Kayla ,
Agreed. Do you have any best practices that you can share about networking? Since most of our students haven't done it and are uncomfortable networking, it makes sense to hold a workshop or proved material to the students so they know what to expect and have a quick guide to follow. Any examples you can share?
Sheri Leach
I liked the idea of Job Olympics as well. It would be a fun and interactive event that would give students a chance to improve their skills. I also like the prize idea of things like Thank You notes, stamps etc.
Networking Mixers-Holding mixers with alumni allows the future graduate to see and hear about a successful student. I believe networking in general can plat a huge role in the success of a campus, its student sand builds a great rapport with everyone that is involved.
Sherry,
Great idea! Maybe the staff can even participate and give their "elevator" speeches to the students!
Sheri Leach
The activity that I would like to plan for the job skills Olympics would be the elevator speech.
A friendly competition among student to see who can come up with the best speech. During most mock interviews when the students are asked, " So tell me about yourself" they typically state there age, or they will not know what to say.
Sherry,
What activity would you plan for the students during a job skills Olympics event?
Sheri Leach
The one new event programming idea that I would like to see implemented in our institution would be the Job Skills Olympics. I feel that the friendly competition will boost the students willingness to sharpen there skills, therefore making them more marketable to hiring once completing their program
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Ken ,
Do you have an example of a guest speaker that made a difference for one or more of your students?
Sheri Leach
Two stood out. First, the skills olympics is a good opportunity not only for students who are competitive by nature, but also for those who might benefit from learning how to assert themselves in a competitive environment. Second, the speaker series is a good way of helping students hear about real-workplace issues, that they may face themselves, from the people facing them today. It can be an important wake-up call.
Mario,
I suggest prizes related to jobs and employability. A portfolio cover (leather or leather-like) to use on an interview for their resume, references and awards, business card holders, a gift certificate for an on-line service to have business cards made, a pack of thank you notes and stamps, resume paper and envelopes. You can have fun with this!
Sheri Leach
Jose ,
Agreed. Don't forget to visit the Career Lounge to interact with other professionals to get their ideas on how to implement these programs and to share some of you own!
Sheri Leach
Job Olympics, sounds like fun. With friendly competition I believe the students will enjoy and learn at the same time which is most important. What type of prizes do you suggest?
During the course I was think to implement Job Skill and Program Knowledge Olympic. This will allow for the students to show what they learned in the program and thru Career Services interventions.
Felicia,
I agree with you and Missy. If they students are having fun, they will be more engaged and will learn and retain more- since they won't none fighting it! Our campuses host a Career Fest Week once a quarter. This event is for in house students and the idea is to teach the soft skills in a fun, non-threatening environment. The entire school is involved and fun activities are planned to teach the basics: dress for success fashion show, mock interviews/interview skits, resume contests, employer panels. All are planned with fun, food and prizes! The week usually ends with a job fair so the students can practice what they learned. What are other fun activities that will help teach soft skills to your students?
Sheri Leach
Hi Missy
I've job fairs before at our school, but I think I'm going to try that job skills olympics that does look like fun.
Judi, there is definitely great value to having industry professionals speak to our students and graduates. In the familiar setting of their classroom, students will feel comfortable asking questions. When they have their questions answered, they will feel more confident and ready to pursue their career. And let's face it, oftentimes Carer Services and the instructors are like mom and dad and the students don't listen hard to everything we say. But, have a guest come and deliver the message the students just may take it to heart.
Another best practice, as you mentioned, is having successful alumni speak in the classroom or at graduation. Other students will identify with them and they will feel inspired and motivated.
I know one campus that hosts a Professional Development Day the month before their nurses graduate. They invite a panel consisting of a graduate, and up to 3 employers that have openings or anticipate job openings. The employers are always different from each other. For example, a staffing agency, a long term care facility and a hospital. Each panel member speaks for 5-10 minutes about their environment and the culture of their company. The students can ask questions. Then there is a time to network and an opportunity to discuss resumes, and set up interviews times, etc. It has been so successful that each graduating class looks forward to their day, and alumni have requested to come back to be a member of the panel.
After working on this program I would like to bring in Industry speakers and Alumni Speakers. I have been a part of a nursing school for the past years and think there would be many successful nurses working in the community who would be willing to speak to classes. Also, I would like to ask the graduates to be guest speakers at the graduation ceremonies especially if they are now managers or directors. I think that way the students can meet the successful nurse and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Missy,
What idea do you have that would be a good event?
Sheri Leach
Job skills olympics--I think something like this lets the student have fun while learning and I feel that this is very very important!
Cathy,
Working so closely with the instructors/the education department is truly one way to increase overall placement rate. I appreciate that your institution has a curriculum review and follows up on areas that are needed. Let us know if you have any challenges and/or suggestions as you move forward.
Sheri Leach
