Dr. Susan Schulz

Really great ideas, Susan. Other tips for successful brainstorming are to assure participants that all ideas are great - some for now and some maybe for later. Also no one gets fired based on their ideas. And, perhaps pose the question as - if you could design an ideal solution or scenario for xxxx what would it look like? The often expands people's thinking. Best wishes, Susan

HI Carmen You have lots of great goals. Believe it or not, the ways to reach them can come from effective brainstorming. An open forum to get ideas is a great way to create a great working environment too. Good luck, Susan

HI Sarah Good points. Regardless of size an organization needs to work together as a team. There are challenges with both small and large groups. It is also important for people to be cross trained. But people should not be so overloaded that they can't focus on their main job objective. Quite a challenge. Best wishes, Susan

Hi Sarah Five year planning is such a great exercise. Done right you get fabulous ideas from participants. If you participants are selected to represent your entire constituency you'll get lots of solutions to problems and the buy in to solve them from everyone. It's important to have a plan to know where you are going and to set the route to get there. Good job, Susan

HI Guy So your challenge is to create a library that is relevant to your computer students? You might start by including all the learning materials for the program. Then lots of online and books and workbooks re employment skills and interviewing. Then all sources for locating jobs. And then you might ask students and grads what materials they would find helpful. We also suggest asking employers. That's a start. Best wishes, Susan

Hi Guy Right you are re real world experience as part of the curriculum. It does give students confidence and they are able to convey that during an interview. And they have some experience to add to their resumes. There are opportunities for job placement as well. Very good concept. Susan

HI Joshua Looks like you have your priorities in order. Yes, important to have a plan. And then need a plan to measure how the plan is going and what changes need to be made. That helps drive the specifics. Involving faculty and staff is so important. They usually have the answers to the problems before they have occurred. Best wishes Susan

Really well said, Joshua. It takes teamwork and everyone understanding the mission of the school - to ensure student success. Takes the right leadership to make this happen. Sounds like you have the secret!! Best wishes, Susan

Hi Joshua Sounds like you are doing a great job in placement. Seems like you are positioning placement so that students are aware of employment and job search tasks throughout their studies at your school. Bringing people in for mock interviews is great. What is important is early and consistent and repeat activities focusing on preparing for and getting a job. Very good Susan

Hi Joshua Well said. It's amazingly easy to get solutions and new ideas when you have a diversified group of people to gain opinions from. Another key to brainstorming is to create an environment where people feel free to express themselves. Best wishes, Susan