Tyler,
Starting that relationship early and maintaining it is important.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
All new students have to go through the General Education class and the career services staffs are big part in that class. Students learn how to do their resume. They also watch videos that build their self-esteem and positive attitudes. Each day one instructor goes into that class and discuss about the Module he/she teaches. This class also help students to decide whether they are choosing the right career or not, after listening to each instructor. You can't imagine the number of students that switch from one career to another. Every six month the career services hosts a job fair at the campus. They also do mock interview with each students. Our career services are big part in our college’s retention. They give students hope from day one to end. The school’s Facebook is supervised by the career services. You cannot imagine the number of students that are connected to our Facebook.
Robert,
Yes, this is an issue. You can try to reach students but sometimes they do not wish to be contacted. Texting and emails are other means of communication.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have a special cell phone that we use to call students who try to avoid answering calls from the college and think that we are trying to collect money from them. Sometimes, though, the caller ID shows the college's 1-800 number and students don't answer so it makes sense.
Our placement department representative and student affairs speaks to our students throughout the program: orientation, final term preparing for graduation, and post graduation. The point is to inform the students of the services available and then as they approach graduation to work on the student's resumes and interviewing skills for example. The representative is also available for our graduates when they begin to look for jobs or run into difficulties.
Kimberly,
Several touch points throughout the student's education would be beneficial.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our placement department meets with students at beginning and end. I would like to see more integrated involvement to help with comfort levels and familiarity.
Angela,
Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
They have signage placed around campus to assist in finding part-time work and where they can apply, in order to foster retention. Student services is very thorough in following up with students, especially after graduation, to let them know of opportunities for employment. I benefitted by Student Services telling me about a recruitment dinner and it so happened that I was the only Surgical Tech there and thus got a job.
Sebastian,
Sounds like things are working very well.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The placement department helps the students with writing a professional resume, also helps with mock interviews.As an Instructor I like working with the placement department in getting our working graduates to speak to the students,and share their experiences as former students , along with their experience in the chosen career.( employer expectations, skills, etc).Throughout the Program the students are constantly informed about the great job market in the field the students chose to get the training on and also about the high rate of placement (over 90%)we have with the Program I teach.
Nicole,
This is a best practice seen in this forum several times. Focusing students on the end goal keeps them interested and sets proper expectations.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have the same procedures in place. Placement Department in introduced at orientation and then it is part of out curriculum. We start helping the student build a professional portfolio from day one.
Yahaira,
If they have established a positive relationship with students that should make the outreach simpler.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
They try to keep contact via email to send students to job fairs and other potential job offer activities.
Bonnie,
Certainly sounds like Career Services is doing a great job.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Michael,
We do job fairs here and find them to be a great tool for our studnets. Our last one was a full house and the information our student received was great.
Our students meet with Career Srvices starting with their tour of the school with admissions.
She makes it in to every class each week so the students get comfortable with her. Talks to the students as to what field they want to go into, what jobs are in that field.
Manages our web sight, assist with resumes, cover letters and more. I feel our Career Services does an outstanding job.
Tuan,
Are field trips written into the curriculum or is it as they can be arranged? I've seen both situations and either support the learning.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We have placement board in our facility and we also contacting employers to refer student and arrange field trip for student to knowledge of their career to motivate them about the graduation date and ready to work.
