Collaboration that Works! How a Paralegal Studies Program Partnered with Career Services

Transcription

1 Collaboration that Works! How a Paralegal Studies Program Partnered with Career Services Deborah Boyle, Paralegal Studies Program Manager University of Hartford dboyle@hartford.edu Linda Schultz, Associate Director, Career Development University of Hartford schultz@hartford.edu

2 How does my program collaborate with Career Services?

3 We collaborate through UHart s Paralegal Studies Program adult students, evening and Saturday classes. Paralegal Studies Advisory Board. Our challenge? Find ways to engage students with Career Services.

4 Issues facing Adult Learners School & Life Responsibilities The balancing act of working part or full time Being a spouse/partner Being a mother/father childcare responsibilities How is the adult learner s support system? (spouse, partner, family, friends) Accessibility When do classes meet? Are institutional services available? (i.e. the registrar s office, the bookstore, administrative services)

5 Issues facing Adult Learners Cost Tuition, books, supplies, technology (cost of internet at home) Fear I have been out of school for so long Can I do the work? Can I keep up with technology? Am I going to be the oldest person in the class? Self Awareness/Career Development Does the person have marketable skills? Have they been out of work? How many years? Does the student have a realistic understanding of his/her abilities and what is going on in the world of work?

6 How does our collaboration work? Advisory Board includes Career Services as a member of the Board. Benefits include meeting other Board members, receiving information about events, sharing valuable survey information and learning about the academic side. Advisory Board created Student and Graduate Subcommittee to assist in student counseling and placement. Ask hiring managers and paralegal managers to join and participate.

7 Job Search Packet Deb and Linda collaborated to create a job search packet. It includes: Sample resumes Sample cover letters Action verb list Interviewing tips Job search resources (databases, networking tips, employment agencies) Library resources

8 Hands on and Innovative Career Programs Career Services has a member on the Student and Graduate Subcommittee of the Board. Has good interaction with employers, internship sites, latest and best practices including trends in the profession. Assuring student preparedness at events appropriate dress, conversation topics. First ½ hour of event is typically socializing and networking. Résumé Review Workshops staffed by people from the Board, employers, and legal specific recruiters.

9 Resume Review Workshops Students register in advance and are asked to bring a current resume. 5 students per 5 round tables with 1 professional Students rotate from table to table and receive feedback from all 5 professionals Group conversation at end on best practices

10 Ultimate Interview Experience Pre registration to select 3 interview areas (litigation, real estate, etc.). Mock job descriptions ed to student in advance along with list of interview tips. Student dresses appropriately and brings 2 copies of their résumé. Advisory Board members and other hiring managers perform interviews. Verbal and written feedback provided to student.

11 Etiquette Events How to conduct yourself during a

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13 Portfolio Review Workshop Importance of creating portfolios for job interviews. Suggestions on contents and presentation of portfolios. Sample portfolios and examples of student success. Importance of ongoing assembly of portfolios. Advisory Board members and other hiring managers speak on important content.

14 Pro Bono Activities Foreclosure Prevention Clinic (community based or non profits) Statewide Legal Services Mock Trials

15 Career Management and Advancement Class Self analysis and assessment using modified Myers Briggs to structure your job to fit your personality type. Resources available at Career Services. Creative problem solving using real workplace problems. Analysis of salary surveys, paralegal job postings, preparation of job specific cover letters and résumés. Mock videotaped interviews with peer review and self critiques. Goal setting, career exploration, leadership competencies. Negotiation skills. Networking formats.

16 Making Career Services Available to Students Class visits by Career Services staff and Advisory Board Members. Career Services presence at Student Paralegal Association events. Résumé on the Go on Saturdays.

17 What is one new way that my program could collaborate with Career Services?