Motivating the student
We have found that the students have become complacent and would like for us (the Placement Dept.) to do all the work in find the student their job. They almost act like we should just hand it to them as they complete their course. Of course we want them to be working, and if we have any leads that we are aware of we give them to the students or fax their resume for them. How do you motivate the student to look for the jobs as well as accept our assistance?
Kimberly ,
We think students should view the institution as a resource. They should rely on the school. The school at the same time needs to develop the students' confidence so they can be effective on their own. Each student needs to feel that they have a personal coach and who will remind them and ask how things are going and suggest new approaches. It is all about student success and placement. We have to figure out what works best in each institution to serve students and grads. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our challenge is that students rely too much on our services in getting to a final resume and finding companies of interest. We try to encourage students to take a first stab at their resume and do an initial search of the jobs on our database, but too often we find that students don't schedule follow up meetings. I'm beginning to wonder if they get overwhelmed and don't think we are willing to help. On the other side, I don't want the staff writing resumes and doing individual searches for every student. Advice?
Really great to have relevant and required assignments. Suggest you evaluate each step to see what you can learn. Then set up policies and procedures to follow so this can be handled by several people on staff. Thanks
What we have started to do in our school with our students is at the last 6 weeks they are here they have homework from Career Services department. We give them an assignment of looking for three perspective employeers, they have to contact them talk with the office manage find out what it would take to be hired by them, let them know they are in school and will be doing an externship, see if they would let the student do thier externship with them, with a possible hire!. Once they get the three names we tell them that Career Services will do the follow for them or with them. Most so far seemed to like the Idea, we did just start this so hopefully it helps.
Sharon cologero
An Employment Guide sounds great. Are all students required to complete it? Are the tasks reviewed by anyone, discussed in class, or evaluated. We feel that employment and job search skills assignments should be required throughout the students school experience. In that way it is possible that they will be prepared for their first interview. These skills can't be learned on the last day of class. Thanks, Susan
Good point. Sounds like job search training is integral to the students school experience. We feel that each student needs a lot of hand holding when it comes to employment skills training. They need interaction from staff, teachers, employers, grads, other students. It takes time to develop the confidence and skills to go on that first interview. Thanks, Susan
My school uses something similar & I am constantly telling my students to spend time with that guide. I think these can be great resources for them.
In the school whee I work, I create an Employment Guide which include all the professisonal step that they can follow with the necessary tools and professional strategies to make wise choices in job selection as well as provide an opportunity to visualize their career.
Good idea Joanna. We encourage the career services department to require a series of assignments including resume writing, interviewing, and a lot more. It's about giving students skills. Also confidence. And that takes time. And very good idea to include grads and alumni. There are a lot of grads out of work. So that would be a great service to them all. And it's always a good idea to keep in touch with grads. You can help them. And they can be a great resource to the school. And an endorsement! Thanks, Susan
Hi there,
After reading all of these posts I am really thinking about doing a job/resume writing/interviewing seminar here at the school for graduates and even for current students who might me a little un-easy about the job search process. I dont know who said it first, but that is an excellent idea to get everyone more motivated and thinking about it even before they finish!! If anyone has any good ideas about setting this up, please let me know!!
Thank you!
Hi Richard
Great that you let the student know about career services at the beginning of their school experience. We find that students almost have to be required to go to the placement department on a regular basis. Otherwise they won't go on their own. Placement skills have to be a requirement to be effective. Otherwise students think they can start the job search process when they graduate and by then we all know it's late. Thanks, Susan
I agree. We start right away with the students, letting them know what is available and to stop in to the office. We let them know that we will do everything to find jobs except they have to do the interview and win the job. We give them all the tools and if they listen they shoud wind up winning the job search.
Wow Delores, you are doing an incredible job. You have demonstrated that there is a lot that has to be done to build an outstanding placement department. And one step at a time you see results. Thanks, Susan
I've only been in my position for 6 months and noticed immediately that students/graduates were not motivated at all! Resumes were being written for them, instead of teaching them how to do it for themselves and I've had to step in and change perceptions, or should I say reality.
I was asked to put together an "Action Plan" for the Placement Department and a timeline for 2008 in meeting goals and objectives. Some of the goals I've put in place are employer mock interviews VS. instructor interviews, career days for each degree program, moving the job boards next to the placement office and resource library, and putting a mirror in the hallway with the heading, "Would you hire this person."
I've lived in my city all my life and know many people and I am slowly but surely working on creating apprenticeship programs for automotive technicians so they don't have to start out in the field making $8 or $9 an hour, visiting classes consistently so students will get to know me and what I will and will not do for them.
It's a slow process, but I believe will eventually pay off and get everyone including instructors, department supervisors, admissions, marketing, dean of students, students/graduates and of course, myself involved and working together cohesively.
Hi Michelle
All very true. But in our opinion it is up to the school to do EVERYTHING possible to prepare the grad to be successful. Many students have to get over the FEAR of the job search before they can even learn to do it. So a lot of employment skills training is needed. That's our approach anyway. Best wishes, Susan
I have also come accross this problem. I try to reiterate as much as possible that we are here to help. It is up to the graduate to go on the interviews and also to get their name out there. It is up to the graduate to sell themselves at the interview.
Hi Deborah
Samples of student work certainly do give everyone a nearly first hand feeling of what happens in the classroom and what the school experience is about.
Best wishes
Susan
This is a fabulous idea! I think it's wonderful to take samples of student work along with you and I definitely plan on incorporating this into my visits.
Hi Fiona
Sometimes a little extra handholding helps the student get over fears and barriers. And as the placement staff, you learn what may be missing in your employment skills training and placement services. It's about customer service. Your student is your customer.
Best wishes, Susan
