Dr. Susan Schulz

Yes. Great idea. We feel that students also need to take inventory of their personal aptitudes and capabilities. Most lack confidence needed for the job search process. It takes time to gain or re-gain it through personal introspection and an inventory. Thanks, Susan

Good points Ed. You are pointing out that just having a placement department gives students a lot of confidence and hope. And the fact that your services are so effective it impacts on everyone. It is amazing how easy it is to pump up energies with hope. And it reminds faculty and staff that the purpose of training is all about employment. Ideally that keeps everyone talking about jobs, placement, careers, and the workplace. Thanks, Susan

Hi Marcus, Interesting point. So what actions do your observations point to? Perhaps career services projects should be required and also be made available to grads long after they leave your school. Perhaps there should be workshops specifically geared to the alumni. Perhaps there are benefits to keeping in touch with grads and formalizing the process with an alumni association. Thanks, Susan

We agree. Learning these skills simply take time. That's why we suggest they be taught all during the time the student is in school. What also takes time is developing the confidence to go on a successful interview. That just doesn't happen. Thanks, Susan

Interesting situation and unfortunately very common. Not enough time to work on employment skills development and confidence building. Often placement results is improved when students MUST take career services workshops or courses and complete assignments. Many school owners have discovered that employment skills training can be as important as the practical training. So keep good records of results as they relate to time spent training students in how to get a job. thanks, Susan

Great. We totally believe in the value of community outreach. Just get out there and talk to employers - those who know about your school and those who don't. Find out what they want in a work-ready grad and be sure your curriculum is adjusted to meet their needs. Stay in touch just the right amount of frequency. And they will look to your school for employees. thanks, Susan

Yes - great placement departments mean great schools. We totally agree. The placement director needs to spend a lot of time in community outreach, in our opinion. Meeting employers to find out how programs can better meet the needs of the workplace. Meet prospective employers to find out about job openings. Everywhere the placement director goes there is a new person or company that can learn about the school and how it can be a resource. Keep in mind that many companies offer tuition assistance to its employees. Really great to know who those companies are. Thanks, Susan

Students are thinking mostly JOB when they think about enrolling in a school. That's our experience. Thanks, Susan

This is great. That is the focus - students do have two goals and need to be reminded of doing great in school and the job search. Thanks

We agree that placement impacts every department. Happy grads refer new students increasing enrollment. When it is known that grads get good placements then students are motivated to stay and complete. Happy grads will also stay connected to the school and share the job openings where they work. This is an argument for alumni associations too. Thanks, Susan