Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

We agree. One of the first questions an applicant has is - where are the jobs? or Will I get a job? That's one of many reasons to demonstrate that your school offers great placement services. If you list on your website all the career services activities and requirements that can very well put you ahead of the competition. A great school is not just about its programs. It's about the student services it offers and we think that's where it is possible to show that your's are better than the school down the street. It's important to offer career… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Thanks for the update. In our office we have eliminated the words "try" and "wait." OK. We do wait a bit. Sometimes. But we always follow follow follow.If we waited for everyone to return the call their attention would be on something else. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Very well put, Christina. Placement does make a measurable impact on enrollments, retention, and placement. Few schools track this. When you do, you can see that the Placement Department can be a profit center. It is also true that every student needs to be kept motivated. This is typically by keeping their eyes on their employment prospects. They need to be reminded that the goal is to get a job and the school is prepared to provide a great deal of assistance so the grad has the skills and confidence to enter the job search market. A satisfied customer (student)… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Seems like there are many opportunities as a result of requiring a resume right away. You are starting the job search process early on rather than waiting for the last day of class. From the resumes you can see what employers in the community are hiring, in case you don't have them all. Then you can develop relationships with these employers for future job openings and training needs. Those employers might even offer tuition assistance! And yes, there are many ways to conduct a successful community outreach campaign including attendance at networking events like community organizations - Lions, Rotary, etc.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Great idea. Seems like your checklist is a way to build a resume. Also helps students understand all their skills and knowledge so they can easily discuss them during interviews. This seems also really helpful for the person who may have recently lost a job and feels as if it might have been because of lack of certain expertise. The checklist can show them who they are professionally in black and white. And point to where more training or skills may be needed. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Good points, Suzanne. Most students seek career training with one driving question - where are the jobs? And will I get employment? We think that a career services representative should be involved in the admissions process. New students need to know that they will have the skills for the job search process. They don't always realize they need the confidence as well. Confidence building takes time. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Great points, Suzanne. Placement and career services can increase enrollments, keep students in school (retention) and increase job openings. Also impact on placement and assist grads setting up shop on their own. Yes, it is about branding, too. You want your community to see your school as THE source for training and for meeting their staffing needs. Career services reps who are out there in the community can learn about job openings before they are posted and identify learning competencies that are needed by companies. Then you have the opportunity to design new training programs to meet these needs. Thanks,… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Good idea to start off with current employers. It's important to develop a formal relationship and then maintain it by keeping in touch and finding out how you can solve their staffing needs. Good idea also about the wish list of employers who will also hire your grads. But the missing step is to contact these employers as well. We believe in reaching out to the community and really involving the employers. Work with them and there will be many benefits. Like jobs before they post them, feedback about curriculum, ideas for new training needs, and lots more. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Great idea Cary. When you think about it, the first question most leads ask is - where are the jobs? It may make sense to include a career services person in the admissions office. Also for career services to connect with the applicant and parents, as applicable, to provide placement information from the start. Also we see many schools offering a complete list of job titles and job descriptions on their websites, for all the programs they offer. Placement information impacts on enrollment, retention, and graduation. And of course getting the job! Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Sounds very detailed Alvin. You show the student how to feel like a professional down to the clean car. It's almost like you provide transformational skills so the student does turn into a confident job seeker. There are many subtle skills to teach students as they are completing their course work. These skills take a while to be integrated into the students' mindset so they can act confidently. Good points. Thanks, Susan