Overcoming Obstacles at Work
What kinds of challenges might students encounter during their jobs/internships, and how can you help them to address those challenges effectively?
There are a multitude of challenges an individual might face. Because you can not prepare for all of them, it is helpful to use the steps you noted in this section that will work no matter what the challenge might be.
Also you must always be available to someone to listen and help an individual work thru a problem.
Also reassure the person that everyone faces challenges and it is normal to encounter them.
The availability is key..when students can count on you to listen and encourage them, it really goes a long way toward boosting their confidence.
I have found that "team" work is one of the most important methods of overcoming obstacles at work.
Here are a couple of things that I have dealt with:
Problem: Students/graduates facing jealous or obstinent employees of the company.
Solution: sitting down with the student and discussing effective ways to deal with the situation and discussing possible things that could be going on to cause these behaviors.
Problem: Going from the training environment to the "work" environment.
Solution: Preparation is the key, try to give them a good idea going in what things will be same and which will be different.
We prepare our students through a course instruction. Once, they are at their internships, we keep close contact to the site supervisor and the student. Open communication between the student, school and site supervisor has always worked in the past to help with challenges during their internship
Kelley,
It's great that you keep in contact with all three-that way you can get a full picture of how the student is doing.
Elizabeth Kemler
At school, most everyone is on the student's side. The staff and faculty all work to ensure that the student has the best opportunities. On the job, however, that is not always true. Many supervisors and colleagues, while not out to harm the student, are not necessarily in the business of helping them. This can come as a bit of a shock to students, especially younger students tackling their first job. As with most things in life, preparation is key, but I also like to think that there is an alternative to what is often perceived as a zero-sum game. We teach our students to respect others, no matter if they're the CEO or the guy who cleans the toilet. By respecting others, these new hires will not be seen as a threat to their colleagues, and will be given the respect and opportunities they deserve.
Dax,
This is really good advice. I can certainly imagine what challenge it is to suddenly find yourself basically 'on your own' in this new environment. Respect is absolutely key and will most definitely help the student to be perceived as both non-threatening and a team player.
Elizabeth Kemler
The most common issue I encounter is an unrealistic wage expectation. I address these issues by providing government statistics regarding entry-level wage, average wage and high wage. I do this for basically 2 reasons: first, so they will know others have travelled this same career path, and also, so they can understand that this entry level position is an investment in their future.
Susan,
This makes sense; showing real-world wages is really the only way students are going to know what to expect.
Elizabeth Kemler
Awesome statement. When you get someone who is right out of high school it's even worse. Someone has held the student's hands for 18, 19, 20 years and they are truly not ready for the real world. We all were in that same boat at one time in our lives and I find remembering my first experiences with a boss who did not want to do everything for me helped a lot.
I tell my students that, regardless of profession, an employee's job is to make their boss's job easier. If they accomplish that, the boss will be happy and the employee will be perceived as doing a good job. That little phrase has helped immeasurably.
Anthony,
In a way, someone holding the students hand is the best-case scenario. more often, I see students who have had no guidance or support and simply don't know how to behave in the context of a 'real job'. Regardless, your advice is certainly sound.
Elizabeth Kemler
As an entry level employee one might be challenged by comparing oneself with others or thier mentor. Letting the student know in advance that they will be in training for a few months and realize they have the skills to grow in knowledge and experience with time. Keeping this fresh in thier mind will catapult thier growth. Knowing the four factors discussed in this module is the key.
Janice,
This point hasn't come up until now but its a good one. Students can easily lose heart when they compare themselves to people who've been in the field longer than they have; reminding them of there potential to learn and grow should prove quite helpful
Elizabeth Kemler
We come across this a great deal as well. There are industry standards that we can quote for wage ranges but many times the student expects that they will fit the criteria simply with the certification they have earned. Some times it takes multiple rejections from employers for them to understand that with experience they can earn the higher rates. We try to encourage them to seek positions even if they feel it is below what they would consider at their level to gain experience so that they are marketable to employers for positions that do pay well.
Jessica,
Yes, this is a tough one..it's hard to convince someone who has just spent time, energy and money preparing for a job paying a certain amount to find that they have to work UP to that amount.
Elizabeth Kemler
While it's difficult to predict what challenges a student/graduate may encounter, I think one of the key factors is to assure them that they can always contact the career services team for support and guidance even after they have graduated. Having a sounding board and knowing that someone cares about their success is instrumental in addressing challenges effectively.
Susan,
Absolutely..knowing someone is on your team-in an active way makes a huge difference.
Elizabeth Kemler
I think that the younger generation may have more challenges because work is becoming a foreign word to them. It is interesting how many students want a job when in reality they want a paycheck for doing as little as possible.
I try to help my students realize that the habits they develop while in school will carry over into the workforce. If they are constantly late for class or never finish their assignments ontime it will be harder to change later on. This is the time for practicing what they want to become.
