Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Hi Mary, Sounds like a perfect plan. Are students required to attend all or the workshops or a certatin number of them? What kind of placement results do you have? Do you track job retention and job success? Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Hi Mary You've got it. You are right that placement impacts on the success of the school. And effective placement activities provide many public relations and community outreach opportunities. Imagine if every employer looked to your school as their staffing agency! Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Hi Jolyn, Really great ideas. Communicating with employers and potential employers on a regular basis is essential. It's important to let them know you want to know what their needs are in a work ready employee. Offering CEUs to meet their needs brings people to your school. And a newsletter is great as long as it is short and every article is of value. Thanks

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Jolyn, Job search projects are vital. They can be integrated into many courses and also presented as a separate employment skills course or a series of workshops. Most important is that the projects be part of the school experience throughout the student's training program. Placement activities have to go hand-in-hand with occupational skills training. Placement is not a last minute event. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Good comments, Jolyn. Students need to know about placement services right from the start. Much better than waiting until the end of the student's program and before a chance of dropping out. You are right that a relationship with the placement department staff is essential. It is the personalized attention that helps to customize a program for each student. In this way each student has the missing skills needed for the job search process. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Sounds like you are getting great results from great effort, Diane. We like the idea of the 21 hour course and the fact that you figured out that stronger resume and mock interview assistance would make a difference in placement. It's really great that students are playing their interview CDs over and over. Maybe you can create CDs with ideal interviews that you create or typical problems and how to handle them. Staying in touch with grads who are on the job is always a challenge. And if you have other responsibilities it's very difficult. But imagine having verified information… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

HI Diane It sounds like employment skills training is threaded throughout the student's experience at your school. And starting with admissions. That is so great. It also sounds like you require students to complete assignments. That is also great. In that way students know that preparing for and getting a job is as important as success in each course. They hopefully learn that getting ready to seek a job is a learning experience where you are the resource but it is up to them to do the "homework." How are your placement stats? What about job retention and job advancement?… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Getting the Word Out

HI Vicky, You have great plans for applying the concepts. You have identified the rules of following up. In our experience a lead has to be followed at least 7 times - in 7 different ways. Looks like you have a plan. Now it is important to measure results. What do leads respond to? How long does it take? What doesn't work at all? There are many strategies that can be put in place to reach quality leads that don't take a lot of money. Or take planning a really great budget. Very good, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

Good points, Gustavo. We also think that students are a little afraid of the placement department. So the more they know you and what you offer the easier it is for them to connect. We think students aren't always sure what you offer and how you fit into the whole school experience. So the more they understand the benefits of career services, the more likely they will want to meet with you. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

HI Jack, Great formula for a career services department. We also agree that successful career services is persistent, consistent, and starts from before the time the student is even enrolled. And continues long after graduation. It makes great customer service sense and impacts on continued enrollment and referral business. This formula is one that impacts on great retention figures also. We really believe that the level of career services offerings determines the success of the school. A good reason to have a great outcomes assessment plan in place. Thanks, Susan