Leathers Milligan presents innovative course to hone ASU students’ career management skills and attractiveness to employers

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May 20, 2008 —

Phoenix, Arizona. . . To help provide students expanded career management training and greater employment opportunities, Leathers Milligan & Associates - OI Partners designed a core curriculum and presented a pilot course that has just concluded. Their “College to Career – Solving the Job Search Puzzle” module was Phase 1 of a three-phase Professional Development certificate offered through The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and The School of Global Management and Leadership at ASU. The other two phases are planned to address introductions to specific fields and industries and internship/mentoring opportunities.

Elaine Jordan, PhD., director of College Internships for the New College at ASU at the West Campus, said the University was “indebted to Leathers Milligan. The program would not have happened without their dedication and dynamic content. Their program gives students knowledge skills for life.”  Dean of New College, Dr. Elizabeth Langland added, “This program allows our students to connect what they’ve been learning in the classroom with the professional applications they will need to ensure their success in the workforce.” 

ASU Academic Services Manager Ursula Scheren echoed Jordan’s response, “We appreciate Leathers Milligan’s extensive experience in career guidance and the creative tools they developed for our students’ career objectives.” The course was limited to 26 people, although three times that many students showed interest. According to Scheren, the program was a big success and is scheduled to be offered again. “Every one of the students raved about the course.”

Presented by Leathers Milligan - OI Partners Trainer Gwen Scheetz, the topics included: skills assessment, resume writing, interviewing, negotiating and networking. Participating students evaluated themselves before and after the course, noting a greater than 50% overall improvement in perception of their skills in these critical areas, giving them increased confidence to tackle their job search.  “Our role in Higher Education is one of workforce development.  This type of program that emphasizes hands-on learning enhances and reinforces what our students are learning in the classroom” stated Dean of the School of Global Management & Leadership Gary Waissi.

Students felt better prepared for the job interview process by gaining insight into themselves and the skills they offer, building confidence by creating a systematic job search plan and understanding the job market and the critical need for researching potential employers. Students also appreciated the interactive format and opportunity to share their job search experiences.

Mark Leathers, Founder and Partner, Leathers Milligan - OI Partners commented, “Bringing a view and knowledge of the “real world” to students as a part of their academic training is certainly a creative approach to preparing students for the working world.  Employers need graduates who are well-prepared to deal with the realities of the workplace and this program enables students to be more knowledgeable and effective when engaging prospective employers.” Leathers serves on the New College Dean’s Advisory Council for the ASU at the West campus and as Chairman of the Board for OI Partners.

Leathers Milligan & Associates, LLC, is the Arizona partner of OI Partners, a corporation of career consulting, executive coaching, leadership development and career transition professionals located in 200 locally-owned offices in 27 countries. OI SolutionsTM is a customized online system that lets employees access career research tools, company information, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities. Leathers Milligan - OI Partners -- a better human experience for a better business outcome. www.leathersmilligan.com.