Our surveys are conducted from both sides of the fence - graduates & employers. In using the outcomes of the questionnaires, we are able to measure the effectiveness of our curriculum, what areas need to be strengthened or shortened, and offer information to prospective students that is accurate and realistic (average salary, average number of days to employment, future projections for job openings, etc.)
Hi Kate and Suzanne
Getting people to respond to surveys is always a challenge. Here are a few more ideas - Link completing the survey with satisfactory completion of course. For online surveys, keep them short and let people know how long it will take. You can often increase motivation if people are told it will only take 2 minutes from their day. Also make the online surveys easy to use and access. Best wishes, Susan
Hi Kate
Good definition of measure of success. Our thought is to keep redefining and understanding it. As to surveys, it is often what you do with the information. We strongly believe the information has to be disseminated throughout the school, discussed, and then analyzed as to what changes may need to be made. Then put changes in place and measure measure measure!
Best wishes
Susan
Well, I guess I would start with my measure of success.
As per the standards, I would need to obtain initial placement data, with supplemental data at 30 and 60 days. This will keep my director happy.
In regards to the employers, I think success might be measured by supplying well-trained and prepared students who become long-term employees. This would keep them coming back to us in the future.
In regards to the students, perhaps success would depend upon their level of overall satisfaction with the training and preparation they received in relation to their career goals.
It becomes apparent, especially from reading the other posts, that surveys are definitely not "one-size-fits-all".
Kate T.
Hi Suzanne,
One tool we used to improve our survey responses (albeit in a different environment) was to utilize on-line survey sites. We would compose the survey on-line and send the link it to our participants via their e-mail addresses.
Some of the sites will allow you to track your response statistics for free or at a nominal cost. It has been a while since I used one, but a Google search should bring up some options.
Kate T.
Hi Kimberly and everyone
Email us and we will send you a sample survey for employers. susan@susanfschulz.com
I would like to see a sample survey for employers who have hired graduates. Also, would like to see a sample survey to graduates MIA. This would be a great help to my organization. I could use it and tailor it to fit our needs. Please leave your email address and or phone number if you are willing to help out a colleague.
Great Michele,
How do you use the results? Who does the information get sent to? And what changes have you made? Also have you asked employers to take any roles at the school such as give presentations, hold mock interviews, etc.
Best wishes, Susan
We do Graduate Surveys, Post-Graduate Surveys and Employer Surveys which keeps contact with Graduates in addition to calling Graduates to check on job status.
You're right. The surveys will also help to measure the success of the placement department.
Thanks Susan!
Deloris
Hi Deloris
Great that you require the surveys before you hand out the degrees. It's a way to keep up with student's contact info. Continuing to send surveys provides info and helps to keep up with new addresses. It's not fail safe but helps.
Best wishes
Susan
The only surveys I have been using are the Graduate Application/Survey for students to complete in order to receive their degree and an exit interview that updates student address, phone number, and employment info before they graduate. But after reading this forum, I will begin survey students on career services as well as graduates once they are working in field in order to better measure job retention success.
Thanks!
Deloris
HI Krista
Great survey plan. You're getting students used to completing surveys. Maybe it helps to motivate them to have something good to say. What's also important is to evaluate the surveys, distribute results, and make changes using the data.
Best wishes
Susan
We give out surveys after every module that evaluate their classes and the services from the school. After reading this module I think I will include more questions related to their career goals also. We also set up appointments a month before they graduate to get updated information and to discuss one on one where they would like their career to go. From their we try to follow up weekly until they are working and then monthly from there on out. We do a lot of this by phone. I think using surveys would help a lot more.
Hi Hildie
What you have pointed out so well is that one has to use many strategies to reach the goal.
Thanks
Susan
Susan depends some times we get an over whelming response another time hardly anything.
Thank you Susan--I have been able to get more out of people face to face. I have thought about setting up a table with free things like pens to get their attention and talk to them as they visit the table.
Hi Sheila
Thanks for sharing the information. You certainly provided many ways to easily contact you plus an incentive. How much did it increase responses? Another idea is to include the survey on your website. That's even easier. And make the survey easy to use while getting the info you want.
best wishes
Susan
Hi Hildie/Susan
Here at our school we sent out an alumni letterto remind the grad of our continuing interestin there career progress.along with a survey form so we can update our records. a postage paid envlope, is included in the mailing, my email address, 800 phone number and my direct line and also the fax number. we included this last time a coupon they could use to have a service done if they responed back within the date range we set up.
Hi Hildie
Really great idea to survey students with the questions you posed. Now the challenge is to get responses. It's not easy. Traditionally people don't like to respond to surveys. It's a pain. So what to do? Keep asking in a variety of ways. Make it painless. Keep asking often. Figure out how to motivate students. Ask them when you see them in the hall. It's the information you want. Any way you can get it.
Anyone have techniques that work to improve survey responses?
Best wishes
Susan
