Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Really great to have a staffing company do a presentation. You might want to review their presentation and coach them a bit on your students and the careers they are training for. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Hi Crystelyn, YOu have made excellent points. The Placement Department impacts on everything going on at the school. In addition to increasing enrollments, retention, and student success, the placement department can serve as community outreach for the school. The more employers know about your school and your staffing services, the more they will see you as an all around resource. To us we feel the placement department can be an important heartbeat for the school. Best wishes, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

Hi Cristelyn Sounds like you are doing a great job so don't get discouraged if you are not getting the results you want right away. It takes patience, persistence, and change. Re graduate survey - you might hold an exit and even pre-exit interview. At that time you can ask the grad to complete the survey or if needed ask them the questions and you write the answers. Following up with calls by well scripted callers is a good idea. It takes checking the results and the script and the time of day calls are made. As to asking employers… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Who Does What? The Employee Job Description

HI Mark, You make good points re a job description. We find it has to be very detailed clearly showing who the employee reports to and who s/he supervises and interacts with. Also we find that a job description should have very specific responsibilities including measurable outcomes such as - enroll 5 students each week, or prepare a weekly report by 5:00 pm every Friday, etc. The job description needs to match up with the evaluation forms. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Strategic Plan

Hi Mark, Strategic plans are the underpinning of any organization. But strangely, plans are rarely given priority. It seems you are saying that you have been asked to design and implement a new program but perhaps don't know how it fits in with the overall plans for the school? Doing research to fill in the blanks is a good idea. And including a budget to implement the plan is vital. Good luck, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Operating With Limited Resources

Hi Mark, Interesting strategy. We are not quite clear on how it works at your school and the results. Can you explain under what circumstances you have students interact with other schools. What is the purpose of meeting with the president of another school. We are curious and look forward to hearing more details. We'd like to know how this helps to operate with limited resources. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Your School’s Publicity and Public Relations

Hi Javier - That's the secret of success - word of mouth. If your students are satisfied and successful they will definitely tell their friends and relatives. They will also tell their employers (who can send and pay for employees to take your programs) and happy grads will likely enroll in your other programs and help out with placement and other school events. Word of mouth generally means a very student and customer service oriented staff and school environment. Now that's the key. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Getting the Word Out

Hi Javier Using TV media is often the most challenging way to get qualified leads. How is it working for you? Can you share your strategies for success? If TV is used we also suggest several other marketing approaches such as email blasts, direct mail, phone follow up, newsletters - as long as the content is interesting and valuable. Also lots of ways to get free or nearly free publicity by sending out press releases, announcements, holding open houses, and more. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Employer "Short" List

Hi Jenny. Thanks for giving such a great formula for a successful career services and alumni department. We find that career schools often forget the value of alumni. The big universities have always known what a valuable resource they are. What we also see that you understand is that if you give people valuable information they will read it, act on it, and look forward to receiving it. They will see you as a valuable and credible resource. What we would like to know is how you measure success. Do you know how many alumni are placed in jobs for… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

HI Jenny, Interesting thinking about students adding their names to the surveys. You might want to try anonymous and choice to include name and measure results. It will be interesting to learn more about students' employment plans. That will help you in guiding them and the employment skills training you provide. Glad you have enjoyed the course. I do too! Always things to learn. Thanks, Susan