Teaching Styles

As a person interested in pursuing college, have you often wondered about what type of teaching styles are used to aide in helping students learn material? Enrolling in college is definitely an investment so it is imperative that you take time to research an institution to see if it is a good fit for you!  At Brookstone College we pride ourselves on building a rapport with students and offering best-suited teaching styles to help our students learn.  As adults we learn a little differently because of the vast responsibilities that are incorporated in our “everyday” lives.  Creativity plays a vital role in learning, so there are a few techniques we use to keep the learning process stimulating.

As stated by Patricia Scales, Academic Coordinator, our instructors utilize various teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, lectures, role playing, mock learning, field trips, guest speakers, simulations, and scenarios.  For example as part of our Customer Service course, one of the assignments is taking a field trip to a local shopping center. The students divide into small groups; each group is dressed a particular way and they pretend to be a mystery shopper.  They evaluate their experiences as a “customer” based on how they were treated by retail personnel.  After the assignment is completed, the students report back to class and discuss their evaluations and how it compares to material they learned in the class.  In addition to various techniques, we have a structured 4-hour seminar that gives students tips on how to study.  Some of the tips include, utilizing flash cards, how to take great notes, recording lectures, participating  in study groups, knowing information with special formatting or information highly emphasized by the instructor, and participating in tutoring.  The seminar also prepares students on exam taking, such as preparing mock tests, thoroughly knowing study guides that may be given by instructors, utilizing study groups, and establishing great attendance.

Incorporating non-traditional classroom techniques is what keeps our students engaged in learning.  We strive to give them an experience that is directly related to their career industry.  Also, some of the academic programs we offer require students to complete an Internship before graduation, which continues to build their knowledge and practical experience. If you would like to learn more about what we do and what we offer, please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at (336) 668-2627 or 1 (800) 992-5515 or chat live at www.brookstone.edu during business hours.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Shantea Gentry

Career Placement Services

Upcoming Events

 

Career Services:

Celebration, Celebration, Celebration! Ending another academic year is definitely a success to many at Brookstone College. We are coming up on our 2013 Graduation Ceremony on June 21st and ready to see our fellow graduates walk across that stage and receive the one gift they have being waiting on for months.  Congratulations to all of you because you truly have worked hard for it. Also, a huge “THANK YOU” to our faculty because without you it could not be possible.  We invite family, friends, students, and potential students to come out and share in this occasion. The event will be held at The Carolina Theater on 310 S. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 at 7pm. So come on out and let’s celebrate our 2013 Graduates!

Respectfully Submitted

Shantea Gentry, Career Placement Services

Admissions:

New classes begin: ALL programs 4/29/13

New Student Orientation: Thursday, April 25th at 5:45 p.m. and  Friday, April 26th at 9:45 a.m.

NEW by popular demand: Phlebotomy Technician

Now accepting applications!  Limited enrollment.  Contact Admissions at 336-668-2627 for more information.

“Strictly Business” is our motto. The Admissions Department strives to help students take the next step to achieving their career goals. The Career Planning Session is designed to better understand our student’s professional needs and discuss appropriate short-term training options.  Brookstone College is fully accredited and licensed to confer collegiate diplomas and certificates upon our graduates. We are approaching 75 years in business! Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, mid-career changer, retiree, or a recent high school graduate, Brookstone College is here to assist you with obtaining marketable skills for positions in the medical and business industries. Call today to meet with an Admissions professional!

Benefits include:

  • Professional, Student-focused Environment
  • Small class sizes
  • Internships
  • LIFETIME Job Placement Assistance(for graduates)
  • LIFETIME Refresher Courses (for graduates)

 Respectfully Submitted

Jillian Davenport

Lead Admissions Representative

Student Services:

We have some fun activities happening at Brookstone College for our students! Check out what’s up and coming:

May 4th at from 11a.m – 2 p.m.

  • Spring Festival at Brookstone College for Students and their families—Games, prizes, cake walk, talent show, tug of war, water balloon toss, Yard Sale tables, etc. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs provided FREE of charge for students and families.  Paid for by our Ambassador fundraisers.
  • Ambassadors are currently selling snacks to raise funds for future events.

On Saturday, April 13th our Ambassadors hosted a Free Car Wash in High Point. Donations were accepted and our Ambassadors raised $58.00. WAY TO GO!

 Respectfully Submitted

Jeannie Ziglar

Business Instructor/Ambassador Coordinator

Brookstone College of Business Career Fair – Friday, April 26th in Greensboro (Graduates Only!)

Well my fellow job seekers, it’s that time of the year again! Opening up the spring season is often the time for Career Fairs. Companies have begun their fiscal year and they are ready to reboot and recharge with new goals for employment. For many job seekers, this can seem like a daunting task. Rest assure there are some pros to attending career fairs, it’s all about strategizing and planning ahead in order to get the value of your time.

Firstly, it never hurts to do some research. In most cases, these fairs are posted or advertised a week or so ahead of time with information about which companies will be in attendance.  With that in mind, take the necessary time to research the various companies and find out what skills they are looking for or the positions they are trying to fill before you meet them in person.

Secondly, make sure you DRESS in BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE! I have attended several fairs and I am utterly surprised by the attire that some people come in seeking a job or career. Your appearance says a lot about you in unspoken words! Dark color suits are best (grey, black, or navy blue).  If you do not own a suit, a nice pair of slacks or skirt, and a blouse is fine for women. For men, a nice pair of slacks, button-down shirt, with a conservative tie.  Nice polished shoes for both ladies and men. Keep jewelry and perfume/cologne at a minimum. Also, be sure to take a portfolio or folder with copies of your resume and references.  Make sure you are organized and neat with your portfolio.

Take the necessary time to research the various companies and find out what skills they are looking for or the positions they are trying to fill before you meet them in person.

When you approach a recruiter, take a brief moment to talk with the person (have an elevator speech ready about yourself). Here is an example: Hello my name is John Doe and my background is in Human Resources. I have practical experience and proven results in recruitment and training/development. I would like to learn more details about your HR position.  Also remember to give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Never take people with you to a career fair! If you are riding together with someone that’s fine, but there is no need to tag that person by your side as you approach recruiters. It sends the perception that you are not independent to make decisions for yourself.  Not to mention, you could be interviewed on the spot!  Before you leave the recruiter, make sure you get a business card from them. Be sure to send a “thank-you” card or email just simply thanking them for their time in talking with you and reminding them of your interest in their company.

Now that I have given you some pointers about Career Fairs, if you are a Brookstone College graduate, be sure you attend our upcoming Career Fair in April.  Please see the details below:

For Brookstone College Graduates Only

Location: Brookstone College

Address: 424 Gallimore Dairy Road, Greensboro, NC 27409

Date/Time:  Friday, April 26th from 1pm-3pm

Attire: Business Professional Attire with portfolio of resumes

RSVP: Contact S. Gentry at (336) 668-2627 or by email at sgentry@brookstone.edu

Respectfully,

Shantea Gentry

Career Placement Services

Being In the “Know” About Your Industry

How well do you know the industry you are pursuing? 

Do you know what characteristics are required for this career? 

Do you know the salary expectations for this industry?  

These are all familiar questions that I ask incoming students at Brookstone College in their first career plan meeting with me in Career Services. Sometimes I get the “deer in the highlight” look and other times I get the student that has a general idea.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with every expectation of the career you pursue.  As often stated by many, “Knowledge is Power”. We are better prepared when we are well informed about what is expected of us. Each year the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes updates about careers and what is expected in years to come. The information includes salary trends, educational requirements, personal character traits needed, duties performed, and outlook forecast. The guide is titled Occupational Outlook Handbook. It can be found on the following website, www.bls.gov . Salary.com is another website that outlines information about careers, in addition to researching specifically what your own earning potential is based on your education, experience, and geographical background.  For a closer approach, it would not hurt to make contact with the Human Resource Office of the company you have interest in and simply schedule an informal interview to get details as well.

It is essential to be proactive in researching careers before the actual pursuit of it because you are able to make better decisions about your life plan and not look back a year from now and deal with the “wish” factor (I wish I would have done this or that).  Another concept to think about is the more informed you are, the better chance you have negotiating when a job offer is presented.

So get in the KNOW about YOU!

Shantea Gentry
Career Placement Services

Ending The 2012 Year and Beginning 2013

Well, 2012 has come to a close and it is now time to welcome in the New Year! We want to congratulate the graduates who finished this last quarter and remember, the next phase of your journey is starting your new career. For some, that journey has begun.  Some of our graduates that have secured employment in their perspective industries are: Alicia Jackson, Wendy King, Sandi Lundgren, Rasheedah Mason, Lisa Russell, De’Andraya Smith, and Tabatha Stone. We are PROUD of you and wish you the absolute best!

A great way to begin the new year is reflecting on how you overcame the obstacles throughout your academic career, realizing you made it and pressed your way through it all! The late night studying for exams, the balancing of work, school, and family, and passing those infamous Time Writings is enough to pat yourself on the back and say “job well done”.

You have made a great accomplishment!  As the New Year begins, continue with that same determination and set new goals for yourself as it relates to your career. The year 2013 is ready to see the NEW you…. Best Wishes always!

Respectfully Submitted,

Shantea Gentry

Career Placement Services