For your consideration: three concepts for the Owen Career Management Center, presented by Team Austintatious – M Chavez, M Chao, B Bellinger.
“Clothing Survival Kit”
The “Clothing Survival Kit” concept is one that would benefit the CMC’s clients, the students of Owen. How many times have students come to school unprepared or under dressed for an information session or interview? In order to enhance the professional image of Owen we need make sure that we adhere to the dress codes set by the CMC in order to maintain strong working relationships with the companies who recruit at Owen. The Clothing Survival Kit would also be a safety measure for handling potential accidents such as spills, stains, and tears. It would hold a sewing kit (needle & thread, buttons, etc.), extra ties, hosiery, Febreeze, and Tide stain pens. How many times does one student have to ask the next “How do I look?” This game changing innovation will help build a better image of the CMC and its clients.
“Full-Length Mirror”
The “Full-Length Mirror” concept primarily benefits students on their way to information sessions and interviews. This supports the CMC goal of each student putting his or her best foot forward. Before going in to meet, students will have one more chance to make sure that their outfit is coordinated, not missing any buttons, and that their clothes are free from stains and tears. One person noted “it even helps you check for scuffs on your shoes.” For the business student who is conscientious of presenting him or herself as the “total package,” the full length mirror puts all of you into view. No more having relying on friends to tell you if you look OK, you can have the self assurance that everything is in place, your name tag is on straight, and you are ready to go.
“Video Resume Book”
To enhance the marketability and provide a more detailed impression of Owen students, the CMC should adopt the concept of the “Video Resume Book.” The CMC would produce 60-90 second video introductions for each student, in which the student could give a brief description of their work experience and interests (elevator pitch, anyone?). This would provide students the opportunity to showcase their personality and experience in a much more personal and dynamic way than what is presently offered by the standard written resume. These video introductions could be hosted on the CMC recruiting website, and also sent to corporate recruiters, in compressed video format, along with the standard resumes. The CMC could use these video introductions to better “sell” their clients, the Owen students, to corporate recruiters.
Concept one and two kick ass, if for no other reason than the fact that I love to look at myself in the mirror. CMC has made it clear that our personal appearance is important. You might could take it a little further and have toothbrushes/toothpaste, shaving equipment, and other groomin needs.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE idea #1. It is a very innovative idea which not only helps us look better, but also increases our productivity on campus. If one forgets one of these items at home, it could take 30-60 minutes out of their day to retrieve it. You could have a policy where if you take something, you have to give something as well (at a later point in time).
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of Idea #3 - it's just one more thing I need to do on the career front... and i don't think any recruiter has 3 hours to watch a video.
I like idea #1. This will make students more presentable to recruiters and help navigate our way around any unforseen issues. No reason not to have a stain stick or mending kit available to Owen students!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of #3, it would be a very creative way for recruiters to see a brief overview of each student. Could you come up with a quick way for students to upload a new video file, when interests change or experience changes?
ReplyDeleteIdeas 1 is good - just as a backup in case you have an accident or forget something.
ReplyDeleteAt least for me, there is a full-lenth mirror already in the downstairs women's bathroom so I wouldn't really see the need for the mirror in the CMC.
I absolutely love Idea 3! I think it would be a great way to differentiate ourselves against classmates as well as differentiate our CMC from other schools. The problem would be making us do it... Maybe it could be part of LComm...
I really like the video resume book idea. Though I think there needs to be some established standards of quality control, as well as flexibility for students to update the profile based on the specific job. What is your plan for sustaining this product?
ReplyDeleteI love the video resume idea, which is quite creative, and I never see at other schools. It will definitely leave deep and positive impression on recruiters. The idea of survival kit is most practical since my school in Singapore is proving the similar service to students. You might could also set te grooming place.
ReplyDeleteI think all of your ideas are great, but
ReplyDeleteI really like the video resume idea! It's a creative way for Owen students to express themselves and stand out from their peers, but also for recruiters to get to know us as candidates better by being able to check out candidates' videos that they want some extra scoop on.
I agree with Pete that there needs to be a great way to update these as certain things change, but otherwise I think this is one of the most innovative ideas I've seen so far and should definitely be considered! Great job.
I really like the 'survival kit' idea. When/how are you suggesting to deliver this to students? Would it be handed out at orientation and then they would be expected to have it on hand when required? Or would it be available in the CMC? Or in the library?
ReplyDeleteThe full length mirror is a good idea - and I would be curious to discover if the men's bathroom has one? The women's bathroom downstairs has a perfectly adequate full length mirror that works for me.
The video resume ... I think is an interesting idea. I'm not sure, from a recruiter's perspective, how worthwhile it would be? I think a recruiter only has a limited amount of time/interest to peruse resumes and, from there, directly selects individuals to interview. The video resume would, in effect, create an additional step for recruiters. On the other hand, certain recruiters may love the additional exposure/confirmation. To confirm, this also sounds to me like making each and every one of us World Shapers? I like it!
I have huge concerns about the initially attractive Video Resume idea. I'd much rather be judged on the merits of my resume, cover letter, and Owen photo. Let me humiliate myself in person, rather than on video.
ReplyDeleteThe full length mirror, silly as it may seem, is actually a fine idea. Indeed, it's a bit surprising we don't have one of these already, given how important appearance is during an interview!
Ideas 1 and 2 are good. They would definitely add value to making sure students look their best. Where would be put the mirror? Locker room? Rest rooms?
ReplyDeleteNot sure about idea 3. I don't get the feeling this is really that common and although technology plays a big role in the recruitment process, I question whether this is a value-add for recruiters.
Ideas 2&3 are winners for me.
ReplyDeleteIdea 2 for sheer ease of implementation and relevance
Idea 3 for helping us stand out from other business schools and is in line with the cost-reduction theme at all companies
All of ideas make sense to me. When I was a recruiter in my company, I realized first impression of candidates had great impact.
ReplyDeleteRelated #1, I would appreciate it if CMC could provide some stuff to prevent bad breath such as mouthwash and gum (not related to cloth, but...) About #2, I think there is no full-length mirror in any men's bathroom. So we mens need that. I love #3. It is really creative! Even though that may not work for all recruiters, I believe some of them would love that kind of unique approach.
I never thought I would say it, but I freaking love the full-length mirror and clothing survival kit ideas. I have had the misfortune of finding a spot on my shirt before an informational and was stuck having to do the whole make-discerning-arm-movements-to-hide-the-damn-spot move the entire hour. Easy and cheap to implement, while providing a great benefit to the students.
ReplyDeleteI really like the survival kit idea. I also raelly like the concept of a full length mirror. However the 3rd idea about the video resume book is a little questionable only because it could give some candidates advantages over others because of physical appearence.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the "full length" mirror really adds anything to the large mirrors already available in the restroom. On the other hand, maybe having them near the interview rooms would "remind" students to have a final check.
Your survival kit reminds me of a camp my kids once went to. At the start of the camp, each kid had to have a large baggie with a full change of clothes in it. For the duration of the camp, the baggie stayed in the counselors' office in case of water mishap. That way, the kid had their own clothes and there was very little thinking involved.
What if all students put a shirt/ blouse/ hose/ toothbrush /floss /etc. into a little survival kit (items that you recommend based on your research) These would be kept "safekeeping" place at Owen. Then they could get "their own" stuff in the case of wardrobe malfunction. Alternatively, 8:10 could stock a few "emergency items" (maybe 2 sizes of white shirts, a couple of ties, a blouse, hose, etc.) If the emergency hits, students could buy them then. Sort of like the vending machine at the bowling alley that sells socks (or the one that sells live crabs in Shanghai)!
I'm all for the video resume books. For your purposes, though, that will require a level of investment that you may not have the time for at this point. Still, it's really what we should be doing.
Great ideas, Guys!
ReplyDeleteFor your "Clothing Survival Kit” idea, who buys this supplies and who maintains them? Also, doesn't the existence of such a facility lessen the sense of professionalism and ownership which CMC has been promoting? As a recruiter, would you really be impressed to hear of such a practice?
Everyone is here to get a job. I think the client of improving our marketability is strong. My favorite idea is the video resume. Allowing a student to volunteer create that video, work through their elevator pitch and include it on job applications would be an excellent value to students, CMC, and employers. Could you utilize the services of K-Pace?
ReplyDeleteI think idea 2 is the easiest to implement that doesn't depend on other departments to be successful. However, there is a full-length mirror in the women's bathroom on the 1st floor. I'm not sure if there's one in the men's so that could be an option. Option 1 seems like the second best because it's fairly easy. I would just be worried about people not returning the items, damage to the items, etc. And who would pay for them? Option 3 is great, but I would be concerned that recruiters might not take the time to view them and they would be a waste. If other schools aren't doing it, then it might be difficult to adopt. But if the CMC does some research on your behalf to see if companies who directly recruit from Owen would like this, it could be great!
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