Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Yes, Stephen. A placement department can positively impact on the entire school. It does take cooperative effort. The means meeting with the admissions people regularly to tell them about where grads work and giving them concrete information. It means talking to employers to be sure that grads are ready to work and have the needed skills and knowledge. We don't think the placement department should tell teachers how to teach. Rather it is important to tell the education department how the curriculum may need to be enhanced. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

HI Darlene, Very interesting situation. Here are some ideas we came up with to address the realities of the economy. 1. Alert prospective students that they may have to look beyond Jacksonville for employment and that they might have to be creative like working a few days away from home each week. 2. Talk with employers who are at a distance and who may need court reporters. Ask them about incentives they can provide to your grads. 3. Ask employers to visit your school and talk about the benefits of living in their area. Hope this starts to generate a… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Hi Darlene, Your comments made us think that new students really don't know what they don't know about the job search process. They get "distracted" by focusing on school work and it probably feels safe for the moment. Another reason why early reason persistent placement skills intervention is important. Not sure what the terminoloyg "upper speed" students means. Can you explain. Are you also suggesting that you need to contact potential employers outside of your immediate geographical range? Does it make sense to contact employers where students say they want to locate? Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

HI Gloria Very effective way to make the point. Yes, people enroll in school to get a job. Students and staff all get distracted from that goal. That's why we urge career services to start the first day of class. Students need to be learning and practicing employment skills in the same way they are learning subject matter and skills for their new careers. Admissions reps and faculty all need to keep the job search in mind throughout the student's experience. Best wishes, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Hi Melanie, Very good points. The goal in marketing is to constantly evaluate how things are working. How many inquiries come through TV, for example and how qualified are they? You could get a lot of leads but enroll no one. The most important start is to determine who your ideal market is. Then you are figure how how to reach them. And of course to reach them as much as possible through publicity and public relations efforts. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Hi Lena Sounds like a great class. We like the idea that students must dress for success. It really does take time to put together the right outfit for the industries you are training for. Many students don't have an interview outfit so it's important to have resources where they can get the right business outfit at little or no cost. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Hi Lena We think that every company in town that has jobs related to your training programs should be contacted. Many may already be employers. Others will learn about your school. Offer to visit them or come to your school to see first-hand what you are doing. For those who employ your students, ask them what they think of the grad in terms of skills and knowledge. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Hi Aram Our theory is that it takes time to put an effective and comprehensive public relations campaign in place. But once done then any one on staff can do it. It can be handled by the receptionist. The key is to spend the time and money up front. The workbook provided already has all the details and how-to's. It just takes a few people to customize it to your school. The secret to success is spend the time to do it once and do it right. Create all the systems, procedures, forms, etc. Then you can hire a temp… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

HI Emily, Lots of great reasons to start career services early on. It does take time to build skills and gain confidence. And you are right that it can't happen at the last minute. Students need to integrate placement "homework" into their daily lives so it's part of what they do each day. Practice takes time. And little by little confidence levels increase. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

HI Aggie This is a great list and all activities are do-able by most schools. We feel there should be 20 or more employment skills training activities that students are required to complete. It's important to have a long list to choose from since some students have more skills than others. Each student can have a customized plan to help fill in the areas they need to focus on. Thanks for the list. Susan