Get Your Students Hired
I think it is important to lead by example. I tell them about my job and how I can help others reach their goal. I teach Criminal Justice classes however I am a police officer and give them real life examples.
I have developed as an educator by understanding that all students learn differently. I use reading/writing/hands on and lecture to try to capture all students learning preference.
At our school, we have a professional development course (which I don't teach) where they refine these skills. For my part, I try to emphasize in all of my English and communications courses how important professionalism is and how it is conveyed through words, dress, actions, reactions, etc. I also try to model the behaviors that I hope they will take with them upon graduation.
Esther,
Good point.....whether you are in your perfect dream job or in a job that is not the best....we have to be professional.
Shelly Crider
Terry Marie,
It is good to have students point out their good qualitites as many do not know what their positive attributes are.
Shelly Crider
Richard,
I love professional examples! Staying off the cell phone....perfect example for students!
Shelly Crider
In our school, each teacher constantly stresses that the student must act professional in every aspect. This is done from the first day of the first class, to the last day of the last class. Being professional is definitely the key to whether you get that "dream job" or not.
As a medical assisting instructor, I have to stress to my students that it is very important to have professional skills. The reason for this is because we deal with the direct public. So, I tell them on the first day of class to pick flaw that they are aware they have and try to change it within 5 weeks. Then I ask them to fine a professional skill thet feel they are good at and perfect it.
It's something that has to be stressed daily to the students. I try to present a professional example, in the way I address each student, other instructors, staying OFF the cell phone while in the lab, etc. It's an on-going process.
Travis,
What a great idea! Having students write down what they have done and what they will be doing, really makes them think about career!
Shelly Crider
Brianne,
Love this! I especially like to hear you state you help with effectively communicate through email. This is so important in our society!
Shelly Crider
Carey,
This is good to read! So many students are lacking in soft skills!
Shelly Crider
Luckily, I get the students at the beginning of their programs in a course called Career Development. I have found it to be easier at that point to help them put into words their professional skills. We work on developing their resume and cover letters which they will update and use at the end. During this process, when they don't have yet the skills they will learn from their programs, I have them write down a list of the things they have done in previous jobs. We then take them and translate them into transferable skills, which are their professional skills. Then we are able to work on the skills where they feel they are lacking.
I assist my students in defining and growing their professional skills by some of the following methods:
1. Students are to schedule appointments with me throughout their school career so that they can learn how to request appointments, effectively communicate through email, and meet commitments.
2. I assist students with cover letters and resume writing and development so that they are presenting themselves to future employers in a well-written manner. Assisting students with cover letter and resume writing allows me to work with them on Word and Optimal Resume.
3. I assist students with interviewing techniques so that I can identify any negative non-verbals and coach them on how to answer difficult questions.
My program has set a standard grade for professionalism in the classroom. The students are given a list of soft skills they will be graded on during the course and they are expected to follow these in and out of the classroom. Most of the skills mimic the "real" work force and come directly from employers we work with on a daily basis. Since this has been in place, the students have increased their soft skills and have become more aware of how they treat others and are more effective in interviews upon graduation.
JENNIFER,
Good point....without mistakes, we do not learn what does not work!
Shelly Crider
It can be difficult for students to develop or define their professional skills; because of this, it is important to me to constantly explain to them the importance of stepping out and constantly practice professionalism and ethical behavior on a daily basis. This should be incorporated everywhere, in their home, work, or school. As they continue to learn it is advised to be honest with their performances and ask themselve if they were professional in their actions. I then explain to them it is ok to make mistakes,most importantly they must learn frome it and gain insight as to what they could have done differently with the intent to improve. Professional skills is not only perform at work it is a consistent behavior that develops over time.
Meher,
We do like to give a well-rounded education. You sound like you are doing this.
Shelly Crider
John,
Ethical questions and real world questions are a great way to get students chatting!
Shelly Crider
As a medical instructor we teach them professional skills like taking vital signs, EKGs, injections, administrative skills like front office receptionist, Med Trak, telephone communication. plus we also refine their general skills like reading , writing research papers, presenting topics in power point presentations and role playing different scenarios in the class room.