Community Partnerships

Public

Discussion:

Kathy,

Budget is a real issue that many institutions face. I think if you brainstorm with others, you can identify events that serve your goals and don't break the bank. Let me give you an example simply to hopefully spark your own ideas. Here's an example with a ground campus as the scenario (and I'm giving you the short version vs. explaining all the reasons why one might choose this particular type of intervention strategy):

Potential Career Problem: The majority of the student population needs to practice "professional" skills that influence employability
Narrow the problem: Among "professional skills," networking and interacting in a social setting is something students fear and most demonstrate anxiety, thus, they may be reluctant to network which is critical to their employability.

Solution: Design an event to teach and allow students to practice "networking" in a safe environment where they can feel comfortable if they "mess up." and considers budget constraints
Event Intervention: Have a "Dress for Success" day at the school in which everyone (staff and students) dress professionally. During certain periods of time during the day, hold "mock" networking events in an adequate space in which students interact with Career Services staff and other students, faculty, staff and practice social skills. The career advisors can provide feedback on-the-spot and talk about the types of opening questions one might ask when approaching a stranger, etiquette when greeting someone, etc. Handouts can be provided and perhaps a single prize that is raffled off at the end of the event. The only cost in this scenario might be the printing of handouts and the purchase of a raffle prize. To make it more fun, you might hook up a radio or something to have music and depending on budget, pass out popcorn or something "low-cost."

Really, there are endless ideas and one is limited only by their imagination. But, if you design your events with focused intent to address specific challenges and get others involved, you can still be effective.

Robert Starks Jr.

Kathy, Budget is a real issue that many institutions face. I think if you brainstorm with others, you can identify events that serve your goals and don't break the bank. Let me give you an example simply to hopefully spark your own ideas. Here's an example with a ground campus as the scenario (and I'm giving you the short version vs. explaining all the reasons why one might choose this particular type of intervention strategy): Potential Career Problem: The majority of the student population needs to practice "professional" skills that influence employability Narrow the problem: Among "professional skills," networking and interacting in a social setting is something students fear and most demonstrate anxiety, thus, they may be reluctant to network which is critical to their employability. Solution: Design an event to teach and allow students to practice "networking" in a safe environment where they can feel comfortable if they "mess up." and considers budget constraints Event Intervention: Have a "Dress for Success" day at the school in which everyone (staff and students) dress professionally. During certain periods of time during the day, hold "mock" networking events in an adequate space in which students interact with Career Services staff and other students, faculty, staff and practice social skills. The career advisors can provide feedback on-the-spot and talk about the types of opening questions one might ask when approaching a stranger, etiquette when greeting someone, etc. Handouts can be provided and perhaps a single prize that is raffled off at the end of the event. The only cost in this scenario might be the printing of handouts and the purchase of a raffle prize. To make it more fun, you might hook up a radio or something to have music and depending on budget, pass out popcorn or something "low-cost." Really, there are endless ideas and one is limited only by their imagination. But, if you design your events with focused intent to address specific challenges and get others involved, you can still be effective. Robert Starks Jr.