Maintaining regular communication with our students via email, phone, and even social media. Sometimes communication through different mediums can allow them to be more comfortable in their own element. However, its best to always have some type of good news when staying in touch with your students, so it doesn't feel so forced.
Debra,
I'm always glad when I hear that people are doing this..it makes such a difference to the students to hear from people in the field.
Elizabeth Kemler
We encourage our alumni to be gust sopeakers to current classes. A past graduate can relate to what a student is going through and will be able to share their personal expereinces with the pros and cons.
As Career Advisors, we try to match up the right candidate with the right position. This helps to speed up the process and increase the chances of them getting hired. Also, agree, constant communication and feedback are also important to keep them motivated and positive.
Regina,
I love the 'roadmap' idea..it's great if you can have them create something they could put on their fridge. Having a visual like that to see daily can really be inspiring.
Elizabeth Kemler
By talking to them about what their future plans are and building a "roadmap" that they can review and revise as needed, I will be assisting them in sticking with their job search. This also will provide them a visual of their progress that can keep them vested in their success.
Michelle,
Again, I am really impressed with how well thought out your approach is. I especially appreciate how you come at the challenge from so many angles.
Elizabeth Kemler
One way is to keep in touch with the students on a consistent basis AND I let them know that I will be following up again... I tell them "I will call you again in 2 weeks, on Tuesday the xxth of the month." Another way, I have sign up for job alerts through a variety of job sites, so that they get new job notices on a daily basis, triggering a daily "hope factor". Another way, when speaking with them I give them a real example of a new student that recently got hired! In addition, I inform them to seek internships at companies and events they would like to work at and/or need to add certain experience to their resume... this will allow them to feel a sense of contributing value, build their confidence, meet industry professionals that might have job leads for them, great way to build their network of contacts, and have FUN searching for a job!
K.C.,
I'm sure that helps a great deal. Sometimes just knowing that there's someone who believes in them and is invested in their success makes all the difference.
Elizabeth Kemler
This is a tough economy and the competition is fierce. I stay in contact with my graduates and encourage them in their job search. Sometimes "talking it out" keeps them positive and motivated!
Pamela,
I like that you have a clearly laid out list of responsibilities and that you hold them accountable for meeting them. It's so much easier to stay on task when there's something to reference like that.
Elizabeth Kemler
KIMBERLY,
This is so true! Job searching is most definitely a job-and encouraging your students to see it this way is very smart. And just like a job, they do need to do something every day to advance their mission. Great ideas Kimberly.
Elizabeth Kemler
What has worked best for me is giving students a list that we both agree on and then a timeline as to when to come back and report to me, and continually encouraging them and holding them accountable.
I remind the student that their job search is a job. I have the student to come up with a play book toward their job search. The students should be encouraged to do something daily toward their search. I help to cheer them on by telling them what them are good at. I help in them match themselves to what the employer is looking for.
Joshuah,
Sounds like an excellent followup protocol.
Elizabeth Kemler
Rhonda,
One of the things I've heard from many career service professionals, is that having former students who are now employed at a job in their chosen field come to speak to current students makes a big difference. They can offer them guidance about how to approach the job search, what helped in the interview, etc. Also, having professionals in the areas of the student's interest do presentations and Q&A can be very effective.
Elizabeth Kemler
This is more a question than a reply but it is in the same category. I have had several experiences where my students do not take the initiative for their own job search. I am certainly willing to assist in any way I can to help a student obtain a position in their field, however, several of my students are under the expectation that we can call a company, give them the student's name, and they will get the job.
How do I keep students positive and motivated but also make them realize that it is their skills and personality that ultimately allow them to succeed?
I follow up with phone calls or personal meetings. We discuss what questions they may have been challeged with and help them have a better answer. I remind them that you may need to submit your resume to a number of employers to get an interveiw and go on several interviews to get an offer. I remind the graduates why they went to school and re-motivate them that way. I always remind them thay can do this~! I try to reinforce the positive and downplay the negative. I also have heart to heart talks. My role is mentor and guide. Sometimes helping a graduate put their best foot forward takes the heart to heart talk.
Nancy,
You sound like a true inspiration to your students. I love that you see your role as motherly..that must make such a huge difference for your students-especially those that don't have that kind of support at home.
Elizabeth Kemler
I look at my role as a mother role in a sense. I am there to give them motivation and help them across that finish line whether that means through verbal motivation, staying late at times, letting them know that they are not alone in this process or sometimes even thinking outside of the box. Giving up is not an option for me and when students see that they have someone like that in their corner they re-evaluate things quite quickly. I've yet to see a student throw in the towel completely. Sometimes even taking a step back or a break to collect their thoughts and to re-energize their minds can make a world of difference in my experiences.
