Career Services and Enrollment Management
John W. Dysart
President
The Dysart Group
While we usually focus directly on strategies and tactics in the Admission and Financial Aid offices, in this hyper-competitive market, the quality of operations in offices outside of enrollment management can impact recruitment outcomes. The Office of Career Services is a prime example.
Both prospective students and parents report job placement and career success as major factors in the college selection process. You may wish to conduct a review of your career services operation to determine if the office is doing everything possible to enhance career outcomes and prepare students for a competitive job market. Discuss
the following list with your colleagues in career services and determine readiness to address the following issues for students:
- Resume/Cover Letter Assistance
- Interview Skills
- Zoom versus In-Person Interview Tactics
- Job Fairs
- Career Counseling
- Employer Outreach and Posting
- Alumni Outreach
- Speakers/Headhunters
- Skills and Interest Tests
- Graduate School Guidance
- Conducting Mock Interviews
- Professional Clothing
- Electronic Job Board
- Internships
- Job Scams
- Specific Placement Rates
- Graduate School Enrollment Statistics
- Data on Starting Salaries
- Interaction Timeline with Students (engagement by grade level)
- Active Promotion of Services
- Career Services Interaction as Part of the Curriculum
- Understanding and Anticipating Emerging Employment Trends and Opportunities
- Partner with Entities That offer Specific Employment Training for Work Opportunities (Financial Management Training)
It is critical once your team is comfortable with career offerings that this information is effectively incorporated into the admission plan.
- Ensure that your website emphasizes career service offerings and outcomes.
- Ensure your admission counselors have been trained to discuss the attributes and outcomes of your career services.
- Include the Career Services Office in your tours for prospective student campus visits.
- Include positive career outcomes in your systematic communication plan with prospective students and their parents.
While Career Services may be the most important office outside of enrollment management to review, other offices will impact recruitment outcomes as well. Consider evaluating other areas such as academic support services, academic advising, residential life, facilities management and student activities.