Get Your Students Hired
Tara,
There's really nothing like having someone from the field speak directly to the students..makes all the difference.
Elizabeth Kemler
So true. Students & graduates have been more proactive & making a deeper investment in their career plans when Guidance or Career departments get exposure to them earlier in their academic life.
I feel this is so vital! In one of our classes, we have a business panel come in & speak to students. Also, there are assignments for students to interview people in that job field. What an asset! Not only does the student get an birds eye view of an avenue the are pursuing, but also a business contact, mentor, or even a position with the company.
I have found that having the graduate reflect on which classes he/she was most passionate about while in school directly relates to where they want to take their career. Then we go over why they were drawn to that subject; what qualities/abilities do they possess that made that subject enjoyable for them?
I often share a bit of my own experiences. This is to show them where I was compared to being where I want to be in the end.
Jennifer,
I like this approach; I like getting things down on paper early on in the process-it helps to solidify things and make them more real.
Elizabeth Kemler
Mignonne,
That makes a lot of sense. I agree that there's a big difference between having the teacher talk to you about what's out there and hearing it directly from someone in the field.
Elizabeth Kemler
I also agree that "excitement" is the key to getting the students motivated towards the task of searching for a job. I try to get one of my previous students, who are employed in a job of her/his own, to come and talk to them. This has a more positive effect than me just doing all the talking. They hear it from "one of their own" and that spurs them on to do the nitty gritty towards reaching their goals.
Being excited for them and helping them list the ideal opportunity for them gets them excited for the next step. At our school, Career Services visits the classes in their 2nd term to help them start to define what they'd like to do for work when they graduate. Putting it down on paper really seems to help get them thinking about the future, even if it's early in their education. The students also like to hear success stories of graduates, which we post on a community bulletin board.
Susan,
I definitely see the connection to a graduate in their field as being very beneficial. Likewise, reminding them of their initial inspiration, and the potential lifestyle improvement will surely act as motivators.
Elizabeth Kemler
I have seen students get really excited when they talk with other graduates who are working in the same field of interest as they are. The student is hearing stories directly "from the horse's mouth" so to speak and there is an instant connection between the two. Sometimes mentoring relationships grow from this exchange.
In addition, as others have stated, revisiting why a student decided to pursue this particular education and reminding them of their initial vision can also be quite exciting.
Finally, helping the student envision the type of life they desire can be a huge motivator in the job search. For example, a more balanced, less stressful lifestyle with a flexible schedule to spend more time with family and friends can be inspiring and move someone toward finding the job that will fit that profile.
I totally agree with that. I think the excitement of starting school, especially for a learner that may be a little older often overshadows what to do when done with school. Some people just forget why they ever picked a particular course in the first place because the job search is difficult.
Michelle,
Great idea..there is nothing better for getting a sense of how things will be on the job, then seeing it up close for yourself.
Elizabeth Kemler
I would take them to a job site to shadow or observe so they can really get a glimpse of what their career will look like.
Jennifer,
I agree with you that excitement is catchy! Students are motivated and excited when they see their classmates getting hired. It provides them with reassurance that they too can get hired.
Susan,
Yes, it always feels good to see how your experience translates into job-relevant qualities and skills. To keep students motivated we need to stay in close touch with them, help them keep track of their search, have a bulletin board up with job postings and job-find successes (see previous posts on this topic for more ideas). Students need to continually be reminded that they are not alone in their search, and that there are opportunities out there.
Elizabeth Kemler
I find that when they receive their newly revised resume, the excitement starts naturally. When skills and education are accurately expressed, this helps people overcome a lot of the anxiety that comes with entering a new field of work. My question would be: how do you keep someone motivated during the job search? After a rejection? After a period of no job ads?
Amy,
What great ideas; it's very helpful to know specifically what each student's goals are when assisting them with the job search, and the placement and employment boards are a great way to keep your students up to date and motivated.
Elizabeth Kemler
I too agree with the points made. We meet with each student individually to find out what their specific goals and motivating factors are. I also keep bulletin boards in the hall to promote licensing and placements of graduates. Also have an Employment board where we highlight a 'Job of the Week', total number of jobs available in our industry nationwide, and weekly employment list. The students love to see what is available and it instills a bit of competion which we are all 'pushed' by.