Jennifer,
Very wise words! You have a huge challenge in this regard.
Elizabeth Kemler
I keep in contact with the employer or event organizer to see how the student is performing; I also keep in touch with the student to see what their experience has been; if they are struggling, then I try to see ways in which the experience can be improved.
To assist with th emany challenges they will face in the work/intership enivornment remind them of the challenges they faced during there studies. I strongly encourage them to deal with the challenges as they arrive and always be prepared.
I find that students very often have unrealistic wage expectations and this colors their view of the job. We talk about what work tasks are within scope and what are out of scope, and I try to get them to understand the workplace environment/expectations from an employer perspective.
Students also find dynamics with colleagues to be challenging, since they are no longer surrounded by friends. We talk about keeping everything on a professional level, and to not jump to conclusions about what they think others are saying about them.
These can be challenges at any point in a career!
there will always be challenges when starting something new, especially the workforce. Lack of confidence is a common factor. Encouragement and also using the tips provided in this lesson
Colleen,
I love what you say about keeping everything at a professional level. That is so key and what so often trips people up over the course of their career.
Elizabeth Kemler
The major complaint I hear from most students/grads is getting along with the various personalities at their new place of employment.
What I like to do with the person sitting across the desk is make a laundry list of personality traits 1) their positive qualities 2)the negative behaviors they witness @ work. Then we brainstorm scenarios of how their positive qualities can counteract the negative behavior. I remind them that this may not change the behavior, but how it will preserve their sanity at work & not get caught up in others' drama.
There are always differences because people see the world differently. It is always important to be calm in every situation. Try to see every situation from both sides. Always see if you can work out a disagreement first with the original parties. If there is still unease go to a boss and help them mediate. Always treat others how you would like to be treated and never react in a way that you would be embarrass you.
The are a wide range of challenges a student can face when searching for a job which can range from dress, how they communicate, presentation,etc. Best way to help them over come this hurdle is by active listening, really listen as they tell you their frustrations and find key points they do not see. Ask them if they ever called the employer back to provide feedback or advice on how they could have done better. If they conitinue to have issues, set up mock interviews with various co-workers or maybe an employer you have a close relationship to provide that first had feed back to them directly. Let them know that every problem has a solution and you will work them to help find that perfect balance just for them.
Michael,
It's great to hear someone talk about active listening. It's a drastically underused and undervalued skill but so crucial for teachers. I really like your approach.
Elizabeth Kemler
Rachel,
That last line should be on a big sign as you walk in every building!
Elizabeth Kemler
Tara,
Wow, this is the first time I've heard of someone else doing this. Fantastic.
Elizabeth Kemler
I love all of the responses on this forum question. Thank you all for sharing! I think that some of the challenges that graduates face in their new positions are the new professional relationship building skills they need to apply to their clients and colleagues as well as the fact that they are new to their industry no matter what past experience they may possess. We offer a solid foundation for a new career, but actual work experience is the only way they are going to grow towards their ultimate career goal. It can be difficult for a student to transition to life as an employee especially when brand new to the industry. I believe we can help address these types of situations by ensuring we are setting them up for success and providing them with as much insight into each position as possible. With administration, instructors, employers’ and previous graduates all prompting real world job situations and expectations I think our graduates have the best opportunity to overcome these types of workplace challenges.
Kallie,
I continue to get great responses to this question-including yours-glad everyone is on the same page with something so critical.
Elizabeth Kemler
Students my face economic challenges that may keep them from staying motivated, but it is important for them to understand that this opportunity is crucial in shaping a better and more prosperous future for their professional career.
Ariel,
What are some of the ways you've found that help keep them motivated
Elizabeth Kemler
it is an infinite number of challenges that a student could face in a job, we try to go thru as many we can so they can be prepared for different situations, but my main advise it is always to be honest, sincere and respectful, no matter waht, at the end it will pay off.
Luis Silvi
LUIS,
This is the best advice you could give!
Elizabeth Kemler
Oh wow there are so many.
The first would be office gossip and drama. I role play with my students on how different attitudes in an office setting can cause issues and how to avoid getting themselves involved in these situations.
The second would be interns gaining the confidence of the doctor/office manager to let them assist in proceedures with their clients/patients. I work with them on how to tske initative, ask questions and truly become an asset to the office.
I think the most important item I work on with them is their soft skills. We can teach a student how to properly perform clinical and business skills, but soft skills are usually taught as a child, though I find alot of our students were not taught these skills and it can be a very big challenge to teach an adult professionalism skills that were not mentored to them as children, so we work on mentoring them during their entire education experience. Each of our courses have some sort of this type of professionalism practices built into them.
Mary,
Those are the two big ones-I agree. And I have also found that there are many students who have never been taught the soft skills which are ultimately what will keep you in a job, no matter how talented you are.
Elizabeth Kemler
