Community Partnerships
Increase level of customized employer of employer staff training.
Laura,
Engagement IS key! Motivation from the beginning and all the way thru is ideal. Have you thought about activities at specific touch points in the students life cycle? Such as, inviting an employee/alumni to come have lunch with the class in a casual environment where students are encouraged to ask questions?
Sheri Leach
Forum 1- has a thread on Alumni Associations. It discusses some successes and pitfalls others have had. I agree with that alumni relationships are important. At my school, they are some of our best employers and PAC members! Keeping them engaged is the key- I like your idea of having them speak at graduation. One thing we try to do is have them speak at orientation as well, so the new students can see someone who has been in their shoes and succeeded.
Marsha,
A best practice to follow when starting to develop community partnerships is to pick one or two groups or associations to become involved with. Then routinely attend their events. At first you may not feel you are getting anywhere, but trust that the more you go, the more familiar you will become with the other attendees and them with you. Over time you will begin to establish yourself within that organization and your network and relationships will grow.
Sheri Leach
we are currently getting more involved out in the community by attending local events
What are some new opportunities for improved partnerships you believe your institution should adopt to move forward?
Hi Lauren,
I love that you use video to develop a "library" of your guest speaking program. How do you use the video exactly? Do the videos get hosted on the school's server in a "Career Services" area of a website or the student portal? Do you have a YouTube channel and use social media to further promote these videos to students? I'd love to hear the process you have in place.
Robert Starks Jr.
We are actively looking for health fairs and mobile health clinics and other areas where our students and recent graduates can get experience by volunteering.
We have also had hiring managers from several hospital chains address our students about on-line applications and reference systems they use and we video the talks and make them available to students who did not attend.
I have not had a hiring manager say 'no' when asked it they would address a class of students about interviewing.
Lauren
Hi Sheri,
Do you have a process for determining which employers can "sponsor" classrooms? This is an interesting practice and I'm wondering how the school determines which employers can sponsor and in what manner. Can you share how this has worked?
Robert Starks Jr.
My institution tries to find other ways to assist our employer and community partners. This helps both them and us become more visible in the community. For instance, we invite them to our community open houses so they are visible to the public, we have them sponsor classrooms ( paint the room in their company colors and logos) and provide space and instructors as needed to provide further training and certification training for their company employees.
Hello Ruth,
Can you share the reasons why your institution decided chamber participation was a prioritized pursuit? What were the reasons that drove the decision to focus on Chamber participation vs. the other types of options an institution could pursue? Hearing the decision-making process could help others who may be considering this type of involvement relative to other opportunities that exist.
Robert Starks Jr.
We are increasing our networking capabilities within the community, including increased attendance at our local Chamber events.
Ann Marie,
I believe that another participant on this thread spoke in-depth on the subject. You may want to reach out to her for some ideas to help you get started!
Ann Cross
I would like to develop a bond with our alumni. They hold jobs nearby and can help recent grads find jobs. I would like to do this by creating a monthly newsletter that features alumni and their achievements, having them hold workshops, and speak at graduation ceremonies.
Anna ,
Great! Let us know how it works for you!
Ann Cross
I thought this was a great idea. I had never thought of contacting them and possibly utilizing them to assist and speak to students or graduates.
Michele,
Truthfully, employers are generally very excited to partner with you so while it requires follow-through and organization, it's fairly easy to launch!
Ann Cross
I really liked the concept of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce or other large membership entities. Talk about maximizing a students exposure to potential employers!
Jennifer,
All great approaches! Does anyone else have other approaches for which you've had a great deal of success?
Ann Cross
Celebrate the employer. During Advisory Board committees, I like to recognize employers for their continued support. We do this in simply a plaque or certificate. I also write a letter of appreciation to hiring manager's manager! That has helped with the partnership between the college and employer. Face to face visits and lunch and learns are always great partnership developers as well.
