What are some Career Workshops that you have put on?
I was wondering, what are Career Workshops that have worked for your students?
Amanda,
Good question. There are so many workshops to offer. One type is to build skills. The other type is to build confidence. Also consider the type of workshops that will benefit Alumni and grads. They might find themselves out of a job and need training to build back their confidence and get back into the workplace. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our training center meets with each and every one of our students before, during and after there training program. This primarily is done on a one to one basis. During these meetings, we individually address personal and professional goals of the student so we can make an effective and efficient plan of making that goal a reality.
We also make time during the course of the program to discuss resume & cover letters and interview skills.
Kathryn,
This sounds great. So what it sounds like you are saying is that a personal employment skills and placement plan is made for each student? That sounds great. Since each student has different levels of skills and confidence, it sounds like this will help to meet their specific needs. Then the student practices where they are weak and builds on their strengths. And also it appears that with this type of plan the connection with the placement and career services departments can be ongoing. We think it is a great approach. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I have found that the seminars on how to "dress for success" are always popular and the most fun.
Mayra,
True - dress for success type seminars are fun and get attention. Perhaps that says all career services training should be fun. We also think all seminars should be required. Students don't know what they don't know when it comes to learning how to be successful in the job search phase. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We have students that often leave the workforce to attend our program full-time. We are excited about offering a workshop about re-entering the workforce after being unemployed. We like to focus on the behavioral changes that they will have to adopt to be successful.
Jodi,
Great idea. You might also think about the needs of your Alumni Community. Perhaps they are out of work because they lost their jobs. What special services can you offer them. Perhaps they need technology updating or new skills. Maybe they need confidence. The ability to get back into the job market requires skills and confidence regardless of the situation. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We host numerous workshops, but do not make them mandatory for students to attend. Sometimes we get 40 students, sometimes 5. Our greatest challenge is with the resume workshop. It's easy to stand at the front of the room and detail what should be included, etc. However, I'm eager to make it interactive and want students to leave with specific improvements to their resumes. Does anyone have advice on how to host an interactive workshop where everyone can work individually on their resumes while getting general information?
Kimberly ,
There are several opinions about workshops. We believe that all or at least a certain number should be required. We also believe that resume workshops and learning should be interactive with lots of feedback from others. You might ask students how they want to be taught resume writing. Often they are the best to tell you. Based on what they want you can design other employment skills training to meet their needs. Students need to know that resume writing is dynamic. They will be constantly improving their resumes based on feedback from others. thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We provide workshops on resume writing, interviewing, and marketing yourself and my favorite Targeting! In the Targeting workshop we go over identifying companies which the student may want to work for. We discuss targeting companies based on:
*Growth and stability
*Reputation
*Proximity to student
*Opportunities
*Referral, etc.
In addition, we provide examples on how to conduct an Informational Interview.
The purpose of this workshop is to find out what companies look for in an entry level employee and for the employer and student to meet. They are required to go out into the community with 3-5 of my handouts and target/interview the employer. It is an assignment with a deadline. At least 3 forms need to come back with a business card and the information that they gained from the employer. It is a huge success, because the student is able to speak with at least 3 industry professionals. They hear it directly from the employer what their expectations are. Learn if they need to improve on any said skill before graduating to obtain employment with the employers they spoke with. It has also turned into new extern sites plus hires, because the employer was so impressed with the student.
Antonia,
Wow. This is so great. You have a very comprehensive program for grads to get ready for the interview process. You have structured a way for employers to learn more about your institution and quality programs. Students learn more than the basic resume writing skills. You also have a way to learn how to update your curriculum. In addition this is all a strategy to develop and grow relationships for the long run. Very impressive. Thanks
Dr. Susan Schulz
