increased when Placement and Admissions sit together! Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Corey , We also believe in Community Outreach. Assume one day soon you have some assistance, Then ideally you will spend a lot of your time talking to employers and eventual employers of your graduates. There is sooo much to learn when you are out talking to people. Perhaps your program needs to be updated to meet the needs of the changing workplace. Maybe there is new training needed because of a change in job focus or requirements. You'll get the information first if you are out there all the time. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Mario, Good points. There are many ways to develop and use a budget and plan. It depends on who is doing it and who will implement the plan and be measured by it. We believe in the concept of five year planning. It gets a lot of ideas on the table and gets everyone on the same page. Then we think that the plan should be worked within short periods of time - perhaps month to month or quarterly. At each juncture it is important to ask - how are we doing? Where can we do better? What changes have… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Corey , Sounds like you are doing GREAT Corey. We totally agree - Placement Services can impact the entire school improving admissions, retention, graduation, and of course placement. Perhaps the school can afford to get you a part time assistant. Then turn over as much clerical and admin work as possible. Focus on the priorities and where you are measured and make a difference. Be sure you alert everyone on staff that placement and employment skills is everyone's job. And it is not something to do the last few days of class. Employment skills training MUST occur every day. Take… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Andrea, Sounds great Andrea. What is important is to keep in touch with employers for a variety of reasons. They can tell you what works in your program and areas for improvement. They can tell you about training needed in the future. What is important is to reach companies that don't hire your grads yet! Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Jeanette, We agree. A budget is one of many tools needed to successfully run any organization. It's a tool to measure how you are doing and to indicate what changes need to be made. It's a guide and not a rule book in our opinion. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

Jeanette, Great points. Job descriptions are a challenge. So are organization charts. I once asked 5 people at a school to draw their org chart and where they were on it. Sadly they came up with 5 different versions! I've worked with staff asking them to outline their job descriptions. Not surprising, what they did was a surprise to the school director. It takes ongoing effort to be sure each employee is doing what is expected of them. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz