What not to promise to a potential student
An admissions representative cannot induce a potential student offering salary expectation
Jessica,
Exactly! Students should do their own research as there are so many factors that go into salary.
Patty Aronoff
I feel its better to never discuss salary and use some of the resources that I see here on the board. It is almost always a question though from the potential student. I explain they need to do their research just as they are doing the research on our school to be sure it's a good fit.
I agree. Our job is to teach the skills students need to succeed. However, no one can promise success or employment.
That is so true! Location is a big factor when determining how much money they may make.
Charles,
Salary information can be very misleading even with the best intentions. It is best practice to give resources and let them do their own research.
There are web sites that propose average salary for certains fields. For exemple if you browse jobs available in Fl for mental health tech will find out that the average is between 12 and $14.00 an hour. I think we could give an aproximate to the students without exagerating it like some schools have done lately and got in trouble. I have read in the news about some culinary schools that are beeing suied by students over this matter.
Shana,
Your local workforce board can also be a resource and well as chamber of commerce.
We have a list of job openings from local employers posted where students can follow-up themselves regarding salary information, etc.
How about a Job Fair? You can invite reps from the industry and graduating students. There they can ask all their salary-related questions, submit their resumes, etc.
As far as potential students - I think most of the potential students are aware of the industry standards, potential salaries, etc. - that's why they sre seeking this particular course of education and certification. If they are new to the industry - we should refer them to the Websites. A good idea is also a Newsletter that is published at school with testimonials, references, job ads, etc.
This is right. We should not make promises to the students because it is up to them to learn and be capable of applying the skills taught in the classroom. In addition we must not talk about salaries because this varies according the company and location.
Kelley,
Excellent advice!
I always refer the student to association websites or salary.com (or other similar sites) to obtain the information on their own. I also tell them to keep in mind that salaries can range greatly depending on WHERE they live and the area of expertise they are entering (for us private practice or hospital setting can vary).
Rachael,
We can only provide placement assistance. There are no guarantees.
You also do not want to promise prospective students that they will be placed in employment right after graduation.
Yuk,
Present the student with the resources to research on their own.
Francisco,
It is always better to give them the resources to search on their own. There are so many factors involved and you don't want the student to come back claiming we said they would make X number of dollars.
Is it possible to do what yuk chang suggests?
The best thing to do is have research print outs for the students on the salary in different areas and recorded years.
