Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Hi Carey Great strategy to involve all departments in keeping students focused on the job. How do you do that? We find that it starts in admissions. The more the admissions people know about placement success, the better they can inform the prospective students. And it starts the student thinking that getting a job is what it is all about. And that helps retention. Instructors need to know about placement efforts so they can do their part. Instructors need to bring real work experiences into class by talking about what really happens on the job and keeping students excited about… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Laura - You are definitely doing everything right. We like that fact that your management team understands the value of career services within a school. Hopefully they know the importance of community outreach as well - which is part of the placement department efforts. We hope that your department issues a newsletter of some sort to all your staff plus employers, students, and alumni. Which brings us to another important group in your school - alumni. A great source for new jobs, feedback, and students. Thanks for the input. Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Assess your placement services...

Wow, Laura. I really enjoyed reading your response. Your Placement Department sounds like our ideal! Not surprising that at the end of the "story" you reveal you are from the Staffing world. That is probably the secret! Use techniques from the recruiting sector in the school career services/placement department. And make them student friendly. Another secret is involving employers and networking and of course focus on the student needs. If you can only address one student need, we would say it is the need to gain confidence and to overcome the fear of the job search. That can be done… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Hi James Great points. Networking takes many forms. But it's all about meeting potential employers, finding out what their picture of an ideal employee is, and seeing your school as the source for staffing. Networking can happen with current employers and those who don't know about your school. Communicating will generate lots of ideas on both sides of the table. Networking can be formal - like joining appropriate organizations. It can be informal by regularly staying in touch with the business community. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Hi James, Interesting idea. Often instructors need some encouragement and how to's to set up meaningful field trips. But once you do that, the strategies can be used by all instructors. Yes, a student has to see the broad opportunities of their training and also stay focused on the industry they are training for. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Hi Roland, Interesting strategy re employers. We find, however, that it is a challenge to rate employers. Each have a variety of things to offer. Some have jobs, others are willing to volunteer to conduct mock interviews, others will mentor and offer externships and on and on. Staying in constant contact with employers and potential employers yields hundreds of benefits. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Hi Roland, Exactly right - career services needs to be a part of the students' entire school experience. After all, they enrolled in your school to learn a skill and get a job. And they need to be trained in both areas. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Very good Roland. Details about placement does belong in the admissions tour. Students do want to know exactly how the school assists them in preparing to find a job and for the job search. It's scary for them. So the more the admissions people can say about placement activities, the better. This is another reason why your career services department people need to talk to admissions on a regular basis. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

HI Roland, YOu're right. In many classes the instructors can wrap career service training around their curriculum. You're also right that employment skills training is an every day event and there are lots of fun things to plan. The goal is for students to have skills plus confidence when they are on an interview and the first day on the job. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Marketing Resources

Hi Zara Thanks for sharing great information that every school can imlement. Focusing on Internet marketing and public relations usually targets your best leads and costs the least. Helps build up referral business as well - the really best kind. We really like your formula for utilizing Advisory Boards. Not only do you benefit, but AB members feel like they are doing something wothwhile, feel of value, and are more likely to think of valuable ideas that you can use. And they are likely to stay involved. Great and thanks, Susan