Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

This is a good question. I've always found jist.com to be a good resource for employment skills training. So take a look. Also suggest that you brig your grads into the classroom as much as possible. You can give them "assignments" or topics to talk about, ask them to hold mock interviews, and talk about the world of work. A great reason to have an Alumni Association and a pool of grads to help you. Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

This sounds great Kathleen. You've created a real world environment so that students can experience being the candidate and interviewer. Are students required to complete these projects and when does this job search training start? Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

This is an interesting perspective. We believe placement should start on day one. This is so the student keeps his/her eye on the job search goal from the start. We can see the argument for having students focus on their studies before starting employment skills training. What do your students say they prefer? Do they have choices? Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

This is great Carey. Are you keeping track of the exact numbers of enrollments, retention, and placement? It's always effective when you have great stats behind what you say. It helps when asking for an increase in your budget! We think it is essential to keep in touch with grads. In fact, many schools are putting in Alumni Associations and inducting grads right on graduation day. When you stay in touch with alumni you have new sources of referrals, help in the classroom and with career services, and you can ask them about job openings where they work. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Thanks Joyce. You point to the fact that there are many ways to connect with and then build relationships with employers. Start with the places where your grads work. Ask permission to contact their employers. Then branch to companies that could hire your grads if they knew about your school. Then follow follow follow. One way is through informative emails. But personal connection is the most effective even if it takes time. Also participate in local business networking events and organizations. Also keep in mind that your Alumni are great sources for names of hiring decision makers and job openings… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Initiating student projects...

Really great points, Joyce. We like the idea that it's not just about dress for success - it's important to talk and think successfully too. And that takes practice for all of us. The talking topics that you present and practice to answer the questions is great. Gets people being able to talk on their feet and make sense. We all need that skill! Your interview training semms great also. Again you are getting students used to a lot of different situations and to be able to expect and deal with the unexpected. A real model for successful career services.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

This is great training, Joyce. Suggest that you have 10 to 20 exercises similar to this throughout the course of the student's training. We strongly believe that job readiness and employment skills plus confidence develops over time. It's not a one lesson event. Lack of confidence is a reason that many grads linger a long time before seeking employment. Great. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

HI Joyce, Very well said. We share the view that placement starts during the admissions process. Students need to know that class work and work with the career services department are equally important. The entire school has to share the responsibility of helping the student/grad get a job. Each has to ask - what am I doing to give the person skills, confidence, and the ability to go through the job search process. Keeping in contact with grads after graduation can be made easier with an Alumni Association. Something to consider. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Sounds like you have the formula for successful community outreach. This is a great start. Suggest you visit professional and community organizations and see which will benefit the school the most. Also attend career days and other events that bring together people from the careers you train for. Just cold calling sometimes works. You are quite right that it is essential to have some kind of customer database management system in place so you can keep all the names and contact info and have in a system to follow them. You are doing great. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Hi Shalondra - Sounds like you are doing an amazing job given that you just started. Great going! There are many solutions to getting through a gatekeeper. (And that is a common problem in any job.) One is to contact your grads and ask them to tell you who the hiring manager is and even make an introduction to you. Another is to get out into the community so you can meet people face-to-face. Another is to contact your grads for as far back as you can. If you set up an Alumni Association you'll have lots of things to… >>>