Susan,
Very good point. Soft skills are important. How are they best taught and practiced in a career school? The answer is probably everywhere - classroom, workshops, by example, and more. It has to be in the consciousness of everyone on staff. Great to offer to alumni as well. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think it's important for students to learn soft skills in addition to technical skills. Soft skills like critical thinking, analysis and problem solving are characteristics which are valuable in any work environment and what employers are looking for in new employees. Generally, employees with these skills are more valuable because they can receive on-the-job training, but teaching soft skills is more labor intensive. Additionally, by honing these soft skills, graduates will be better equipped to answer questions and present confidence in various situations. All of these skills can be worked into a variety of courses and provide lifelong learning skills.
Janet,
You are right that instructors have a lot of responsibility in the job search process. This means talking about how skills and competencies learned in class are applied to the job. Not all instructors know how to do this. In fact, we think very few. For that reason they need to be taught and asked to share with each other the best job search projects in the classroom. thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think that instructors already come to us with job search projects for students. I am so glad that they care enough to do that because it makes our job easier. When the whole staff cares about the students success, it makes for a good working environment and that's what we have.
SHIKIRA,
Great. Are you referring to resume skill building in every classroom or just workshops taught by career services? We think the answer should be to focus on career services within every classroom plus special workshops held regularly and required. This means teaching instructors how to bring career services into every and any class. It means workshops that every student must attend. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
As the current career placement and externship director, I ensure that resume building techniques are always challenged within the classroom. I create short quizzes or even crossword puzzles. The students enjoy the challenges and in turn they enhance their writing. This is very helpful when the time comes for resume building.
nicolas,
That's an interesting approach. Volunteering can be run as formally as externships. The goal is for the student to have meaningful work and be evaluated. Upon completion the volunteer experience should enhance the grad's resume. Thanks. Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think encouraging them to volunteer is a great way to get thru that hurdle i will say don't loose focus on the possibility of relatable skill make sure to vent out those skills that are essential to the job your graduates are trying to get and those jobs they have already had. I find it best to harp on those skills when selling graduates to an employer that might not fit the experience need
Julie,
Great tips, Julie. These ideas are all great. Since students spend so much time with their instructors we feel a lot of employment awareness and training needs to go on in the classroom. Sometimes it is a mind set where the instructor always talks about how a skill is used in the workplace. Instructors need to be working in the field. Therefore they can talk about the day-to-day joys and frustrations of the job. Alumni can assist in the classroom and throughout the school. They are very believable and knowledgeable when they talk about the job search process and preparation. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
1. Find jobs using the bls.gov website (for example) and look at necessary skills needed, education needed, pay rate to expect and job outlook.
2. Develop online job searching profiles on major sites including CareerBuilder, Monster, local employment agencies, Indeed, etc.
3. Shop online for a professional wardrobe that fits your budget - develop a wardrobe for 1 week
4. SOFT SKILLS - ANYTHING TO DO WITH SOFT SKILLS.
Linnet,
Good points. We think that instructors have many many opportunities to talk about life on the job while they are in the classroom. Both theory and skills can be presented explaining how the skills and knowledge are used in the workplace. The joys and frustrations of work need to be talked about. When you make career skills an everyday focus grads will have the skills and comfort level needed for the job search process. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
A good way would be to teach them in the classroom how to talk to the patient/client, teach them how to manipulate the accesories that they would need to use once they start working in that field, this way they can be prepare for any kind of job.
Loni,
Job shadowing or volunteering, apprenticeships, or other ways to get work experience is always great. Job shadowing takes someone to shadow! That is why it is important to stay in touch with Alumni. They can help. Volunteering or externship type experiences give students the opportunity to gain resume-worthy experience. Often students are hired from the externship site. Great ideas. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Stephan ,
Great idea Steve. This gets students used to learning about the job opportunities in their area or wherever they want to work. You may have students who go to your school but intend to work elsewhere. It sounds like you are giving them the job search skills to apply anywhere. You are also helping them look at the job opportunities and evaluate the type of business they want to work for. Is it a large company or small? Or a department within another organization. Very good idea. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Job Shadowing or volunteering
One of the job search projects I use and give my students to use is yahoo local. It is a great place to start a search and to send resumes looking at the local businesses in your area.
Ronda,
This is a great idea. You also show how important instructors are in helping students understand the world of work. We believe that instructors must talk about how skills learned in the classroom are used on the job. This helps students pre live what life on the job will be like. It increases retention too. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Many of our instructors will walk students how to set up a Career Builder or Monster account by using the overhead projector and setting up an account for themselves, or asking a student to volunteer. This way each of them can see what to expect.
Jesus,
Yes, instructors, all staff, and alumni are all part of the career placement focus. Students can learn from each person associated with the school. Instructors can talk about how they use their skills on the job. Alumni can talk about the job search process, what it is like on first days at the job, and many other skills to successfully get placed. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I think the instructor can help the the career placement with the interviewing the student and teaching them how to communicate during a interview.
