How to build an "Online" Career Services Department
I am the Director of Career Services for a fully Online degree granting institution. We have been offering courses for 5 years and graduating students the last 3 years. Our staffing model has changed 3 times to accomodate the growing number of graduates we have had year over year. Any advice or experience with the perfect staffing model to address the needs of students living in all geographical locations across the country? What is the best way to structure the Career Services Advisor's caseload to ensure an appropriate amount of time is being spent with each unplaced graduate while being able to contact employers too?
Josephine,
You certainly have some challenges! A perfect staffing model? I think you have it. It requires constant change. How many employees do you have on staff? Why not charge them with making 15 employer contacts every day anyplace in the U.S. and ideally where your students live. 15 a day times your staff and you'll build quite a list. As to case load, suggest you assign students to staff in turn as they enroll. The relationships need to start as early as the first day of school. Also stay connected to your Alumni. Grads are a great source of job opening information and they can connect you to their employers. Suggest you start an Alumni Community, MaxK has a course that tells you how to set up and develop an Alumni Community. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
