Career Services Department
I must admit, I have not, until now of course, thought to talk with the career services department in an effort to be a more effective rep. I think part of my concern is not wanting to convey some information i get from them to the student and be out of compliance! I guess I am still torn on how to utilize this information. Any suggestions?
I think the biggest thing to remember when speaking about career services is that it is the STUDENT who is responsible for their future. The school is full of resources to expose the student to helpful development experiences (classes, coursework, career services department, tutoring services, etc.) but it is the student's responsibility to determine to what degree they take advantage of the opportunites available to them.
It is certainly a fine balance determing what we can and cannot say to remain in compliance. What is of vital importance is understanding the function of the career service department so that you can better do your job.
Agent should advise prospective student about services offered in Career Services such as assisting with resumes and cover letters, how to prepare for interview ,etc.
I agree, I used to work in the CS office at another school and knowing what thier role plays with the students really helps to sell the school as a whole.
I agree! Just having a thorough understanding of the CS department allows you to discuss the benefits of it w/the student as an extra help in the career search...when they begin that process for themselves. I have always felt its an extra benefit and resource for their use as a student here.
I suggest that the representative use the opportunity to talk about extra benefits for the student to take advantage of. Career Services should not have to be considered a sales item as much as a value added service. If it's approached this way; it should reduce potential of any policy breach.
Helping a student build a relationship with Career Service will not only help them stay more focused and prepared to enter the word of looking for a job but it will also promote graduation and other referrals. I beleive that this is an extrememly helpful resourse for the student and should be promoted
Erin,
Incorporating a visit to the placement department during a tour is a great way to get prospective student's questions answered.
Kimberly Stein
When I am giving a prospective student a tour, they enjoy going in the placement department and chatting with the coordinators. That way, the coordinators can tell them what they do and answer any questions they have.
I believe that establishing a relationship with a coordinator in your school's career service department is vital. I often make arrangements before hand with the career coodinator to meet with my student/s when I am touring. This gives that department a heads up on the information that will best meet the prospect's needs. It's a bonus for students to be aware of all the opportunities that Career services offers.
More knowledge about the institution will always empower one to maintain compliance. Only when we know exactly what is offered and promised- and what is not- can we accurately and honestly "paint a picture" of the school for a prospective student.
Having each prospective student speak with a Career Services rep is key.
This is a way to build more value in the interview.
It is important that you at least bring up the fact that a career service department is available to students during the interview process. If you are unsure about how to convey the information, while staying within compliance, speak with your director of admissions. They will be able to give you key words or phrases to use during your interview so that you stay in compliance. I always make sure to mention that they are there to "assist" not "place." I actually never use the word, "place" when referring to career services. I also make sure to mention that they do not guarentee employment after completion of their program nor will they guarentee any type of salary. They ASSIST with resume building, professionalism, and interview skills as well.
It is helpful to know some of the career paths that students have taken when they graduated and knowing how to apply this in a conversation to share previous experiences with opportunities after a student have completed a program. This builds value in many cases.
Career services is an excellent source of information. They can help you with placement rates and other things, as well as being an excellent source of success stories that can help us with future students.
The career services department is such a great thing to have at any school. I know all the prospective students I speak with really appreciate knowing that it is also important to us to help them in any way we can when it comes to employment/resumes/interviewing skills etc. One thing I do is try to introduce prospective students to the career center director if they are available when the prospective student visits the campus. If they're not in the office, I point out the job boards that are posted, including employment in the various majors offered at the school, and perhaps even in their major course of study!
I don't think it is ever an option to not be in contact with career services department. After all, they are the ones that know the best where the students are getting jobs when they leave our school so why would we not want to share that info with the prospective student.
I agree. Perhaps we should request that information be given to all agents on a regular basis. We also need to know a time frame for offered services.
I think, as agents, we need quarterly meetings with our Career Service department. That way we will be up-to-date on information that can be passed along to students.
