Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Len, Sounds like you know how to hire great instructors! It is so important for instructors to constantly talk about what they do on their job and how the theory and skills learned apply. We think that talking about the job makes the world of work real and less scary to the new and inexperienced student. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

KIMBERLY, Great strategies and very easy to put in place. And you are right - start the employment skills training as early as possible. Students need the skills and self confidence and it takes a while to build them. Reminder that alumni can help so much with this process. Alumni can hold mock interviews, review student resumes (and reduce your work load), tell you about job openings, and mentor students. It all helps to teach the inexperience student about the world of work. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Len, Great that instructors are so involved with students. When you think about it, most students think the instructors are the school! We think that every instructor should be coached about how to talk about the world of work everyday. They need to show how the theory and skills taught in the classroom are used in the workplace. We feel that every instructor must have current work experience in the fields they are teaching. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

PATRICIA, Very well put. We think the value of a budget is also in the process. It takes a Team to work together to set goals in all areas that a school is measured on. Then it takes a team to prioritize and set budgets. Budgets are easy to check regularly and quickly indicate how things are going. Budgets help make changes to accomplish goals. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Brainstorming...

Marci, Yes, brainstorming is fun and very productive when done right. Your staff has all the solutions to problems and creativity to add new programs and do things differently and more effectively. It just takes asking them regularly and setting the tone that all ideas are great. The reality is all ideas are great - sometimes for now and sometimes for later. Some ideas can be re-crafted to work. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Sergio, When advertising in classified ad sections it is important NOT to advertise in the Help Wanted sections. Suggest you clearly identify who your ideal student is in terms of demographics - age ranges, gender, education, interests, etc. Then determine where they are and what they are reading and looking at. That may be a clue to where to advertise and promote. Also contact employers. These people may have staff that need your training. Lots of ways of promoting your programs. The key is to target, be smart, and measure results and make changes. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

PATRICIA, That's a great start. Expectations are very important. For many jobs you can also quantify such as complete tasks in a certain amount of time or perform tasks error free, or behave according to certain customer service requirements, etc. Also indicate what the person has to do to get to the next level. Another item is to indicate who will they report to and who do they supervise. Job descriptions also have education requirements, certifications that might be needed, work history, non acceptance if the individual has a criminal record. Personal characteristics can be included such able to organized,… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Describe the organizational structure at your institution.

How do you rate your knowledge about the departments and people who work at your institution? Be specific about what you know and what you still need to learn and how you will do that.

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Deborah, Hi Deborah - We totally agree that career services impacts every department in the school. Admissions counts on career services to learn about job openings, verified salary ranges, and referrals from happy grads. Education can learn about whether training is meeting the needs of the workplace. The fact that students feel confident about the job search does impact retention. Alumni also benefit from career services - especially if you provide assistance when they have lost their jobs or are seeking a career change. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

KIMBERLY, We totally agree! The Placement or Career Services department is the center of the school - in our opinion. When you think about it, prospective students want to know about jobs and what they will earn. Enrolled students want to know how their skills will be used in the workplace. Grads and alumni want to know what assistance is available to them. Placement staff is responsible for the right employment and salary information. Yes, a really important department. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz