Placement/Student Services Dept.
Hi Susan,
Some career schools we have spoken with have placement modules as a distinct curriculum component. We would need to extend our programs to include additional placement related instruction, unless we added it as an optional class. Yet, I wonder if the students who most need this placement related training will indeed take an additional class if it isn't required.
Thanks, Karl
Len,
Good point that the use of words defines expectations of the service. Placement does sound like a one time event while career services says ongoing and service. As to lifetime service, we think that career services for Alumni has to be geared for grads who want to get to the next level at work or help those who lost their jobs and need to re-define themselves. The lifetime career services has to be defined. You are right. Services has many faces depending on the varied needs of the individuals. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
HI,
Seems a lot of folks refer to Career Services as "Placement Services." I have seen to many times when this is used, graduates seem to have this understanding of a "one time deal" for placement. They see this in their minds eye or they have been told that Placement is for one time so do not tell the school you have a job, if you do tell them, then the school will not help you again. So, with that being said my school has been in the practice of saying Career Services as that is exactly what it is "Career Services", for the lifetime. We supply leads for those who do not have jobs, those that do, those that have been employed and lost their jobs for one reason or another. Even assist them with their resumes. This is on going and it is a pleaure to help these folks and they see this and tell other graduates, so therfore they are not afraid to tell us they have employment.
Hi Michelle
Sounds great. When an entire class is devoted to employment skills it puts the right emphasis on the job search task. And students gain the competencies they need. We have discovered that it takes a lot of training and not just a workshop or two for the student to really know what the job search process is all about. And gain confidence. Great, Susan
Our school requires that each student participates in a class that teaches each of them how to write a resume, cover letter, follow-up letter, even a resignation letter. They also have to do a mock-interview as their final.
HI Rob
Well said. It is great PR value plus admissions value plus retention value when the Placement Department is seen as super professional and "the" place to go to for qualified candidates. It involves students, grads, and employers. All are sources for new students plus job openings. Thanks, Susan
I love the Lifetime Resume Support idea. Perfect from a PR and sales standpoint. It will also help the employers locate students with past experience. This way, schools have experienced and inexperienced students to place. More credibility in the Placement Department is a win-win for everyone involved.
Hi Jacquelyn
What's in the resume writing and job search courses? Any way to turn them into workshops that students can also attend? What about self study workbooks and study halls with other students or grads available to help those who need some extra handholding?
Susan
Our longterm courses have a resume writing and job search component within their curriculm. It's a great place to start when the students reach the placement office. I would highly recommend the concept.
Hi Candace
We always recommend a required Career or Employment Skills class. It is true, students are at various levels when they enter. So why not have projects that can be completed at the student's individual pace. The really prepared student can go through quickly and complete more advanced projects such as negotiating salary, etc. Everyone has a minimum of basic projects that must be completed. So there should be no complainers.
Best wishes
Susan
Our college also provides a Career Focus class and we feel it is vital for the graduate to be to really particiate in these classes. You will have that 1 student who complains about it and thinks it is a waste of time but when they make it to the Placement office they realize how much they have learned and how important the class really is. The class really prepares them for their visit to the Placement Office and it backs up what we as Career Counselors stress to them about professionalism and confidence in themselves as well as their job search. You would be surprised how many students would take it even if it was not part of their curriculm.
Thanks Teresa. The basic employment skills are vital. We also find that teaching salary negotiation is useful. And job retention and advancement skills.
Best wishes
Susan
I do job placement. We also have a required exit class called Business Communications. I teach part of that class. So, what I don't teach on a one-on-one basis, I teach in the class. I am currently into my 2 semester teaching this and it has been a great opportunity to expound upon what's most important. The resume, cover letter, interviewing, thank-you letters and job retention. Another teacher focuses on the student's demo reel and the software Dream Weaver for developing his or her website that is linked to our website. Their site will include the resume, general cover letter, and demo reel. Perfect! Otherwise, they don't do these things properly.
Hi Hildie
That's the goal. Integrate placement awareness into the students environment as soon as possible.
Susan
Thanks--it is a very usefull course and it gets the students working with the placement department before graduation.
Hi Hildie
The required career course sounds like a great idea. And it sounds like word has travelled that it is a worthwhile course.
Best wishes
Susan
Our college offers a caree focus class and it is required for all majors, it is worth 2 credits. It is a great seller becuase the students know that they will graduate with a completed cover letter and resume. They also work on interviewing skills and we have professionals from the industry come in and conduct mock interviews.
Karl,
Adding a class is not as difficult as it may seem. We just added a 40 hour career develoment class to our curriculum and with a little creativity and teamwork between career services and education it went smooth. Things you need to consider are course length compared to program length and what kind of communication that requires with you regulatory bodies. Our changes were not substantive therefore we only had to submit a letter informing our state and accreditation agencies. It will not work with out a buy in from both education and career services but it is worth the effort.
Hi Freda Great idea to require that students take a placement module. Can you share the topics that you cover, how long the module is, and most important - the results. Thanks, Susan
Or school has a placement module and it seems to work really well. The students get a grade for it and know they must pass it to get their certificate of completions. Thanks Freda
