"It is useful to provide to students list of companies that hire grads
I read this statement in the training, and am not quite in agreement with this. It is my understanding that we should be very conservative of how we present information to students so not to imply certain information. For example, if we say these employer "hire" grads, then it may place the institution in a situation where the expectation is that the grad will be hired. The training states that it is a "great for the admissions department to boast about where our school grads are working". Again, I am not sure if that is the direction of admissions due to regulations. Any advice?
Tasha,
Providing students with list of companies that hire your grads are one of dozens of ways to assist students with the job search process. We believe the job search process begins at enrollment and continues with required workshops and events so students learn the job search skills they need to be successful. Career services should should never wait until graduation. It needs to be ongoing for results. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think it is very important to keep the student motivated.
Shawn,
Interesting situation. You have the opportunity to do very creative things with this situation. You can write the book and set the standard when working with grads who set up their own businesses. You can prepare courses so grads have the skills to succeed on their own. Some may want to hire your grads so yes, they are also employers. Successful grads can mentor your students. Again, you have the opportunity to develop an exemplar specialized career services department. thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The importance of having a list of hiring companies, and this is something that my college need to work on. As most of our graduates open their own businesses, I think that it would be valuable to also include these graduates as possible employers of future graduates - the only issue that I can see us running into is ending up with a list of graduates and a list of employers that are exactly the same.
Antonia,
This is a good approach and hopefully one of several lessons you provide to students. This points to the importance of having a list of hiring companies to be able to call at any time. These companies can tell you about job openings and what they want in a work ready grad. It helps to provide placement stats and answers to questions applicants have about job placement success. Thanks
Dr. Susan Schulz
During the "How to gain an Interview" workshop I discuss the list of hiring companies and what they expect. I give them a run down of their feedback good and bad. I do not mention graduates names, but I use that list to motivate them and to advise them of do's and dont's with those employers.
Jennifer,
We could agree and also disagree. If you provide students with a list of companies that hire your grads, ideally you have a relationship with the employers and they have agreed. Ideally you know how they feel about your grads and your institution. If you provide information about salaries you must have the information documented. This points to the importance of developing and maintaining a relationship with employers and potential employers. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Thank you for your guidance.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
We think you have an important point. It is essential that any placement claims are fully documented. When in doubt - leave it out. On the other hand, hopefully this motivates placement staff to keep in constant contact with employers and companies that don't yet hire your grads. Find out what they like and don't like about your grads and fix things where needed. Verify job placement, salaries, and promotions continually. When you do brag, have the facts and also the disclaimers. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
