What would be the best way to approach the non-English fluent students when it comes to their expectations of finding employment in the field of training?
The idea IS great, just how the messege is conveyed. The ad makes it sound like getting an education can be had with little effort. Do we want students that are afraid of a little effort?
How can that same commecial be changed to aim towards a market that wants an education and understands it takes effort?
I believe we are not supposed to guarantee a job to a potential student. However, this is a frequest question that I have been asked many times. What kind of job do you think I might be able to get from this degree? and where?
I say that Career services will assist them into trying to get a job locally in the field they are studying. it is very important to not misled students into thinking they will get a job for sure.
what is the best way to approach the question: what kind of job I will get out of this degree and and will the school help me into getting a job?
Hi Milagros,
My point is that the producers of this advertisement (and the colleges that benefit from the leads) are misrepresenting the data. Do you think the average person attracted by this advertisement knows the difference between statistical correlation and causation?
The ad creates the impression that getting a degree will result in earning $1MM more in a career. The facts suggest that degree holders may earn $1MM more, but it's not assured. This is the problem I have with it. I have no problem reaching out to traditionally under-served demographics. However, in my opinion, it is precisely this type of deceptive and unethical marketing that is hurting for-profit schools.
In response to Matthew Kenneys comment, I believe that "going to college in your pajamas" is an excellent idea. This gives the potential shy student, works well alone, bed-bound, socially inept and stay at home parent the opportunity to pursue his or her degree without having to do the traditional classroom setting.
I would start out by finding out if in the 6 months or more they have been out of work, have they been turned down for a job. If the answer is yes, then ask why they think that is. The idea is to take them through a line of questions that gets them to realize that their current situation may be different if they had the degree. People tend to be more receptive to their own ideas, rather than ideas given to them by an outsider.
I agree that emphasizing that they may or may not qualify for a loan is important. I disagree that you should never disclose the maximum amount on loans. As long as you make sure that the prospective student is clear that they have to apply and see what amount they qualify for but that it could be up to that amount, then I think it's OK. If I were a student and thinking about applying for a loan,I would want to know up front before I started the application process, what the possible amount of money available to me could be. I think the key is to make sure you explain yourself well and make sure you refer them to the financial aid advisor who is the expert in this area.
As an educator, one of the tings I always try to convey to students is the difference between correlation and causation. While government data shows that those with a college degree tend to earn more, it does not cause you to earn more.
Education is a factor in one's earning potential, but surely not the only one.
When I see these ads on TV about "going to college in your pajamas" I get very upset because these marketers are implying a casual relationship to the viewers/potential students, which does not exist. Leaders of colleges that partner with these 3rd party lead generating advertisers should, in my opinion, be ashamed of themselves.
Nobody should say to a student that income is caused by education, especially marketers with PhD's and MBAs who should now better. There is little wonder that admissions reps in some schools are using deceptive practices, since the school's marketing leaders are using deceptive advertising. The apple never falls far from the tree.
In these harsh economic times, there are a lot of prospects who have been laid off or at least out of work for over 6 months or more and most of those who have not been to college or are unfamiliar with the application process automatically think that since they are not working, they will not be able to afford going to school. What is a good response to these prospects who say, "I cannot afford school. I am out of work." (Other than, you have to apply for financial aid and see what you qualify for.) Any suggestions??
Krystal,
It's about commitment and dedication.
Jessica,
Commitment not only to completing their studies but also meeting their financial obligations.
Brandi,
FA is such a personal endeavor. Every student's situation is different.
John,
Excellent point! For those institutions that offer Title IV, we state to the students that financial aid is available for those who qualify.
I agree it is important to emphasize that they may or may not qualify. It is important to let a person know that everyone qualifies for something, but never disclose the maximum amounts on Pell or loans. Each student will qualify for something different. Disclosing the maximum without a qualified FA expert, might mislead a student.
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE PROMISED A JOB UPON GRADUATION
Do not sell them on financial aid. Meaning, do not over hype the process. Financial aid is not a means to gain commitment from a student. We all know that they may or may not be able to qualify, and if they are unable to receive assistance then there is no other backbone to their commitment.
I agree....let them know they will get out what they put in. If they study and pass the test to be license then they will pass. We do not take the test for them.
Do not guarantee that they will qualify for financial aid.
Do not guarantee them a job or career placement upon completion of their program.
