Angela Carswell

Employee and student feedback is extremely important especially if there were connections made that the Career Services team should be aware of.  Every time the event takes place, there should be revisions that align with the preferences of the employers.  I also intend to make sure the students know that the employers are providing a service by appearing on campus and they should be appreciative, professional, and prepared.

The elevator speech is a great tactic to master.  I have been preparing students for the interview, making sure they are prepared to "tell the interviewer about themselves" and storyboard their strengths and weakness.  Industry partners validate my engagement with the students and visit campus to help with mock interviews in anticipation of the career fair.

I managed Student Affairs teams in the past and we promoted, organized, and hosted several Career Fairs.  This will be the first at a brand new campus so we don't have the ability to "rinse and repeat".  This particular course is very helpful in that is has provided the tools that will streamline our process--specifically gaining buy-in from different departments to "man" the various segments of the event.  I am very optimistic about having students assist and creating environments for on the spot interviews and a hospitality area for breaks.  In addition to student surveys, I want to get employer… >>>

Campuswide buy in is critical to the success of a career fair.  I am most excited about the idea of virtual interactions with employers.  This way, we can give the evening students the opportunity to engage even though most employers who come will not be willing to stay for evening hours.

Proper communication reveals who possesses emotional intelligence.  It's very difficult to reverse poor communication style because people often remember how you made them feel, even if the language was appropriate.  I really liked the part in our lesson that explains the importance of "owning your own contribution".  Small adjustments to the way a message is delivered demonstrates that there is mutual respect.  

This module is very helpful, and most specifically on considering interview questions from "the inside out".  If students are led to think critically about the reason why specific questions are asked, it will help them formulate stronger answers.  Moreover, if they consider the types of questions they would ask if they were behind the desk, it would give them a fuller understanding of why all of the unwritten rules are important--soft skills, professionalism, timeliness, honesty, etc.

Great information to share with the students!  This module helps to think critically about the various methods, strategies, and creative ways to look beyond the qualification or the responsibility, but the actual skill that can be transferrable even if they are moving into a new skillset.  I am building talking points right now about the importance of networking and what we've learned here was exceptionally helpful.

Student jobs search is an intentional action that starts well before the interview.  The first contact, whether it be in person or digital is extremely important.  The lasting impression is the first impression.  There are several online resources and the students may be overwhelmed by all of the options, but it's important to narrow the search and focus on the resources that apply to their industry, interests, location, and aspirations.

I thought it was interesting to take the audience into consideration when it comes to "how" to deliver the data.  Also, it's important to understand how the data and outcomes build reputation, create predictable partnerships, and help students, stakeholders, employers, and other partners have foresight about what to expect based on what was produced historically.

The Career Services department cannot simply rinse and repeat--we have to be aware of the changes in the job market and prepare to adapt to those changes.