Schoolcraft College works with local business leaders to help students develop critical professional skills
In an effort to better prepare students to meet the needs of local employers, Schoolcraft College worked with area businesses to create the Reality Ready initiative, which focuses on soft skills.
The Reality Ready initiative at Schoolcraft College aims to provide students with the tools to develop intellectual and behavioral skills, skills that local businesses are eager to find when looking for new employees. Working with area business leaders, Schoolcraft College hosted a full day interactive program led by area professionals in which students were given an opportunity to improve skills in communication, conflict resolution, and networking.
The first Reality Ready symposium took place on March 16 with a group of eight students in healthcare programs at Schoolcraft College, as detailed in a recent news release. Kevin Parkyn, president of Parkyn Group and a corporate trainer and executive coach, was one of the facilitators for the event. Parkyn said that in talking with employers, he frequently hears that even applicants with all the technical requirements often struggle with interpersonal skills upon taking up their new positions. In answering the question of why this happens, Parkyn said, "The answer is we've trained people how to interview really well, but what's missing are some of the basic skills to be able to interact well with customers, clients and co-workers to be able to accomplish the goals of the company."
With that in mind, the symposium centered on four key areas: Emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, professional and personal communication, and networking and professionalism. Fellow facilitator Joan Tobin, owner of J. Tobin LLC, brought her own expertise in corporate training to the event. Tobin emphasizes the increased importance of communication skills when working remotely, "We always knew communication was important, but in a virtual environment you have to be even more intentional and purposeful because you don't get to see the reactions or feel the energy."
The first cohort of students to participate worked in groups of four to work through the material, with facilitators on hand to help with comprehension and application of the information. Feedback from the students who participated was positive, many saying that what they learned at the symposium reinforced the lessons they have learned in their classes. One participant, second-year Medical Assisting student Allison Faudel, said of her experience, "I'm really enjoying it. I like how interactive it is and applicable to what they're teaching us. I like having the discussions with everyone and seeing their perspectives. It's given me a broader understanding."