Partnering with Local Businesses

Desiree FraserEbe Randeree

PartnershipsWhat constitutes a partnership?

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What is a Partnership• Evolving relationship• Sustainable and Long Term•Meets a business need•Meets a College need• Benefits STUDENTS!• It is also STRATEGIC!

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Business Partnerships• College courses provide limited

information about the needs of employers• Academics sometimes are “academics”

and not very business savvy•Why its important…Bridge the employer-student gapMake connections/NetworkingExchange information

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Business Partnerships

• Business needs are always changing and students need to be able to understand business needs• How do I get these skills•What are the relevant skill sets•What is the industry outlook• How can I compete• How can both partners benefit• How do I find out about jobs and

internshipsD

Business Partnerships

• Every university has a Career Center – the problem is that these centers provide “general information” and limited information about local and regional employers, future market needs, access to these employers, etc.• They also serve the entire University

and are not always responsive to your students

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AchievementsWhat have we done?

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Many channels1. Feed Your Brain2. WISE3. Career Fair4. Internship Talks5. Industry Panels6. Meet with CEO7. Company Tours8. Mentors

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Many channelsEvent Employer

Participation (# companies)

Student Participation(# students)

STARS involvement

Career Fair – Fall 52 250 STARS organized and led the event

Fall Feed Your Brain Event 5 120+ STARS partnered with Leadership Class

Fall Company visits (Recruiting)

3 90 STARS organized the event

Fall Tours of Companies (group visits)

1 35 STARS and AITP organized the event

Fall Visits with CEOs 1 12 STARS and WISE organized the event

Career Fair – Spring 49 281 STARS organized and led the event

Spring Feed Your Brain Event

5 170+ STARS partnered with Leadership Class

Spring Company visits (Recruiting)

3 200 STARS organized the event

Spring Tours of Companies (group visits)

3 38 STARS and AITP organized the event

Spring Visits with CEOs 3 27 STARS and WISE organized the event

Summer Feed Your Brain Event

1 75 STARS and Professor organized the event

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1. Feed Your Brain5-6 per semesterVarious topics (students polled)Student RUNSome include food (great

incentive)

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2. WISE (Women in IT/ICT Sharing Experiences)

Female EmpowermentMentorship Strategies for SuccessMixersPeer sessionsCEO Breakfasts

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Attracting Young Women and Faculty

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3. InternshipsPosted on relevant sitesCompanies invited to speak

when they are looking for people

In class (10 minutes)

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Jim Reed - talking about TMH (HIT jobs)

4. Career FairsMore formal2 per year Recruitment of companies

50+ companies attending250+ students coming to the event

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Spring and Fall Fairs

5. Industry Panels2-3 per year“Social Media”“Status of

Healthcare/Technology”“Interview skills”

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6. Company VisitsEach Semester we go out and take tours and sit down with company CEOs to discuss:LeadershipEntrepreneurshipMentorshipIndustry Outlook

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6. Company VisitsLarge groupsMore of overviewGreat place to network

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7. Meet the CEO

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Small groupsVery focusedMentors and jobs/interns1-2 hours

8. MentorsUse 1-7 to identify mentorsProvide meeting spaceFacilitate introductions1-3 students per mentor

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Many channels1. Feed Your Brain2. WISE3. Career Fair4. Internship Talks5. Industry Panels6. Meet with CEO7. Company Tours8. Mentors

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ProcessSo how do you build these

partnerships?

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Making Partnerships

1. Starting Out2. Building a

Relationship3. Communication4. Take Away

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1. Starting Out Target audience

Which companies will be partners? New entrants Industry Leaders

What is the long term plan for this partnership This semester This year Next 3 years

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1. Starting OutGet information:Career CenterAlumniProminent CompaniesNew companies

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1. Starting Out

Identify

• Get Information

Contact

• Keep communication open

Vetting• Make sure it’s a right fit

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2. Building a relationshipWhy should they partner with you?Provide a serviceAccess to students and faculty

Promote business, service or products

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2. Building a relationshipFind ways to build contacts and networkLinkedInAlumniFacultyProfessional groups

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3. CommunicationWhen building relationships its best to first meet in person. Shows interestCommitmentMore personableBe prepared

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3. CommunicationKeep communication open.LinkedInEmailsPhone callsVisits

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3. CommunicationBe courteous. Following any event make sure give a proper thank you.CardsLettersEmails

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4. Take AwayWhat you will get out of it…Industry updatesEmployment opportunitiesMentorsInternshipsSpeakersSwag

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Other Considerations University Buy-In Show your results Talk about your results Tweet your results Start small

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Your Ideas?Questions, Suggestions, whats

worked for you?