Job placement
If I have a student who is not sure of there job prospects thay tend to add classes to stay in school longer.
Our school just stated Accounting program,this should enhance job prospect.
Yes. This happens. So, do you think a better job of advising centered on career themes might help the student to get more focused?
Placement is a retention factor. Be sure to let students know how the accounting program will enhance job prospects.
I tell the class about success stories of graduates
Mark,
Success stories are important. How about posting pictures and stories around the school? Sometimes a silent story helps, too. You know the old adage... a picture is worth 1000 words.
Dr. B
graduate success stories really help.
You bet. Use real stories all you can.
Dr. B
I have graduates come in and tell stories about their successes. Nothing works better than a graduate that came from the classes the current students are taking telling how they made it. I can tell stories all day long, but I can also make them up all day long, many students listen to instructor stories with a bit of reservation. Live examples speak for themselves.
I agree. Grads strenghten what is being said. What about employers? Would that help too?
Dr. B
Students enter the university with a clue, but that must be solidified into a clear career plan/choice early in the academic process for it to really have meaning. I have seen students meander through majors heading toward a degree that will be marginally marketable. They need guidance and job placement services day one is a key. Students must realize what they want to do be it a new career or advancement in the one that they are already pursuing. This is critical in making the degree matter and in grooming one’s self for a highly competitive job market. I don’t believe in sugar coating, but every student is capable of a successful academic experience and certain job placement if they have clearly identified goals, the perseverance to pursue them even under conditions of adversity, and have the determination to pick themselves up and continue if there are momentary setbacks. Having said all this, the university guidance and job placement departments can be key by being supportive while helping the student realize there are options. These may not be to the students liking and lifelong ambition but still lucrative in that they are attainable and realistic….
Good idea, Phillip. How about the student who has made contact with employers who are interested and are willing to take the student on before they graduate? They know that with no investment on their part, and by encouraging the student’s completion, they will have a valuable asset and the student will have a potentially valuable career.
In my class I will talk about success stories and real life stories about being in field and what can happen to you.
I see students adding complete programs because of this.
Not sure what you mean, Robert. Can you expand?
Dr. B
Do to the job market I suggest that my students donate their time when possible. This seems to keep the students focused on the goal of getting a job on there chosen field and shows prospective employers there desire to work in the feild.
Sometimes this helps. It gives the prospective employer a chance to see the person in action. Are there other ways?
Dr. B
I do the same and also remind them of their current locations and how they also faced the same challanges, but were able to overcome.
Always share success stories. Especially as it pertains to overcoming obstacles.
Dr. B
We encourage students to go out and shadow a professional person for a day. This exercise opens up a whole new world to the student. This exercise has also opened doors for student employment. A written report on the experience is also a requirement, along with a business card of the person they interviewed. We encourage students to send a thank you letter.
