Ron,
Posing the question "what would you have done" really gets the students to dig deep and contemplate how they would react in certain situations, as well as prompts some excellent discussions. Thank you for sharing your best practice!
Jae Gruber
I also work full time in the industry I teach. Each morning I talk about "work last night" the good stuff and the challenging. I feel it helps the teaching seem very real to them. Some times I even ask for "help" such as "what would you have done? I resently had an issue with an employee not showing up on time and I was considering terminating them. It turned out to be a great discussion on how much is too much? The class was actually tougher than I was. I then asked them if I should apply those same rules to the class when they show up late? It was not a popular question......but it did create a lot of thinking.
By relating my career path and the paths of my fellow instructors I have found that this provides a tangeable and realistic view of a direct mentor's career journey.
By outlining my career path as well as the career paths of fellow instructors I have found that this provides the student with a tangable realistic view of direct mentors' career journeys.
Alexander,
I understand that this can be a factor, however it is one that is true in many professions and the impetus for striving to advance.
Jae Gruber
Most students developed a disappointment toughs when they find out how much money they will be making post graduation. this sometimes create a negative environment in the classroom.
Mark,
You make a very good point in an indirect way. Often instructors tell the stories of their career path, but we should also encourage students to tell their own stories...either of how they arrived at the decision to pursue their career path or, if they are currently in the profession, their present and past experiences.
Jae Gruber
Gilbert,
It is extremely helpful when Chef Instructors discuss and build upon the information presented by the Career Services department. Students often have questions about different titles within the industry or how the heirarchy of management of a hotel works instead of a restuarant. Drawing a goal map is a great visual aid. Thank you for sharing this best practice.
Jae Gruber
Gwen,
It is helpful to discuss the realities of the industry and prepare the students for obstacles and challenges that they may encounter.
Jae Gruber
Each term after the career services department gives a one hour lecture to the class on expectations for seeking employment and an internship I add my own lecture regarding career paths.
I ask a couple of students what are their aspirations in the culinary, hospitality field.
On the board I write the starting point which is school then write vertically above that with the jobs and steps the student would need to get to their goal. The goal is at the top, this gives the student perspective on the first and second jobs that will be needed right after school to steer then in the right direction.
I tell them it is an example because there are many variables that can happen along the way to reaching their goal.
There is no substitute for telling your story or in some cases, the story or stories of others. Many times this prompts lively discussion and might encourage another student to tell their story as well.
We have students do a five minute Powerpoint presentation on their possible career field in food service. They must teel us about possible salries and interviews with someone in the field. It really comes as a reality check for some.
I discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the industry. By telling them about my experiences, this will usually lead to a dialoque where others can express their concerns etc.
group discussions, and library research on demographics and indusr=try standards
Robert,
This is a great method of discussing career paths, as it gives the student a visual to look at while you are discussing the information. Telling your own career path story reminds students that everyone has to start somewhere and work their way towards ultimate goals.
Jae Gruber
Robert,
Excellent points, Robert. When graduates come back to speak to current students, it has the very positive effect of underscoring and driving home what the Instructor is attempting to convey.
Jae Gruber
I literally diagram on the board the different "avenues" one can take in this business. I discuss and explain my personal work history and experience and tie that into what each of my students are expecting out of the program.
By utilizing past graduates as guest speakers and using field trips to re affirm learned knowledge.
And talk to them, you have knowledsge and time in the industry, share what you know.
i tell them about my career path and own experience of 40 years in the inductry.
Albert,
Absolutely! Other aspects of hospitality may be options for students in the future as well! Their culinary education will always contribute to the foundation of skills for career success.
Jae Gruber
