Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Hi Peter, This is really great. Thanks for the details. There is so much PR you can get our of the Career Corner. Does your entire staff know about this offering? Seems that each could be reinforcing student participation in it. The more you review the more information you'll have about what is working and what needs tweaking. Thanks again for sharing. Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Operating With Limited Resources

Hi Peter, This is so great. Sounds like students can work on skills they need help in. Do any need direction? For example, do you list the activities they should work on or resources they should use and in priority order? How do you evaluate effectiveness of use? How do you get students to actually use the Career Corner? Do you have a required number of sessions or a required number of activities each student must complete? Does any staff review their progress, make suggestions, and see if they have questions? You are right, a Career Corner is a great… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Eric, We also agree that placement services start on day one. But we feel that the placement people have to be pro active and actually start with keeping in touch with admissions. Let the admissions reps know current placement stats and exactly what services placement provides. A placement staff person might even be part of the admissions process. Then students need to be taught employment and job research skills on a daily basis. And be reminded in every class exactly why they are studying certain skills and theory and how it applies to the job they will get upon graduation.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Yes, Eric. We believe that placement services impact on admissions, retention, student satisfaction, and of course job placement. The efforts of the Career Services department also impact on the image of the school. Imagine employers looking to your school as THE school for the best employees. It takes a lot of community outreach as well as great employment and confidence skill building. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Marketing Resources

Hi Christopher You bring up a lot of great points. One is that TV and radio are not for every school. And both are quite expensive. Also it is important to measure which methods give you the best results and return on investment. Also that it is important to focus on just a few marketing strategies at a time to ensure you are implementing them effectively. So it was great that you bring up the point of spreading too thin. Referrals are still the best way to fill classes. It takes a customer care state of mind throughout your school.… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Hi Jeff, Yes, you have identified some challenges. We also agree that an inside PR person makes more sense and behaps with a bit of outside consulting depending on what kind of projecta you are launching. Perhaps someone in student services can also be given the PR responsibilities and then they be given some help. It is certainly less expensive than hiring an outside firm. And changes and initiatives can be put in place quickly. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Hi Christine, Yes, word of mouth is the best form of marketing. It saves marketing dollars and encourages interested students to enroll. Word of mouth is not as easy as it seems. This implies that the school has great "customer" service and has many strategies in place to ensure that the student is successful. It does take keeping in touch with grads, alumni, and the community and maintaining a great image. It takes everyone on staff to work effectively to ensure word of mouth referrals. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Getting the Word Out

Hi Christopher, Good points about all the opportunities from your website. There are several marketing companies that specialize in websites for schools. In addition to great information students can be called when they request info, there can be automated testimonials of students and grads, live chats online with admissions reps and students and grads, and lots more. The more information and the more accessible your school seems, then the more likely a prospect will feel comfortable contacting you. You're on a great path to success and communication with a broad constituency. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

HI Carey Great strategies to network with grads, staff, and more for names of employers. Of course it would be nice if the employers were currently hiring. But the strategy is the same. Develop relationships with them, get their feedback, be sure they know you as a resource for staffing, get them to volunteer as mentors and coaches and send their employees to your school for training. Then keep in touch. We think all employers are listworthy. They are of value whether they hire your grads or not. Great ideas. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Hi Carey This is great - using instructors as part of the placement process. We believe that instructors should talk about life on the job and interlace talk about work throughout their teaching. Students have to be reminded daily that what they learn in class is what they need to be successful on the job. It's a great idea for the instructor to write references for the students. Often this is the only reference the student will have. And we like that you give placement presentations in classes ( is that for each course?) 4 times a term or session.… >>>