Detailed, legible, and clearly-understood (no slang or excessive abbreviation) case notes are essential. I really like the MAPP method because it shows a clear progression of the advising process and captures the student response from start to end. Providing a well-documented case history is the best way to ensure continuity between advisors, understand how to better assist the student over time, and protect the institution in legal matters when necessary. 

Student participation is a crucial part of the "collection" step in the Employment Verification process. Students are more likely to participate in a program when they have clear expectations for their role in the program and an understanding of why they are participating. My responsibility is to ensure students understand what specific types of assistance Career Services provides, in terms of meeting their short-term employment goals, as well as providing an expectation for their active participation to ensure our mutual success. Proper documentation is essential for accountability purposes here.

Once the student file is complete and they are considered properly… >>>

Schools need to clearly define "placement," which should align with applicable regulations or accreditation requirements. When the institutions ensure that their reporting employees are on the same page about what placement is and is not, it reduces the inconsistencies in reported data and ensures credibility of the organization and integrity of their programs. Maintaining detailed case notes when interviewing students on their journey to employment or failure to participate in employment activities is also important for protecting the school in the event of a lawsuit, which can be costly to settle. My primary responsibility is to ensure I understand the… >>>

Employment outcomes are an important metric that helps measure the quality and effectiveness of an institution's education programs. These employment outcomes are used by:

A) Institutions, to determine whether to adopt, continue or discontinue certain programs

B) Students, to decide which schools are worth their financial investment

C) Accreditation agencies, to ensure HEIs are meeting acceptable standards of quality in eduction

D) Legislators, to determine which HEIs should receive funding for greatest ROI

As a career services advisor, my ability to report employment data that is both accurate and verifiable has a direct influence on the processes and decisions listed… >>>

Building a relationship with the students is a plus when helping to assist them.  

I think being able to use my own experience with the assessments would help me nurture other's strengths.

I feel like focusing on strengths is a great way to build a positive and collaborative relationship with a person. It show that you see them, that you are in their corner, and that you believe in their success.

Specificity matters - in resume skills, cover letter experiences, and references. Thoughtfulness reflection of what to connect to each job posting can elevate application documents.

I've learned more about the importance of networking and student outreach in the job search. I was surprised that 50% of available jobs are not advertised. I feel many students have a good handle on reading job postings and creating a supported application, but struggle with making the first contact to inquire about positions. Leaning on students' networks and focusing on professional communication can be helpful tips to share with students.

As a Career Advisor, the goal is to help the student recognize what goals are obtainable. It's easy for someone to become discouraged if they try to reach certain goals and they don't succeed. Sometimes it's best to help them start small or take the goals 1 goal at a time to ensure they reach them.