Interventions

Public

Discussion:

Melissa,

Opening up about yourself is a technique for gaining trust and focusing on connecting through shared experiences. Continue practicing this when trying to connect with students. There are many different approaches you can take when trying to reach those that don't want anything to do with Career Services. One thing I would do was to discover who was in the individual's network of influence that I had a strong relationship with or could reach out to for help. For instance, this might be me calling mom and developing a close relationship with mom to have her help me get her son/daughter to partner with me. This sometimes was a teacher who the student loved - I would have the teacher help me or a friend/classmate, etc. If you can't get through to the student because of a wall that is up, perhaps you can sneak in with help from someone they respect, trust, and/or admire who is vouching for you and strongly suggesting they give you a shot.

Another tactic, particularly for individuals new to their role, is to reach out and simply say that you are calling because you are new to your role and you simply want feedback/opinions on ways Career Services could improve moving forward with your new leadership. Let them know you'd like dedicated time to listen to their suggestions and their past experiences. Sometimes offering to listen will reach some students.

Another suggestion for local graduates/students is to hold an event that you know they'd really love to attend. This may be a guest speaker from a company they'd love to work for as an example. You could send "VIP" invites where you host a "private" alumni party after the event as another way to make the event sound extra "special" and exclusive. Anything you can think of that might draw them in. For example, I used to help students in the Graphic Design industry so I had a Designer from a well-known studio come in to speak to students and had a "reception" afterwards. It definitely got some of the students/graduates' I wanted to come to show up and opened up channels for communication.

Other tactics I've used include:
- Having mom, dad, or teacher call on three-way to schedule appointment
- Use calling cards to call so your number doesn't show up on caller ID which may make it more likely they pick up the phone
- When you've been successful in helping a graduate (especially if the difficult graduate knows this person), make sure you advertise and promote that via as many channels as you can (email, social, pictures in the office, etc.). Send a congratulations via Facebook with a picture of the graduate on the new job (request one or go take one) and Tweet about it. This helps you build the reputation of your department.
- Have the President of the school reach out to "difficult" graduates saying they simply want to get their opinions and feedback about their experience with Career Services. Sometimes a call from the President or Campus Director makes the student/graduate feel like they have a special opportunity to provide feedback to the "top."
- For those you help and who become advocates of the Career center, ask them to leave a recommendation on Facebook for others to come to you for help. Use their word-of-mouth to influence others to partner with you

These are merely a handful of ideas. No one idea works with every student and some students will not connect with you no matter what you try. I hope these give you some practical ideas.

Robert Starks Jr.

Melissa, Opening up about yourself is a technique for gaining trust and focusing on connecting through shared experiences. Continue practicing this when trying to connect with students. There are many different approaches you can take when trying to reach those that don't want anything to do with Career Services. One thing I would do was to discover who was in the individual's network of influence that I had a strong relationship with or could reach out to for help. For instance, this might be me calling mom and developing a close relationship with mom to have her help me get her son/daughter to partner with me. This sometimes was a teacher who the student loved - I would have the teacher help me or a friend/classmate, etc. If you can't get through to the student because of a wall that is up, perhaps you can sneak in with help from someone they respect, trust, and/or admire who is vouching for you and strongly suggesting they give you a shot. Another tactic, particularly for individuals new to their role, is to reach out and simply say that you are calling because you are new to your role and you simply want feedback/opinions on ways Career Services could improve moving forward with your new leadership. Let them know you'd like dedicated time to listen to their suggestions and their past experiences. Sometimes offering to listen will reach some students. Another suggestion for local graduates/students is to hold an event that you know they'd really love to attend. This may be a guest speaker from a company they'd love to work for as an example. You could send "VIP" invites where you host a "private" alumni party after the event as another way to make the event sound extra "special" and exclusive. Anything you can think of that might draw them in. For example, I used to help students in the Graphic Design industry so I had a Designer from a well-known studio come in to speak to students and had a "reception" afterwards. It definitely got some of the students/graduates' I wanted to come to show up and opened up channels for communication. Other tactics I've used include: - Having mom, dad, or teacher call on three-way to schedule appointment - Use calling cards to call so your number doesn't show up on caller ID which may make it more likely they pick up the phone - When you've been successful in helping a graduate (especially if the difficult graduate knows this person), make sure you advertise and promote that via as many channels as you can (email, social, pictures in the office, etc.). Send a congratulations via Facebook with a picture of the graduate on the new job (request one or go take one) and Tweet about it. This helps you build the reputation of your department. - Have the President of the school reach out to "difficult" graduates saying they simply want to get their opinions and feedback about their experience with Career Services. Sometimes a call from the President or Campus Director makes the student/graduate feel like they have a special opportunity to provide feedback to the "top." - For those you help and who become advocates of the Career center, ask them to leave a recommendation on Facebook for others to come to you for help. Use their word-of-mouth to influence others to partner with you These are merely a handful of ideas. No one idea works with every student and some students will not connect with you no matter what you try. I hope these give you some practical ideas. Robert Starks Jr.