Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Hi Shalondra. Sounds like you are doing an amazing job. The resume writing skills seem very comprehensive - even details about the best paper to use. Great. Weekly seminars are great so that preparing for a job becomes part of the student's daily routine and awareness. And yes, you are doing so much. Perhaps you can ask for some clerical assistance so you dont' get bogged down with the paperwork. You want more time to be creative and get these strategies in place. Then you'll need an assistant once you have systems in place. You need time to get out… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

This is a very well thought out curriculum, Shalondra. You start with the skills needed and build on them. Really great. Sounds like it reduces frustration and increases success. And great strategy to start with job skills so that students don't have to worry about the time it takes to learn to be effective in the job search process. Or wonder when they will get that "class." And you are right, a prepared student is definitely easy to place. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Thanks Shalondra. This is exactly our thinking. People enroll in school to get jobs and lots of documented placement information is going to get their attention. That almost says that the entire school should be focused on career services, doesn't it? That's our point of view. Show me great placement stats and you will see word of mouth referrals, great and required career services activities, satisfied students, great community reputation and lots more. Can you give us the details about how you are running your department and what you measure? Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Yes, the prospective student really wants to know what job they will get and when they can get started! The Admissions people can do a lot by thoroughly describing the career services offered at the school. This is a reason why your department has to coach Admissions in what to say about your offerings. Students want details and to know that career training is as important as classroom skills. Alumni services also tell the prospective student that your school is a school that never leaves them. Your school is a resource to students long after they graduate. Thanks for your… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Yes, we also believe that career services discussions need to start during the admissions process. Students typically enroll in career schools because they want a job. They need to know that there is a staff to assist them with all areas of the job search process. This includes all the skills like resume writing, interviewing, etc. and how to locate an ideal job and maintain the confidence to be hired. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

We also feel that instructors need to bring the world of work into the classroom and do that every day. Students have to know why certain skills and theory are taught and how they will use it on the job. You are so right that knowing why they are learning certain things and how it relates to their job does boost confidence. Confidence is a key ingredient to conducting a successful job search. And staying on the job. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

This is great Christine. In addition to meeting with employers of your grads, you can also reach out to any company that could hire your grads. They are just as valuable. You are right that some grads do plan to work on their own and establish their own businesses. So they also need to be tracked to see if and when they need staff. A solution is a comprehensive community outreach program. We think there should be someone from school networking in the community every day. We also believe an Alumni Association is a great way to stay in touch… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Good point Marcia. The more employers gain confidence in the training offered at your school the more likely they will work cooperatively with you. We work with one school that has 100% placement from their externship sites. So it is possible. They do work hard to train their students in skills and knowledge needed during the externship and in employment skills. The student is instructed to do the best possible as the externship is really an extended interview! And even if the student doesn't get that job, s/he has great experience to put on the resume. Thanks

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Yes, Ubaldo. We also agree in the power of alumni. Alumni can increase enrollment, retention, and introduce you to lots of hiring decision makers. Alumni Associations are still new to career schools. The schools who are thinking ahead are setting up alumni associations. MaxKnowledge will soon have a course on how to set up alumni associations. Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Ubaldo, That is true. Now you have to list all the strategies so that the placement department offers services to students, finds jobs for grads to interview for, and has a way to track success.