I actually agree. I believe that you should have placement activities as part of the ongoing curriculum during their didactic training. Learning to write a resume, a cover letter, what references are and who you look to for them, body language, mock interviews, etc. should all be part of the training. You are training the student to be the most professional in their chosen careers, you can't stop with just the skills to do the job, but you need to add the skills to GET the job!
We agree. Learning these skills simply take time. That's why we suggest they be taught all during the time the student is in school. What also takes time is developing the confidence to go on a successful interview. That just doesn't happen. Thanks, Susan
Placement services begin upon arrival to our courses. Having recruiters meet and introduce themselves to our students on day one really seems to motivate the majority of our students as they are able to relax more knowing that the reward of a job opportunity is within their grasp. We begin all courses with introductions, stating their goals for the course and describing the skill sets they come in with infront of a recruiting who can then offer guidance and tips to help them get the most out of their course. A good percentage of our students already work in the industry and require the degree to maintain their posistions which also gives a great deal of confidence to students who can measure themselves up to professionals already in the field of expertise they are attempting to obtain. So yes we find it imperative that placement services begin on day one of class.
We also endorse starting the job search process and employment skills training on day 1! Students need a lot of time to learn these skills and develop confidence. Also this helps to keep students motivated because the goal of employment is always in view. So retention should increase too. Great policy. Susan
I believe it should be offered from the very start. It is never to early to plan a head.
kelly,
We believe that career services and employment skills should be offered on the first day of school. The skills have to be learned and integrated over a period of time. They can't be learned in a crash course. It is important to involve everyone on campus in educating students about how to get a job. That means instructors, staff, and certainly alumni. Also get employers involved in talking about the interview process and how to get the interview. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
In our institute we start from the beginning. The first day of orientation I introduce myself, and I let them know all the services that they can expect from our Placement Department.
Daysis,
That's great. Then how often do you meet with students re career services? Are they required to complete workshops and assignments? Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our students and graduates have the Career Services Department available at all times. We meet every six weeks because they are required to attend 4 workshops. We want them to be ready when they start searching for job opportunities.
Daysis,
Sounds good. We find that while Career Services is open that students don't always realize it is for them! That's why we tend to see results when employment skills assignments are required. Keeping in touch is what it is all about, as you have discovered, Thanks
Dr. Susan Schulz
I agree that Placement Services should start at the beginning of the student's program, as opposed to the end, because it gives the placement department more time to get to know the students. The more we know about their interests, needs, limitations, or concerns, the better we will be able to assist them and help them grow as potential employees. This is, after all, a place for them to prepare for their career choice.
JoAnna, Very well said. Given time and ongoing communication the placement department can eventually put a custom plan together for each student. Makes the students feel really good and addresses their individual needs. After all some need more help with resumes than others for example, or confidence building. Or interviewing. This will help the student get a job and also encourage them to recommend friends. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I 100% agree because they are more focus and have a better understanding of whats it's going to take to complete the program and why. Placement service should start the day of orientation. Explain the importance of attendance, GPA, Graduation, workshops, mock interviews, resume writing, cover letter and thank you letter.Show how this transitions to working in thier field of study.
Scott,
Good points. The reality is that people enroll in career schools for a job. That is what they want to know about. Imagine if Career Services shared space with the Admissions Department. And imagine that an interview with a placement person was part of the admissions process! We think that more people would enroll when they hear first hand about how they will be assisted in the job process. They will want to know where grads get jobs and how they are doing. So Placement is number 1 in our opinion! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
agree, is important because the students needs to feel that at the end of thre careear they will have help to be place and whow to do it better for them.
Angela,
Right. Everyday students have to be learning employment skills. They need the abilities and the confidence to find a job. This takes time, skills development, review, practice, and opportunities. Career Services may need to develop a custom plan to meet the job search needs of each student.
thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Placement services begin from the very moment of enrollment. Reason being - the student is embarking on a new journey a new career. They need to realize its not just about going to class and learning book knowledge. They need to relate to the field in which they have chosen. Research the industry, learn about the industry, inquire with employers of how and what they expect from a entry level graduate.
Cheryl ,
Really good points. We also think that the more the student is involved in the workplace, as they are going to school, the better their retention and motivation. That means taking them to the job site, having them meet people who are working, and talk to grads and alumni. Instructors need to talk about how skills taught in class are used on the job. Very challenging.
Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
At our school placement services start at orientation. At the beginning of every new class I introduce myself explain what services the Career Services Department offers and my expectations of our students and graduates as they move through the program!
Nicole,
We also find that placement training and awareness must start on day 1. In fact, we see results when placement is part of the admissions process. Students enroll in career training to get jobs. So why not tell and prepare them right from the start. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
