Career experience and retention
In the world of culinary education the student comes to school to learn to cook first and then to become a chef second. Many of the students really do not have an idea of what being a chef is about. What they see on tv is fairy tale land. When an experienced chef instructor is able to bring their experiences into the teaching and lessons they are able to engage the student in a way they may not have expected. To share what the industry is about and to prepare them for real world experiences really peeks the interest of the student to a new level. The student becomes so much more interested when they know they are being taught and are learning from someone who has been where they want to go and will help them get there!!
That is why your relationship is so important. Let them know more about the possiblities within the field. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. B
I agree, and I also think it is important to manage student expectations from the get go. Jon Paul Hutchins at LCB Scottsdale tells his new students that we a simply not a cooking school. LCB is a business school that will teach them how to be successful as culinary professionals. Cooking is a large part of this, sure, but success in culinary arts requires a broad education.
Expectations are big. The idea is to under-state and over-delivery.
Dr.B
We have too many of our students coming in dreaming of careers in sub-sets of the industry where there is actually little opportunity. Many times they look to areas they find exciting as their future. I try to use my past industry experience to steer them to areas where there are opportunities by pointing out that most of the people working in their desired area a drawn from the existing work force of the industry rather than newly trained individuals.
At our school we teach automotive technology and it makes a world of difference to have a teaching staff that is chock full of experience. It really lends tremendously to our credibility and stature.
I agree with this topic that TV has sensationalised minor players who are doing minor work in a small field. I try to stay to the topic of promoting good if not excellent skills to get in the door. Then the former student can branch out and find what they trully want to do.
I like how you link skills and education to open the doors of opportunity.
Dr. B
I agree that it is very important to share with students my experiences in the graphic design field. It is also fun to bring in other instructors and have them share their career stories. It is a nice way to introduce students to some of their future instructors, plus it helps them to realize what a knowledgeable staff the school has, and what a wonderful career they have ahead of them.
I agree as well,sharing work experiences in the classroom provides insite to many students who are currently seeking positions in that specific field. There is an abundance of knowledgeable individuals within an organization, that may provide a wealth of information to motivate students while completing their degree.
I agree, students who have instructors that have experience in their field have more respect for them They tend to feel confident that they are getting a real education from someone who knows what they are talking about.
Exactly. The idea is to advise students... and center on career themes.
Dr. B
It does give us credibility but we can also relate to our students real world experiencesthis helps student to understand what the industry expects of an entry level employe
Randolph,
Exactly. Do all that you can to share what students need to know to be successful.
Dr. Larry Banks
In the career college environment it is especially important to have the instructional staff be knowledgable in field practices and experience. Those experiences better illustrate the realities of the field. Even though career services does an excellent job preparing students for career placement they may not always have the valuable in the field experience to truly prepare the students.
Cambria,
Students do want to hear the stories instructors have to tell.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
