At Golden Path Solutions, we have built a systematic way for you to connect with students for your future workforce.
Here are some recommendations for making those connections based on the type of student you are reaching:
Engaging different student audiences
We work with students ranging from middle school to college, recognizing they are all at different stages in their career journey and have unique needs. We encourage you to meet these students where they are at, providing engaging opportunities and helpful information.
Our recommendations for interacting with each age group include:
Middle school students
They are just starting their career exploration. They might be discovering careers in a classroom, participating in virtual reality career experiences, watching videos, or attending career fairs. They are also mapping out their high school plan. When you visit with them, be very curious. Ask what they are interested in and what industries they are passionate about. Suggest classes they might take to learn about your industry and prepare for your careers.
High school students
These students vary widely, from just exploring careers to preparing for graduation and either attending postsecondary school or entering the workforce. Asking for their grade can help you quickly estimate where they are in the journey. Freshmen and sophomores are often still exploring careers while narrowing in on an industry or field. They might also be participating in job shadows and company site visits. Ask what industries they are passionate about, what skills they have, and what their Holland Codes are (we use these in Compass.)
Juniors and seniors are closer to making decisions post-graduation. Ask what their plans are, what careers they are most interested in, and what career-related experiences they still want to have in high school. Recommend ways to connect with your company, including job shadows and other work-based learning. Be sure to highlight any incentives you provide for postsecondary education, such as a Sponsorship.
College students
College students are typically still deciding on a major or considering a change or they are solidly pursuing a major and seeking internships and later a job. For the first group, tell students about your company and opportunities, encouraging them to reach out to you if interested. For the second group, share engaging descriptions of your available careers, as well as any internships and tuition assistance and/or reimbursement you offer. Be sure to include details of the application process and convey your interest in them working for you.
Opportunities to reach students
There are many ways to foster connections with students. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Career fairs, tours, and guest speaking engagements
We sometimes call these “one-to-many” experiences. As the employer, you visit with multiple students in a classroom, career fair, or at your site. Don’t try to do everything at once. Start out small with one classroom visit or setting up a table at one career fair. Visit with a few students and teachers and grow your opportunities from there.
For each engagement, get the conversation started with an ice-breaker, such as a short group activity or asking a few questions. Then, discuss what makes your company unique, how your industry is evolving, and the types of jobs you offer – especially those outside of the typical roles. For example, students often think construction companies only need carpenters and manufacturing companies only need assemblers. Be sure to include all roles, such as leaders, marketers, salespeople, accountants, etc.
Work-based learning (WBL) opportunities
WBLs are work experiences that earn students academic credit, such as mentorships, apprenticeships, and internships. They are a great way to get to know a student while giving them a real-world experience. Begin by clearly defining your WBL experience in Compass (our online platform where you can coordinate your WBLs.) If you need very specific skills, include that in the requirements, or, if you are fine with no previous work experience, be sure to mention that. It’s better to have these details upfront than wasting time interviewing students who aren’t a good fit.
Next, when you interview students for your WBLs, remember that they are new to job interviews. You are looking for interest and potential. Finally, once you hire a student, recognize that this may be their first work experience. Set them up for success by establishing clear expectations, thoroughly explaining things, and not making assumptions about what they know or understand. You still want to set goals for them and provide mentorship, coaching, and feedback. Schools often measure “career-ready practices” such as critical thinking and the ability to be coached without getting defensive. Keep those in mind when offering WBLs.
Personal connections
If you have a Connections Membership or higher with Golden Path, we will use your company information and Career Profiles to drive connections with students, including personal introductions or meetings. When you visit directly with a student, keep in mind that they may already know what their career goals are or just be exploring some ideas. Ask questions, be curious, and share more about your company and careers. This can be anything from a casual conversation to a more formal discussion about Placement or Sponsorship opportunities. We’ll provide you with information about the student’s journey and goals prior to your first conversation.
Other steps to build connections
Looking for a few more ways to reach students? Try these:
Refresh your Compass employer profile, Career Profiles, and WBL opportunities
Find compelling ways to highlight your information in Compass. Remember that you’re writing to students. Include details and explanations of complex items, be engaging and fun, and share your enthusiasm for your company and careers. Help students understand why they would want to work at your organization!
Use multiple media channels
Share your information in Compass but also on your social media platforms and website. Create short videos about your company and careers. Share photos of employees and the work they do. You can even share links to your Career Profiles in Compass that don’t require a student to log in, they can just access them directly. As a part of your membership with Golden Path, we also share your information through multiple social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Be responsive
When a student reaches out to you or we create a connection, follow up as quickly as possible. Sometimes students interpret a lack of response as a lack of interest. Help students feel valued and appreciated with quick response times.
Stay in touch
Even if you don’t have an opportunity available to a student, keep in touch. Send them an email every few months and invite them to events. We can help you do this. Even just a few efforts to connect will remind students that they are important to you and it could lead to loyal future employees.
For more information on how to connect with students, contact us today.