Student/Employer Perspective | Origin: CS109
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Empowering Students with an Arrest or Conviction --> Student/Employer Perspective
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I believe that certain laws were put in place for majority of the population to faiil and then pay penalties, and fail continously when they have no means or finances to pay.
Knowledge is key. When the student understands the objections they may have to overcome then they can prepare for an appropriate responce with confidence.
Unfortunately the 'lack of confidence' extends to African Americans who are not convicts because of the high percentage of employers who associate color with crime.
It is good to know that not all employers automatically view a criminal record as reasons not to hire. Some employers seek to hire people who need second chances.
These worksheets will be very useful in my Pre-Release classes here at the South Idaho Correctional Institution, particularly "Overcoming Objections." Sometimes, incarcerated students will use their conviction as an excuse for not seeking employment; i.e. "Nobody will hire me with my background." When an offenders makes this statement to me, I respond with "You're correct--nodoby will hire you if you don't apply for jobs!"
I currently serve a minority/majority campus and of the 60% student of color population, over half identify as Black/African-American. This summer, I have learned a lot more about the statistics in the US criminal justice system and the systemic racism therein. As simple as it sounds to have "personal contact and a high quality interaction," I need to consistently apply these 2 concepts with my work with all students, especially the students of color I serve. While the current COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic has negatively influenced one's ability to have "personal contact," virtual means exist and can be effective, too.
Inform students of how to utilize "core skills" of confidence, honesty, and personal contact. I learned the importance of these can help students overcome the negative viewpoint of having a conviction.
