Higher education

“Normal” Continues To Elude Higher Education

by AdvertisingEducationMarketingUncategorized

Higher educationJust when it looked like more and more colleges were finding ways to provide a face-to-face learning experience during the continuing pandemic, West Chester University (right in my backyard) announced that virtual learning was being extended into the spring 2021 semester. That’s right…Spring 2021. As this was being announced, WCU’s local school district was moving into hybrid.

 

That was quite a wake-up call for me and, I would assume, for thousands of students who are in or in the process of entering the higher education system. Sounds like it’s time for a gap year while all this gets sorted out.

 

Trends and predictions on the effect this on-going pandemic is having on our colleges and universities have been released since we last broached the subject in our July 2020 blog. This includes a significant study from the National Student Clearinghouse whose mission is to provide data, services and insights to the K-20 and workforce continuum.

 

For Fall 2020 enrollment the impact of the pandemic differs – sometimes significantly – by degree and institution type. Here’s a small snapshot of what we have learned from NSC’s data as of September 24, 2020:

 

First-Time Beginning Students

  • This group showed an incredible 16.1% drop in enrollments which compares to a slim 0.4% drop last fall.
  • 69% of all undergraduate enrollment losses come from First Time Beginning Students

Undergraduates

  • Undergraduate enrollment is down 4% across all institution types in comparison to last year
  • Private for-profit colleges are up 3.0%
  • Public 2-year colleges taking a huge hit – down 9.4%
  • Only 5 states are showing an increase in enrollments – Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Utah
  • 11.2% drop in international students

Graduate Students

  • Graduate school enrollments are up 2.7%.
  • Private 4-year colleges are up 9.3%
  • Public 4-year colleges are up in the same period by 4.0%
  • Enrollment is up in 38 states

All Students

  • Total enrollment is down 3.0% in comparison to the same period last year.
  • Only 6 states show an increase in all enrollments including Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Nebraska, Utah and Arizona

Not sure when things will return to normal – if ever. If you are an Admissions professional, SCG would like to continue the discussion with you.

 

 

social media afterlife

Social Media in the Afterlife?

by Personal InterestSocial MediaUncategorized

social media afterlifeWhile we’re all adjusting to a new normal of remote work and virtual classrooms during the COVID pandemic, social media can be an important connection to family and friends. A Harris Poll conducted between late March and early May found that between 46% and 51% of US adults were using social media more since the outbreak began.

2020 has been a tough year for all of us, and not any easier with the untimely loss of friends and colleagues. Imagine my surprise when receiving status updates for the recently departed.  Thirty million Facebook users died in the first 8 years of its existence and statisticians tell us that the dead will soon outnumber the living on Facebook according to this article on loop.com.

This has become such a big issue that we now have the FADA (Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act) which was set in place to extend the traditional power of a fiduciary to manage tangible property to include management of digital assets. So far, 25 states have enacted some version of FADA.

We should all take basic steps to get our digital affairs in order:

  • Make sure you have computer passwords, phone passcodes, etc. safely stored and accessible to trusted family/friends.
  • Have online usernames and passwords in a secure location for a trusted contact/executor. At a minimum, make sure they are written down in a safe place but do consider a reputable password manager software. Consider Roboform, 1Password, Lastpass. Your unique situation can determine if a free solution works or you need something more robust in a paid subscription.
  • Establish a legacy contact on Facebook and other sites that allow it. A legacy contact can make decisions about memorializing your profile, how to respond to tributes, or to request removal of the profile.
  • Include a ‘digital estate plan’ with your will and power of attorney.

COVID also left 40 million Americans unemployed at least temporarily. As those job seekers look for new opportunities, many turn to LinkedIn for networking. This can be more difficult with many outdated profiles on LinkedIn. I’ve seen many examples of people who start fresh when leaving one employer. That may be because a profile was “hacked” or they didn’t want to be identified with a bad experience, or simple oversight. These dormant profiles may seem like no big deal, but I would worry about them being bait for hackers who know you aren’t paying attention. If you don’t want to update/maintain a profile from a previous employer, you can delete/deactivate. Here’s a link to instructions on how to do that, even if you don’t have access to the original email account or password. It’s a little dated but should help.

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. It’s supposed to be quite eye-opening to concepts of technology addiction, social engineering, and surveillance capitalism. Yowza! If you’ve seen it, share some feedback. I will be watching in the next few days and look forward to the discussion.

Here are a few links if you’d like to research further:

https://beyond.life/help-centre/admin-legal/social-media-accounts-loved-one-dies/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/get-your-digital-accounts-ready-in-case-of-death/

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-prepare-your-digital-life-for-your-death

 

 

SCG 5 Step Diversity Plan

Eliminate Your Greatest Barrier To Successful Diversity Recruiting

by Human ResourcesRecruitment AdvertisingUncategorized

A survey of 250 full-time talent acquisition or recruitment professionals by Yello.co found that the top reason for not meeting the challenges of diversity recruiting was a “lack of time and resources to devise and execute a diversity recruitment strategy.” That said, recent protests have necessitated a renewed focus on social justice and an immediate and serious review of diversity in the workplace.

Talent acquisition professionals are undoubtedly feeling the pressure. More than anyone they know the many benefits of a robust plan that results in greater diversity in the workplace.  Just a few of those benefits include building a team that reflects the changing make-up of our population, wider variety of thought, stronger decision-making, inspiration resulting in more creativity, improvement in retention, enhancement of productivity, and a lift in the company’s reputation.

The reality is that talent acquisition has little influence over meeting the most common challenges that keep diversity recruiting plans on the shelf rather than into action.  So, how do you move ahead when you hit the “no more excuses” stage in diversity?SCG 5-step-Diversity-Plan

Fortunately, there is a solution. Partner with the recruitment marketing experts at SCG Advertising & Public Relations. We will guide you through our 5-step Diversity Plan to:

  • Build a diversity team
  • Share a thorough situation analysis
  • Develop a multi-pronged strategy
  • Implement the plan
  • Monitor program progress

Let’s talk now about a plan that will put you ahead of the curve in creating a diverse workforce in your company. Our SCG recruitment professionals have extensive experience in this area.  Contact Mike Gatta, VP, National Development at 856-795-7391 x149.

 

 

 

 

Upson Regional Elevator Wrap

It’s a Wrap! Putting your Brand to Work for You

by AdvertisingBrandingRecruitment AdvertisingUncategorized

What do you think of when you think about advertising? Clients frequently think narrowly of a limited range of options. One of the reasons that I love what I do is the constant variety.  Every touchpoint with your customer or job candidate leaves a lasting impression. You should be reinforcing mission, vision, and values at every opportunity.

Over the years, we’ve helped clients tell their story on billboards, movie theatre screens, mall food court tables, coffee sleeves, t-shirts, banners on the front of buildings, shuttle buses wraps, computer screensavers, custom coins and holiday ornaments, just to name a few.

Shuttle Bus Wraps
Honor Health

 

 

Elevator Wraps

So, when Upson Regional Medical Center asked for help in identifying a vendor to help wrap the elevator doors in their hospital, we were ready. They wanted to share a safety guideline limiting the number of passengers in the elevators combined with a message reinforcing their commitment to caring for their community.

After presenting several design options, the client unanimously selected one design that featured four stock images of medical professionals. The client asked us to swap in their own employees and we were well on our way.

We faced an added challenge with the location of the hospital, which is approximately 70 miles from Atlanta in Central Georgia. We contacted vendors within a reasonable radius and carefully evaluated proposals, ensuring reasonable investment, quality job and ease of removal when the time comes. The client had 34 doors to be wrapped and we wanted to ensure it was done properly.

I am thrilled to say that installation was completed in one day with minimal interruption and the client was very pleased with the result, showing it off on social media the same day.

 

 

 

Recruitment Insights – Coronavirus

by Human ResourcesRecruitment AdvertisingUncategorized

Industries Affected by Coronavirus

The Coronavirus Pandemic has brought an otherwise strong jobs environment across the United States to the brink of potentially massive layoffs. However, it is essential to understand that industries are not affected equally.

 

Regions affected by the Coronavirus

The Coronavirus has affected the jobs of millions of Americans. So how are some of our regions faring during the pandemic?

 

News of interest about the Coronavirus economy

True to our “can do” spirit, there are a variety of great things happening during this pandemic.

  • Joann Fabrics is using its classrooms and supplies to mobilize crafters across the nation to help protect healthcare workers.
  • 16 companies working on the vaccine or treatment.
  • Crucial maintenance work to our nation’s trucking industry is still on the move.

 

Bruce Papkin

Edison Resident Appointed Sales Consultant at Morris County Communications Agency

by SCG NewsUncategorized

Contacts:          Kurt Praschak / kpraschak@successcomgroup.com / 973.992-7800, x.289

                              Alexa Cangialosi / acangialosi@successcomgroup.com / 973.992-7800, x.172

 

Edison Resident Appointed Sales Consultant at Morris County Communications Agency

Bruce Papkin joins SCG Advertising + Public Relations

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ (February 3, 2020) – Edison, NJ resident Bruce Papkin has been appointed Sales Consultant for SCG Advertising + Public Relations, a full-service Bruce Papkincommunications agency based in Parsippany. In his role, Papkin focuses on developing new client relationships in the recruitment, digital, and traditional advertising sectors.

 

Papkin has more than four decades of experience in the human capital and recruitment advertising industry, primarily at Posner Advertising, Rada Recruitment Communications – a Grey advertising company – and Winston Advertising, where he was the company president.

 

“Bruce joins us with a professional background encompassing all aspects of the recruitment advertising industry,” says Mike Gatta, SCG vice president of National Development. “With his unique level of expertise and experience, I’m confident he’ll play an essential role in forging multiple new business relationships.”

 

A graduate of the College of Aeronautics with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering Design, Papkin also has extensive experience in the recruitment marketing, staffing, and behavioral healthcare fields. Prior to joining SCG Advertising + Public Relations, Papkin was the Senior Recruiter in Supportive Care’s Texas region, where he sourced and recruited behavioral health professionals. Additional experience in the behavioral healthcare field includes growing the New York region of Delta-T, which specializes in behavioral healthcare temp staffing placement for daycare and social workers in group homes, nursing homes, schools, and other specialized areas.

 

 

 

About SCG Advertising + Public Relations

Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in advertising, marketing, public relations, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.

Additional information is available at www.successcomgroup.com, as well as on Facebook  and Twitter.

 

# # #

 

 

Trendwatch-R-16x9

SCG Trendwatch: Recruitment Industry News & Insights – July 2019

by BrandingHuman ResourcesOnline StrategyRecruitment AdvertisingUncategorized

TrendwatchWelcome to your monthly round-up for busy HR professionals. Each month, we share the latest news, strategies, tools and trends affecting the recruitment landscape. Check in each month for the latest updates from all over the web.  

Indeed announces acquisition of automated recruitment technology platform ClickIQ.

Indeed, the world’s #1 job site, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire ClickIQ, an automated job advertising technology platform, based in the UK.  Read more…

Tech startup Appcast sold for $79 million.

A 5½-year-old Upper Valley digital startup that has become a major player in helping national employers find job candidates has sold a majority stake in the company to a German media giant for $79 million.  Read more…

2019 Study reveals new trends in trucking recruitment.

The trucking and logistics industries are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Naturally, as the economy flourishes, the need for trucks, and drivers, skyrockets. However, the high-volume, high-turnover nature of the industry makes recruiting truck drivers difficult. Research from a 2017 study shows that driver turnover is exceptionally high, reaching as high as 98 percent in 2017 with 70 percent of that turnover occurring in the first year of employment; this rate of turnover places an added layer of difficulty on driver recruitment.  Read more…

iCIMS acquires Jibe to expand engagement, recruitment marketing capabilities.

iCIMS acquired recruiting technology platform Jibe with an eye toward strengthening its offerings in employer branding, candidate engagement and tracking the return on recruiting investments.

Jibe will power iCIMS’ new recruitment marketing solution, Attract, which is available as either part of its core platform or as the front end of other, integrated ATS or HCM solutions.  Read more…

Disability Equality Index shows steady growth of inclusion.

A total of 156 out of the 180 organizations included in the Disability Equality Index received top scores for their inclusion of people with disabilities. The index is a collaboration between the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, a nonprofit organization focused on disability inclusion in business.  Read more…

Oregon passes nation’s most generous paid family leave law.

Oregon lawmakers recently enacted the nation’s most generous paid leave program. Gov. Kate Brown signed a law into effect on July 1 that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave to just about every employee in the state (yes, even if you only have one employee), to be funded by a new payroll tax paid by both workers and employers with 25 or more employees. While the law doesn’t kick in until 2023, it’s never too early to learn about what’s around the corner and start to prepare.  Read more…

labor day

Do you know the history of Labor Day?

by Human ResourcesPersonal InterestRecruitment AdvertisingSCG NewsUncategorized

labor dayDo you know why Labor Day is a national holiday, recognized nationwide? If your answer is no – you will now be informed. If your answer is yes – keep reading anyway!

 

During America’s Industrial Revolution (latter half of the 1800’s) the unbearable working conditions eventually led to an uproar – between employers and employees. Worker unions were created and served as the primary catalyst for establishing a political backbone. They organized rallies and strikes that were essential in trying to establish a positive outcome for laborers. Some of these rallies and strikes turned violent, unfortunately leaving casualties. Yet, a trailblazing event took place on September 5, 1882 (which is nationally recognized as the first Labor Day parade). On this day, thousands of activists marched in New York City – from City Hall through Union Square, all knowing they were not going to be paid for this time off. Concerts, picnics and speeches occurred on this day as well.

 

During this time two members of different unions received credited for coining this idea/day. The two men have closely structured last names, but are not related. Matthew Maguire (Secretary of the Central Labor Union) and Peter McGuire (American Federation of Labor co-founder). 

 

Matthew Maguire initiated the type of strikes aimed toward exposing unsafe factory conditions and employee hours in the 1870’s. Matthew’s outspoken political views were deemed outstretched for the time frame and therefore were responsible for his demotion as Labor Day’s founding father.

 

 

Peter McGuire is depicted as advocating this idea/day/parade concept in front of New York Central Labor Union, on May 12, 1882. Peter’s initiated strikes brought change and evolution to work hours – the standard eight hour workday, still withstanding today!

 

The year of 1894 manifested approval by congress and thereby President Grover Cleveland announced a national holiday to occur every first Monday of September, now known as Labor Day.

 

So now that you’re informed about history of this day, do not come in to work on Monday! Enjoy your day off!

snapr pic

Check Out These Cool Networking Tools

by MarketingMobile AdvertisingOnline StrategyRecruitment AdvertisingSocial MediaUncategorized

Shapr app
Shapr Interface

Many traditional business practices over the past few decades have evolved into having some sort of digital or mobile alternative. Technology is continuously creating new ways to do just about everything, including networking. What used to consist of simply shaking hands and in-person conversation has also hit the digital world with the emergence of social sites such as LinkedIn and some cool networking tools.

 

Although they can provide a way to foster a professional connection that would be otherwise difficult to attain, the way people use social platforms in general can take away the true intention which is to develop a personal relationship that is mutually beneficial.  If you are trying to connect with someone for a specific reason, they may accept your request, but they could have also accepted any number of people that day and now you’re just another connection they may or may not interact with.

 

The good news is, there are many tools out there in addition to LinkedIn that can be used for meeting people and networking, and they take a different approach compared to traditional social and networking platforms. They aim to create an experience that encourages people to go beyond the platforms to actually meet with people for lunch, coffee or at an event to form a genuine professional relationship.

 

Some of them are specific to certain kinds of meetings or interactions like Extendee and Let’s Lunch, while others, like Shapr, are a tool simply for networking with people in the area.  One of the more specific-use platforms, Extendee, is used to meet people that are attending the same conferences, festivals, marathons or any other type of event. You can then begin a conversation with like-minded people before even getting to the event, or even share a ride from the airport to the venue. The most important element that the Extendee boasts is maximizing ROI. When you have invested time and money into traveling to and attending an event, you want to get the most out of it, and Extendee helps you do that.

 

Another one is called Let’s Lunch, which has a mission to empower people to get more out of their lunch time in a unique way. Let’s Lunch connects you to companies that you could go have lunch with and experience the company culture and even discover job opportunities. Forbes said, “while there are a lot of incredible tools and resources that make it easier to network with people from all over the world, there’s still nothing quite like Let’s Lunch.”

 

The platform that I have interacted with the most is the Shapr app. The easiest way to describe it is to say it is similar to Tinder or Bumble, but for professional networking. It has a very similar interface and you swipe left for “no” and right for “yes” on the people you come across.  The app shows you approximately 15 people per day based on your location, but there is more to it. You can log in using LinkedIn, and the algorithm also uses your professional experience and tagged interests. So, if you are interested in entrepreneurship, technology and marketing, you can make that a part of your profile and Shapr shows you people that are also interested in those topics.

 

According to the app’s founder, Ludovic Huraux, the limit of 15 is important to the central idea of Shapr which is to “make networking a habit.” The limit forces people to come back daily and people don’t have the ability to swipe through tons of people every day, which would diminish the impact and effect of the app.

 

In the Shapr app, you swipe anonymously and get notified when both people swipe yes, and then a conversation can be started. Unlike some other platforms, it is less focused on sales or jobs and instead intended to cultivate relationships and get people to meet up offline.  The app has been used by all sorts of people, from company executives to entrepreneurs, recruiters, and students looking for some guidance or mentorship.  Shapr is great for finding people and simply starting a conversation.  If you are not looking for a specific type of meeting or for people going to a certain event, you might use Extendee or Let’s Lunch instead.

 

I stumbled upon Shapr from a social media post and thought it sounded very interesting so I downloaded it right away. I began using it and swiping through people without much of an expectation. I was interested in talking to people working in the marketing field who could offer some career advice. I was able to speak with people in the industry who were more than willing to provide some insight on their own career path.  That is why the Shapr app is an excellent tool for more personal (but still professional) networking. Instead of a pool of thousands at your fingertips, Shapr shows you a limited amount everyday based on what your profile says you are interested in.

 

These tools put a spin on networking on bigger platforms which gives you a pool of thousands at your fingertips. They are more focused, and most users are looking for some insight just as much as they are willing to share knowledge and guidance, which is what makes them powerful.  Most users are looking for help just as much as they are willing to share knowledge and guidance, which is what makes these tools so great.