Kathy,
This is a good argument for having internships for as many programs as possible. Structured effectively intern or externships provide the missing experience in a real work environment. This can be put on the student's resume. Ideally the expectation is that if the student does well s/he will be hired. Other work experiences can be job shadowing and mentoring. Alumni can help with this. Thanks for the good comment. Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I absolutely agree with you. You do have to start somewhere and the student will gain confidence in their work and salary negotiating skills.
Michael,
Very good points. This all points to the need for externships for just about every program. Lots of students don't have relevant experience for their resumes. Spending 3 - 6 months in a real work environment with supervision provides experience. And often the externship supervisor hires that extern. It's a matter of setting expectations and also training the student to be work ready. Alumni can help find those externship sites. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I believe the best way to place students with no experience is in entry level positions. Do not make the pay rate an issue. What the goal should be is that after 6 months in the field you can either ask that current employer for better pay rate citing your recent experience in that field or begin a job search status again this time with 6 months experience. You have to start somewhere.
Jymy,
You might want to include a more extensive externship in these courses. If you train you students in the skills and knowledge they need, plus train them to be work ready - they might just get hired from their externship site. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
