Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Marion, This all sounds like great practices. We also believe that it is obligation of the school to provide any and all services so that the student is successful and locates the best job for which trained for. Many students don't realize that their tuition pays for training plus student services and job assistance. Any open door policy helps even the shyest or busiest student make time to seek assistance. Thanks for sharing what works for you and your successes. Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Marion, It sounds perfect, Marion. We also know of schools that rely 100% on word of mouth. That is a testimony to the kind of training and student services you provide. Given all this it is important to plan to benefit from this reputation in addition to enrolling students. Testimonials are important. They can be used as marketing to continue referral enrollments. They can be evaluated to see what you are doing right and the trends observed. There might be a day when referrals don't produce as effectively as now. You might want to offer new programs and target a… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Yolanda, You are right that a list of employers takes research. The data is available. It just has to be gathered, worked, and managed. Great idea to have students do some of the work. You are right that Chambers are great resources as well as community organizations, philanthropic groups, and more. Once information is collected your career services department can create, manage, and add to the lists of employers. Your department can then contact the employers for jobs, externship sites, and more. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Yolanda, Great point - especially the fact that a lot of employment skills training occurs in the classroom. Great to have the interview process reverses. It forces students to listen more carefully during the exercise and during the actual interviews. Great interviews have a lot to do with listening and these skills are rarely taught. Great strategies. Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Yolanda, Very well said. It takes a while to learn employment skills and get ready for the job search process. The concept of seeking a job takes a lot of consideration. The student has to see why and how what they learn in class applies to the work place. They have to feel that they are qualified and capable. Most of all they need self confidence and that simply takes time. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Noah, You are right that an employer list is essential for placement and also for enrollment. The employer list can include companies currently hiring your grads plus those who are not. Sometimes the easiest way is to get a list of companies who can hire your grads. Then systematically contact each. Have a "script" or list of talking points. Take notes. Watch and analyze results. The networking is good but can be haphazard. Be systematic and get results. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Noah, Yes, it is important for students to know that the goal of enrollment is to get a job. In every way possible students need to understand that what they are learning in class will be used in the workplace. The expectation of getting a job has to be on their minds at all times. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Noah, We agree. Career services departments do make a difference in admissions. In fact, we recommend that both departments sit together. Prospective students really want to know about jobs. When interviewing they typically want to hear placement statistics and the kind of assistance they will get during the job search. Great career service offerings also help to keep students in school and get to graduation. It increases student satisfaction too. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Assess your placement services...

Noah, How great that you are Director of Career Services. Hopefully you can create an ideal department where services start on the student's first day of school and continue throughout enrollment. We think career services assignments should be required. This can include workshops, job shadowing, listening to employers talk about the job search process and a lot more. Once you get it right on one campus then the comprehensive approach can be launched on all campus. Be sure to include a method for measuring how you are doing and where changes need to be made. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Yolanda, Good points. Admissions representatives have important roles. They need to be sure there is a match between applicant and the training offered. Admissions reps need to be convinced that the applicant is ready to work in the field trained for. Alumni show your school from the student's perspective. That is essential. Alumni can talk first hand about life on the job and how training is applied. Alumni can be proof of your success. In the career school space what is valued is not monetary contributions from Alumni. What is greatly valued are involvement, testimonials, and endorsements. Thanks, Susan Dr.… >>>