Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Viola, We also believe that Career Services should be stressed in the classroom. We see great results when teachers talk about life on the job everyday and relate how skills learned in class are used in the workplace. Often instructors have to be taught how to do that. We think that career services is more than just a course. It helps when workshops are given throughout training and students are mentored by Alumni. Also workshops and other offerings are best when required. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Viola, Wow. You have a great Career Services department. My guess is your placement rate is great. It sounds like you do a lot of hand-holding, which we think is needed to help students be successful. They enroll because they need all the skills plus self confidence. Self confidence takes a long time. We also believe in the power of externships. It gives students on the job training, adds to their resumes, and provides an extended job interview to possible employers. Thanks Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Donna, We also believe that great placement rates and career services enhances admissions and enrollment. Students go to school for a job. They want to know about all the help they will get as a student. Great placement rates also impact retention. Students see they it is likely they will get a job and succeed. All they have to do is be sure they successfully complete every course. People feel good when they know they can accomplish the goal - getting great employment. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Jorge, Yes, enrollment is about getting a job. To us this means that all staff and faculty need to keep students focused on the goal - employment in the field for which they train. Everyone has to understand the requirements of the job and what life at the workplace is all about. It takes everyone talking about work, how to successfully train, and how to integrate the process into ones life. Students need a lot of handholding in the process. We don't think there is anything wrong with that. The student is the customer and our aim is their satisfaction.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Viola, We also agree that there is a direct relationship between Admissions and Placement. In fact we think the offices should be together! If not a prospective student should definitely spend time with career services staff when interviewing. Placement numbers certainly do tell the story about your school and student success. Interesting point about willingness to pay back loans when employed. There are lots of reasons. You point to the fact that grads feel they got their money's worth. Very good point. Yes, our students have to be happy customers! It sounds like students at your school spend a lot… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Amanda, It sounds like you are overcoming many challenges that surround hiring people with challenges. You are educating employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. You are training your grads to be work ready. You are communicating with employers to learn exactly what they need and possibly training they will need in the future. It sounds like you have a great community outreach program that benefits employers, your school, graduates, and the entire community. Thanks Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Amanda, This is great. It sounds like your required courses cover all the employment skills needed. In addition, the courses are spaced out so students have time to absorb and use the materials. The challenge of disabilities seems to have made you all more creative in what you do to train students to be successful in the job search process. We think internships are valuable for any and every program. Students gain confidence and experience. Employers can enjoy a long interview process for their possible new hire. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Amanda, Great that you are looking at prospective students carefully to see if they qualify. Assessment are great. When students are qualified for your program they are more likely to complete. When they understand the jobs they are training for the more likely they will get placed. We agree that career services starts at the time of enrollment. Students must be constantly reminded they are in school to train for a job. There is work to be done, projects to complete and their confidence has to develop. It all takes time and work. Thanks Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Amanda, Very good points Amanada. We totally agree that the Placement/Career Services Department is key to school and student success. All students in career schools enroll with the expectation of being 100% prepared to successfully seek employment. That means that almost as much time should be spent on employment skills training as training time in the career. Internships and paid supervised employment is essential to produce a work-ready graduate. The practical experience helps the student gain skills, familiarity with a real workplace, and the confidence for the job search. To seek funding,to meet regulatory requirements, and satisfy student expectations it… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Can a Realistic Budget Affect Growth?

Roselyn, This sounds great although there are many approaches. Having a 20% contingency does help to head off mis judgment. The goal is to have everyone involved in the budget and planning process. Then have everyone agree to commit to and and follow it. Frequent meetings are important to determine how everyone is doing and what changes might need to be made. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz