Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

This is great Angela. You have outlined a formula to reach employers. Now the task is to create a plan to systematically introduce yourself, set appointments to meet with employers, and stay in constant touch to get feedback re your programs and when jobs open. You'll probably want to stay in touch after your grad is hired. You want to be sure that grads stay on the job and are successful. And if not what changes have to be made with the program. Building relationships with employers also gives you the opportunity to enroll their employees. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

When you believe how vital a placement department is you'll be a great advocate and get a lot of results for your school. YOu are right that all the online class posts provide all the challenges and all the solutions you'll need. And you are right that regardless of the current economic situation the job of the career school is to assist grads to get jobs. Students enroll for the job. Few are interested in the course work! By creating an innovative placement department you do distinguish your school as THE place to turn to for training and work ready… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

You point to an interesting situation. Few placement departments put plans in place to measure the impact on the rest of the school. If this is a new school it's a great opportunity to put assessment plans in place right now. First you can measure enrollment. Be sure the admissions people know what to say about placement such as where the jobs are, the training placement offers, the assistance and handholding. Have the prospective student meet with a placement officer. Then measure results when or if the student graduates. It takes time but having an evaluation state of mind will… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

HI Vanessa, Good idea about providing templates for resumes and letting the students see which is the best "fit" for them. Resume building is just one small part of employment skills training. There is a lot to offer re work ethics like showing up on time, appropriate dress, how to write cover letters, interview, negotiate, follow up, how to stay on the job, and all the ways to find out where the job is. That's why we feel that career services assignments should be required and at least 10 weeks long. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

We total agree. Early and persistent employment skills training is vital. And yes, guest speakers, job fairs, things that are fun and provide learning are important to keep student interest. Good point about managing expectations. That begins in admissions. The student needs to understand that they are being prepared for entry level work. It is up to them to work on job advancement in a variety of ways including continuing their training and continuing education courses. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Hi Angela, Good point about why employment skills need to be taught early and consistently throughout the student's training. Most important is they are able to start job interviewing upon completion. Imagine having a job before graduation. There is no delay between the last day of class and the job search. That's great. And very good point that the relationship between career services staff and the student has to be consistent. It's important to understand the students problems and deal with them. This impacts on retention too. Very good points. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

Interesting point. Most career school students don't exactly fit the mold. Many have no work experience so have to deal with that challenge. Or little work ethic or employment skills. So a school placement department has to be pro active and creative. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Good points, Heather. Yes, it's never too early to start placement training. And there are so many ways to do it. One is through required projects. Another is when instructors talk about the job in the classroom. Then there are "field" trips, visits from employers, and lots more. We think that students will realize that they will not be handed a job. Rather they will earn the job information and the ability to successfully interview by seriously completing career services training. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Hi Heather, We like the idea that job skills training is required. It shows students that training for the job search is as important as learning the career skills. It's great that your program covers 6 weeks. It can take that long and beyond for students to gain confidence, which is also essential in the job search. We believe that grads need to review the job interview with placement to see what went right and what needs to be fixed. In this way you stay in touch through the job offer. And we are very convinced that staying in touch… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

This is great, Karen. Many companies don't provide enough information about the job and where the person fits in on the org chart. As I read your comments it makes me think that the school placement department has to be pro-active. You might have to help the employer fill in the blanks by giving them a work sheet to describe the job and list the job duties, reporting order, qualifications, and more. The process itself is so important because it allows you to know more about the company and helps to establish a relationship with you and the hiring decision… >>>