Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Christina, Great. We also find that employers are willing to assist in many ways like mentor, job shadow, externships, and more. All that has to be done is ask them. You can also get similar results from companies that haven't yet hired your grads. Again, we find that contacting them and keeping in touch on a regular basis is very beneficial. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Nicole, Sounds great, Nicole. We feel that resume writing and other employment skills training requires a lot of repetition and practice. We are also aware there are many new forms of resumes that students need to be aware of. Depending on your industry the resumes and portfolios might very further. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Joseph, That's one of our favorite positions in a career school. You can make a big difference in all departments and involve everyone. You only have a limited time. If you want to increase your visibility at community organizations, find out what groups each instructor and staff belong to. While you go to Chamber meetings, others can go to Lions, Rotary, Economic Development boards and more. As PR director, you can suggest what should be discussed and even offer to prepare presentations for everyone to give. We think the PR director should be focused on community outreach. Thanks, Susan Dr.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Nicole, We also agree that placement impacts on every measurable area of the career school. Great placement numbers say a school is great and is the first question a prospective student has. We think that placement figures should excded regulatory requirements. When you focus on placement you reach out to the community for jobs. At the same time you learn about what training is needed in the future and what training you can offer current employees of the companies near you. Placement is a measurable goal that all faculty and staff can be involved in. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Mayra, That does say it all re our goals. Train students to get great jobs where they are successful. Working alumni set an example and draw attention to themselves and your school. Employers see your institution as a source for qualified workers and a place to send their employees for training. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Arlissa, This is good to know. Sounds like you have a good strategy for working with staffing firms. Often they are most effective placing your grads and alumni since these people have more experience. Please share with us how you get attention from these firms to place entry-level grads. Perhaps you can also get tips from them on getting employer information. On the other hand, sometimes it is just about calling employers and asking questions and for their involvement. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Arlissa, Good points. All this reinforces why employment skills and career services training should start early, be frequent, and be required. Students don't have any experience in getting a serious job. It takes more than a course or end of program meeting to give them the skills that are needed. Alumni can help overworked career services staff. Alumni can work with students and grads on the verbiage, resumes, mock interviews, and other concerns related to getting a job. By the way, MaxK offers a course on how to set up an Alumni Community. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Jan, We totally agree that before offering any new program two questions have to be answered: Is there a need for this training and will there be jobs for grads now and in the future. Revenue projections are of course important as it helps to answer the questions - what is this all going to cost and when and what is the expected return on investment. All the information helps to make a decision about if and when to offer the programs and how to fund them. Regulatory agencies typically want to see this information and more before granting approval.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

Jan, You are right in our opinion. Staff have to know who they report to and who they supervise. They also need to know the staff that have the same level of responsibility and authority. It is important to list all tasks each person handles. It is amazing what you can discover. Examples include two people doing the same tasks or no one doing an important job. Weekly meetings help efficiency. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Operating With Limited Resources

Jan, Sounds like a challenge with only two people who are probably doing a few full time job tasks. This is where am Alumni community might be very beneficial. If you engage and involve Alumni they can assist with resume reviews, interviews, confidence building, and lots more. Alumni can handle a lot of responsibilities that overworked staff now have. Placement and employment skills training really isn't an option. Students MUST be prepared to gain employment. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz