Get Your Students Hired
Ann,
Thank you. You make a very good point. It is an initiative that has high awareness on the campus and institutional level, but I'm not sure that we have brought that same level of awareness to the employers! It would be great to tie the employer into the rewarding of success. And perhaps select an employer to be a presenter of awards.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
The key to this approach is to make the hiring companies aware of this initiative so that they seek out the students who are highly skilled in this area and have evidence to support their level of competence. Badging can be quite successful in this arena.
Are any of you using badges with students to demonstrate soft-skill competency?
Ann Cross
Developing Soft Skills is the most challenging aspect of the institution. It starts with creating a culture of professionalism at the campus, from the beginning of enrollment. From my past employers, we had integrated an activity in each course that somehow addresses/ exercises various soft skills, whether it be communication, customer service, team work. Also, I have seen other initiatives at campuses where they create a rewards and recognition program. For example "Caught in the act" of doing something that emulates these skills. A student would be given "points" and once they accumulate a certain number, they may receive a certificate or pin as a recognition reward.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
What specifically do you do to help students with their soft-skill development?
Ann Cross
There are a few factors involved that motivate employers to hire our graduate. Highest motivator is the quality of our graduates when it comes to their soft skills. Though the relationship with the career services team assist with opening the doors between the employer and the graduate, they will not hire simply because the career services team is very helpful to them.