It sounds so simple, but I just start by trying to strip away the fear that surrounds the job search. I also am sure to dig into the reasons why the student started their schooling and then use that to direct our conversation. I find that the slightly terrified student that approaches my desk is excited about their new direction when they leave.
celebration each accomplishment and each milestone. making everyone around them know that they have accomplished what they set out to do, while motivating the current students to be like the ones who have stayed focus and reach their goa.s
Kallie,
This is definitely the best way to get students excited initially about the job search, and to keep them motivated throughout. And I LOVE your custom fit method idea-it makes so much sense.
Elizabeth Kemler
Colleen,
I agree that there is often a lot of fear for various reasons-it's great that you're addressing that up front.
Elizabeth Kemler
marsha,
I love this! There is really no better way to keep students motivated than by reminding them that every accomplishment counts.
Elizabeth Kemler
I have found bringing an employer in just to talk to studets or soon to be graduates about the industry and what their company has to offers creates a huge impact. Also having former graduates come in as well to talk about the success they have had since they graduated. This gives the students an actual visual goal and helps to motivate them to be like them and be get everything done they need to get into the industry as well.
Michael,
Every teacher who has mentioned doing this has said it was a huge success. Glad to hear so many people are doing this.
Elizabeth Kemler
One of the ways we help generate excitement about the job search process is when we bring in recent graduates for a panel discussion to a senior classroom.
The panel begins by stating when they graduated from their program and tells the class where they are currently working; why they chose that particular environment; what aspect of their job they absolutely love; and how they have had a positive impact on the life of one of their clients as a result of their training. They also discuss how they determined this particular job and what steps they took to get there.
This inevitably opens the door for a great question & answer session between the students and graduates.
Our graduates enjoy coming back to campus and sharing their experiences and job search tips with the upcoming senior class.
I especially like the informational interview approach.
When a student seeks a professional in the field they are considering or someone who is working at the company they 'think' they want to work at, and conducts an informational interview - it helps them determine if this actually IS the right environment for them.
Additionally, they are conducting a professional interview and finessing those skills.
Paulette,
This is definitely one of the best ways to get students excited and to see that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Elizabeth Kemler
I agree with the points made. We meet with each student individually at the beginning of the program to find out what are their goals to guide them in the right direction.
In addition we have a Facebook page where we encourage our students and alumni to LIKE to keep them informed about potential job leads and important information to be in communication and support them 100%
Cruz Leticia,
I like your Facebook idea-people tend to spend a lot of time there anyway, it makes sense to use it for professional purposes.
Elizabeth Kemler
Must reach out to the student early and advise on the importance of their resume to begin tailoring it for their ideal positions. Their activities, education, internships, jobs should revolve on around their resume to help them achieve that next big position.
i usually tell our students that they finally graduated and now it is the time to concentrate on doing their very best to get a good job.
after all that hard studying, now they could be proud that they have a license and they can get what they want it so bad, a good job, a good future.
Luis Silvi
One of the things I do is to go take pictures and bio's of graduates who have recently been employed in their field. I place these bio's on the wall outside of the classrooms for that program so the upcoming graduates can see this being themselves, for them it is exciting for them to see an fellow student get employed.
I also have my students on the last day of class stand up in front of each other and discuss what their plans for the next year are. We talk about those who were hired by their internships. We also discuss networking with one another once they leave so they are aware of new postions where a current graduate already works. They leave on their final day with a plan of attack.
Mary,
I am so impressed with all of your ideas. You are clearly very dedicated and hands-on. I hope you don't mind if I share some of them as a forum post-I think everyone could benefit.
Elizabeth Kemler
Talking about the successes of other students / graduates is a great way to get students excited and show them that jobs are available in their career field for entry level graduates. Always keeping them focused on their career through constant and regular communication.
Karen,
I agree on your point. And bringing former students in to speak is also very motivating for students seeking work in their respective fields.
Elizabeth Kemler
Asking students why they chose to come to school in the first place, what was the goal.
This helps to make sure they remember the reason for their decision. Next, ask students to reseach some famous people they look up to working in their field (sometimes this keeps their eye on the prize and draws inspiration. Another way to excite the students about the job search is engage them in employer discussions where they have the chance to ask all the scary questions they don't want to ask in an interview and get some good feedback. Finally, talking with other students and alumni to share stories of success and failures!
Josephine,
These are all excellent ideas..I think that having them speak with potential employers is a particularly good idea.
Elizabeth Kemler
