Classroom to Career in Ohio
Jay Miller was hopeful that being a “fun and engaging workplace” was an adequate employee retainment strategy. “People can bring their dogs in, we have flexible hours, snacks in the breakroom — all that,” the DRM Productions CEO said. “A few years ago, though, we started to see some turnover.” Miller said some of his employees didn’t see a “clear pathway” for where they could be in the company in five or 10 years. Classroom to Career in Ohio.
“We sort of had a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book with blank pages,” he said. “We have opportunities for upward mobility, but I didn’t give them jumping off points and (we) got complacent.”
What’s coming up
This solutions journalism story, part of Source Media’s Tomorrow’s Talent series, explores the challenges and successes different employers have with student job awareness. Internships, job shadowing and career days are strategies many companies employ. Continue reading to learn about how these approaches are working for various businesses.
Miller said one of the missions of the digital media company is to “help other businesses scream louder.” Projects like “Richland Works” have helped businesses market themselves to students and potential hires in Richland County.
How do businesses engage with students?
“One of the things we talk about as business owners is not just getting career opportunities in front of youth, but how to engage them,” he said. “Because that’s often the bigger hurdle.”
“Kids aren’t going to come to us. I give out hundreds of business cards at the career fairs and events we go to.
“The vast majority of the students, I never see again. I know high schoolers probably don’t like talking on the phone, or maybe they’re nervous thinking ‘I won’t get an internship anyway.’”
Influences
A Source Media Properties survey of more than 1,100 high school students found 38% of teens reported job shadowing, internships or part-time jobs as “very or highly influential” in their future career aspirations.
One-fourth of those students cited career days or job site visits as very or extremely influential. This can pose a challenge for employers though, even if a student finds something they’re passionate about.
“We’re not allowed to collect students’ contact information, so some type of middleman like an app would be super helpful,” he said.
Miller said he’s thought about creating software to communicate with students through school or guidance counselors.
The Ontario High School alumnus said most of DRM’s staff members started as interns. The company now has about 15 employees.
Miller said his business has had success with unconventional job fairs.
“We’ve gone to college art shows to find designers,” he said. “I can’t really just post on Indeed and hope the right person finds it and applies. Hiring is kind of like sales, you have to have a targeted audience and go to them.”
Source: Classroom to Career in Ohio
This story is part of an ongoing series exploring north central Ohio’s workforce trends and how different organizations, including businesses and schools, are adapting to current challenges. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Gorman-Rupp Company for its ongoing support of trusted independent local journalism.