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?
I've had students encounter issues with students from other career schools. My student was being bullied by another student and needed assistance with dealing with the situation. I spoke with the supervisor at that site and encouraged my student to stay and maintain open communication with the supervisor. My student was able to maintain a positive image with the supervisor and organization which gave her a positive in a difficult situation. It was a positive thing to speak about during an interview when asked how she overcame a difficult obstacle in the workplace.
I think for a lot of students who have not worked before they have the challenge of being the new person. Meaning they are there to learn and need to follow the directions. I think some students want to come in and do things their own way and think they know it all and do not want to listen. I think it's important for us as educators to set the rules and guidelines from day one. Meaning you are working for this company, they are your boss. You need to follow their rules and procedures as long as it is ethical. Just about setting boundaries from day one.
Viola,
I have heard this many times. I like your idea of treating the externship search like a job search to 'up' the stakes. I would also suggest, if you have a large number of students who have gotten jobs from externships, to advertize that number; if you don't, perhaps there is some sort of impressive statistic that can be found online.
Elizabeth Kemler
One of the big issues with our students is dependability. Some students don't see the externship as a real employment opportunity so they don't make the level of commitment that is needed to make a strong impression and create a real job opportunity. We find that the these students do the minimum to meet the requirements.
One of the ways we are trying to address this problem is by promoting the student to actually "look for a job" when they are looking for an externship. It seems there is a bigger investment when the student finds their own externship opportunity.
Cesar G ,
This is the best advice you could give; being honest and avoiding gossip can do so much to help build the employees/interns reputation as well as create a positive working environment for everyone.
Elizabeth Kemler
Students face many challenges in the workplace. Some are as simple as getting caught up in the workplace gossip or as serious as making a mistake that can negatively affect the employer. I advise my students to be honest. If they are in externship treat it as such. They are learning and it is common to make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and correct the action. This will ensure that they rectify the issue and do not repeat the mistake. Once they become employees keeping their professionalism at all times will help them deal with issues. Addressing co-workers or colleagues in a respectful manner will allow them to handle the situation and move on.
Deborah,
What you are saying really resonates; professionalism is perhaps the most important skill you can bring to an externship, and the hardest to teach for the reasons you mention above. I have seen even in students who've had the advantage of good educations still resist even the most basic rules of professional conduct.
Elizabeth Kemler
Many of our students come from backgrounds that don't require acting professionally. It is hard work during the students classes to stress professionalism and the importance. One of our instructors was concerned about the lack of professionalism of her students when they went to externship. She decided that she was going to stress this the entire time the students were in her class. At first the students didn't know what to think about it and got angry that the rules changed. But now after 2 years the responses from the externships sites are incredible, also the students prepare for her classes now. Many externship sites will not except any other schools' externing students. Speaks volumns. If you raise the bar they will meet it. Professionalism is the toughest part of going into their fields.
Sheri,
I have heard this many times, and I think it's also critical (and I'm sure you advise as such) that they maintain the utmost professionalism regardless of the environment or behavior of other employees. I find that innocent seeming things like gossip can get interns into a lot of trouble.
Elizabeth Kemler
Many of the challenges that students face on their internships are feelings of insecurity, or not feeling part of the team. I try to educate the students before they go on internship as to what they can realistically expect. Sometimes they will be bored because the site does not have experience with interns and does not know how to utilize and educate them effectively - in these situations I advise my student to ask for more duties. Other times they are not given specific tasks since the employer does not have confidence in the student yet. In these instances I coach my students I how to gain this confidence and trust.
Christina,
Do you work much with students on developing and maintaining a professional attitude and behaviors at work?
Elizabeth Kemler
Some challenges students may encounter during job/internship are not asking for help when needed. Another challenge is stressing to students the importance of taking notes and keeping them in one place. To look back on notes is better than repeatedly asking the same questions to the employer.
Jo-Anna,
I think this is a fantastic idea; do you find that many employers in your field do this kind of thing? Do you ever recommend it to them?
Elizabeth Kemler
Kimberly,
These are both very good points; people are often reluctant to ask questions on the job for fear of appearing ignorant or unprepared. I like the idea of having a notebook where you write down all the questions that come up for you in the first few days, then addressing them all at once and writing down the answers where you can easily reference them when needed.
Elizabeth Kemler
Being new in a work environment is always challenging for both the employers and the employee. Getting to know the lay of the land or protocol is the discovery path. I believe that an operations manual along with check marks will help give the newbe confidence and a fall back when in doubt. Have a mentor assigned to partner with learning the job specifications is invaluable. Literately they are partners the seasoned employee and the new employee get to show their skills to one another and they both profit from the relationship.
Everyone is a teacher and everyone is here to serve or be served!
Some challenges students may encounter during job/internship are not asking for help when needed. Another challenge is stressing to students the importance of taking notes and keeping them in one place. To look back on notes is better than repeatedly asking the same questions to the employer.
Elizabeth,
Another excellent idea--especially as this provides a low-stress environment when students are better able to take in and share helpful information.
Elizabeth Kemler
Another item that students should consider is participating in group lunches or outtings. These lunches help to build strong working relationships and also provide the student additional time to ask questions in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Marion,
I hear this over and over; often students get discouraged too quickly which makes them an easy target for workplace gossip and negativity, other times they simply want to fit in. Either way, your advice to maintain and demonstrate self respect and dignity at all times is right on target.
Elizabeth Kemler
