Kristy,
Great. We think that the results of a great Career Services department speaks for itself. It tells prospective students that grads get jobs. It tells students to persist because there is a job at the end of their studies. It tells the community that your school is an important resource they should get to know. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We currently have this department in our school. It positively impacts other departments as it helps to get our students employed and helps them in their search for employment. This helps improve enrollment because they can advise the student that after completion of their courses they still have support in job placement.
jorge,
We totally agree! We have seen how prospective students really want to speak with the career services department and talk about jobs rather than course work. In fact, many schools are now placing admissions and placement staff in the same space or near each other. Great placement rates motivate students to complete. And great placement rates impact grads getting jobs. Placement is what it is all about and many schools forget that. We have seen schools with part-time placement staff and then wonder why their stats are so low. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The placement department is the most important department in my school. The department has positive impact on other departments. The admissions department receives benefits because is impacted with new enrollments. The Educational Department can evaluate the effectiveness and quality of their classes based on the surveys provided to the graduates; then, they can evaluate the programs, limitations and improvements necessaries. The surveys and reports from placements are important for the Statistic Department in order to establish a comprehensive assessment of the school performance.
Placement Services can impact enrollments by several ways, such as: if placement department generate good placement statistic this is a valuable data during the interview to prospective students. Satisfied graduates are good source for referral enrollments. Graduates can also look for additional training, new programs and continuing education at school.
nicolas,
We totally agree that a successful career services department impacts on all areas of the school. We think that career services people should sit in Admissions! Applicants visit schools because they want to train for a job. Are they really interested in what will be taught in an A & P course? Career services can assist instructors to talk about life on the job. Career services can require attendance at workshops and complete other job search preparation homework. The school will get a great reputation that they do help grads find jobs. Others will want to enroll. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
In my opinion Placement impacts all departments within the school. It can help with admissions with enrollment, it help with current students and their ability to continue in school thus helping education with retention, in my opinion Career Center and career placement is what holds the school together.
martha,
Hi Martha
We agree that placement is the job of everyone on staff. Each has to be trained as to what part they play in getting students to think about the world of work and how to develop employment skills. Faculty are definitely involved. There is so much they can do in the classroom to show how skills and theory are applied to the work place. Student services and career services staff should offer a variety of opportunities for students to gain employment skills knowledge. Alumni can be called in to assist if you are running low on staff! Admissions people need to be trained to talk about how every student is assisted to be successful with their job search. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
One of your goals can be to help the other departments to see what they can do to help, so you are not carrying the entire burden on your shoulders alone.
How about programs to get faculty involved like referral programs, or asking them to sit in on mock interviews so they can learn how to help you prepare students.
there are lots of ways to get the rest of the school to help.... you don't have any time, I'm sure, but perhaps your campus president could help you brianstorm one program per term to help get another department involved.
Linnet,
Hi Linnet, We agree that the Placement Department can impact the entire school. Prospective students really focus on jobs. They aren't that interested in hearing about the courses! They want to know they will be trained to feel comfortable and have skills to get through the job search process. That's why career services starts with admissions. We find that success is increased when Placement and Admissions sit together! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
In my opinion the placement department helps in a positive way the whole school. When a prospect student ask about the placement services that our school offer, and we tell them that we try to do everything we can to find a job, they feel confortable and in good hands, this way they feel that the school cares about them so the admission process is easier for thenm.
Corey ,
Sounds like you are doing GREAT Corey. We totally agree - Placement Services can impact the entire school improving admissions, retention, graduation, and of course placement. Perhaps the school can afford to get you a part time assistant. Then turn over as much clerical and admin work as possible. Focus on the priorities and where you are measured and make a difference. Be sure you alert everyone on staff that placement and employment skills is everyone's job. And it is not something to do the last few days of class. Employment skills training MUST occur every day. Take time to train every employee as to what they MUST do to prepare students for the job market. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Hi there,
I am the Career Services Department all in one. I work for a very small mom and pop medical training facility in Berkeley CA. I am the WHOLE department. I do not have much experience in Career Services, but do in Admissions. In the past 2 months being the Career Services Coordinator I have learned a world load.
I believe that the Placement Department is the base and security of a school. As a student, without security of job placement assistance, there is no attachment. Placement/Career Services impacts all departments. For admissions, job placement statistics are basically mandatory for higher enrollment. One of the most common questions from prospective studetns is "...do you help us find a job when we finish?". For our courses, Job Placement/Career Services helps fill open seats and provides more engaged hopeful students. Students who are introduced to the course with idea of completing the course, getting assistance with resume/coverletter writing, interview skills and job searching are much more likely to compltete the course, which in turn will increase retention rates.
All in all, placement is extremely important for ALL departments in any school.
Loni,
Yes Loni. Placement impacts on admission referrals, retention, graduation and of course placement and repayment of loans. Life in the workplace should be a daily discussion in the classrooms. Teachers can talk about how knowledge and skills are used on the job. Frequent visits from Career Services staff is a must. We believe that Career Services "assignments" are also a must. Students need skills and confidence to seek a job. It takes time. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Stephan ,
Tes, Steve. We agree. The Placement Department is one of the most important in a career school. Prospective students want to know about jobs! That's why they enroll. When Placement staff stay in touch with students it helps with retention too. Students gain the confidence to graduate and get into the job market. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Admission - better placement percentage better referral
Academics - frequent visits into the classrooms may improve students' retention
Financial Aid - working graduates may help default rate
It would benefit the Admissions Dept. in a very positive way to help enroll students. Admissions could share the benefits of the placement Dept. with students and positive results in help with, resume writing,interview skills and job placement.
Jodi,
We believe that too. In fact, we think that career services and placement should sit together. Prospective students want to know about jobs. Why not have them speak directly with the source of info and data. If you can't sit together then we suggest that Career Services be a long stop on a school tour. An active placement department also encourages students to stay in school and graduate. Career Services can also perform a lot of community outreach tasks so your school is known as THE source for training and jobs. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The Placement Department can play a key role in enrollments. Being available to speak with prospective students and incorporating the Placement Department into the enrollment process solidifies a potential student's decision to attend.
David ,
We agree. Alumni are tied closely to placement success. Alumni can tell you where the jobs are and also coach students in the job search process. Alumni introduce you to employers who can provide great feedback about your programs and what training might be missing. Placement and alumni are such important parts of every career school. Gainful employment issues will motivate schools to put resources into placement. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The placement department can impact admissions and retention rates by showing students and potential students positive results in students who have previously graduated and joined the work force.
