Special Programs
This was the shortest section with the greatest power. The ideas listed in this chapter were simple and easy to implement. Sometimes we are looking ahead that we forget to look in our own backyard.
I am looking forward to implementing some of these ideas.
Thank you for the ideas!
Arlene
Hi Jhonson
Since you are new to the job and possibly the career school sector you might want to learn as much as possible about the regulatory bodies that govern your school. You could ask your supervisor about the rules and regs of the licensing board and any other regulatory boards. It is vital that when you put publicity and marketing plans in place that they are in harmony with these rules and guidelines. Best wishes, Susan
This program and this last class really nail it for me. I am new to school management I get some excellent ideas in this course that I will implement soon.
HI Galen
Great idea to have an automatic plan in place to contact grads. You are right - they are a great source for enrollments in new programs, referrals, and more. No worries about the cost of newsletters and emailings. YOu can stay in touch through on online newsletters. We really feel once a month is a great way to stay in touch and keep your school on the minds of your grads. Something to remember - your best business is repeat business. And some schools fill their classrooms with all referrals.
Best wishes
Susan
We stay in touch with all our grads, who automatically go on our mailing list and receive twice-yearly mailings of our brochure of offerings. We believe this is highly effective, since our offerings build on each other and thus grads are encouraged to continue their education.
Although I am intrigued about the possibility of starting a quarterly newsletter, I am somewhat concerned about the cost in terms of staff time to produce it.
Wow, Rob - Great to hear about your project. Let us know the results. Now it will be a great idea to stay in contact with grads on a more regular basis. Maybe every month for a year. Then 6 times a year. Or just send an information packed newsletter every month. Lots of opportunities when you stay in touch with people who have attended your school. Best wishes, Susan
With ideas and motivations from the past few chapters, I have printed out our student's names, phone numbers and email adresses since the school's inception in 1989. I have begun the arduous task of calling every person to check on them. To see if they need employment assistance or continuing education. If I can't reach them on the phone, I am sending them a letter in hopes they're still at the same address.
The students from 10 years ago and older are really appreciating the call. They love to know they are thought about. Thank you for the suggestions...
HI Byron
Can you be more specific with your comments? Sounds like you offer great training but some how the community is not aware of your school? Or does not see your school as a resource? And are you saying that budgeting is an issue? Identifying the problem and bringing it to staff brainstorming sessions could start to bring answers.
Best wishes, Susan
Our agency are having growing pains,in the area of finance. we know that we have the expertise to service the needs of the community but we being looked over what can we do
Byron
I agree completley. I am too very much looking forward to implementing some of these ideas!
Hi Steven
Great summary about marketing in general. Get the word out about your school always and all ways. Be sure you are reaching all segments of your community that can benefit from knowing about your school offerings. You don't always have to pay for advertising. In fact, sometimes the best marketing is when it is little or no cost involved.
Best wishes
Susan
Great ideas and also it is a great reminder that
publicity comes in many fashions and that one can and should test market and use as many ways to market as they can manage. This will ultimetly show the most productive marketing activities.
Hi George
Lots of ways to work with other schools - even those that appear to be competitors. The goal is to provide people with the best training and continuing education. Some school owners have formal alliances where a student starts in one school, graduates, and then is able to get an advanced degree or training in the next.
Best,
Susan
I agree.Many resources are in front of us.Sometimes other schools who your students have gone to have compatable coruses and those students and schools can refer to each other.ie skin care and massage. Dr. George Najemian
HI Freda Yes, constant measuring is vital in all areas of running a school. There is a lot to measure in career services. How many students got jobs? Are the jobs in their field? If not, in what fields? Do students continue with their education? In their same job? How long did it take to get a job? How long do they stay on the job? How long does it take to gain advancement? What are the salary ranges? And on and on. Then you can see what is going well and what improvement is needed. Best wishes, Susan
This Course has been very helpfull. I espescially
like the surveys. It is so true that if you are not being seen then your doing something wrong. If you do not survey you will never know.
Touching Palms Massage Inst.
Hi Lily
You definitely have a feel for public relations and marketing. Internships are great ways for the comunity to learn about your school and for students to get experience and jobs. When an internship sponsor learns about your school. they might send their current employees for training. Flyers and posters that get attention are a great way to let folks know about your school too.
Best wishes
Susan
From this section, I learned how important it is to have internships! Internships not only further the idea that you care about business in your own community, but it truly is a great tool for publicity. By providing a superior Internship program/experience, and gaining such a reputation, imagine the word of mouth advertising that could be generated by highly qualified individuals/students who apply for the position! Flyers or posters announcing the opportunities also double as advertising for your business.
Hi Cari
The task here is to consider what programs to offer and then how they can be structured as a student service at your school. With mentoring you have many options. You can pair staff and faculty with students, students with students, and students with grads. You can make the program formal or informal. You can survey results and look at student retention and success. As a public relations tool it tells everyone that your school is student friendly and does everything possible for a student to succeed.
Best wishes
Susan
TOTALLY AGREE. MENTORING IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IS MAKES THE STUDENTS FEEL THAT THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO US, THAT WE CARE FOR THEM AND THAT ONLY CAN WORK VERY POSSITIVE FOR THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT AND BENEFIT THE SCHOOL OVERALL.
