Student Employment Positions, Relevant Skills, and Connecting the Dots

Student Supervisor WorkshopOctober 27, 2011

Agenda

• All Jobs are important• Skills – work (and life)• Effectively articulating skills• Question/Answer (Skewer the Messenger)

All Jobs Are Important

• Effectively impart to students how the position(s) impact the operation of the college and your office/area.

• This is/can be challenging to do so in some instances.• Crucial to set expectations.• Not a “homework” job.• They may believe the job is beneath them.• Job titles – work study vs. ?• Ask for their feedback, suggestions to improve or

enhance processes.

Effective Skill Articulation

• Communication, listening, teamwork, technology, conflict resolution, etc.

• Convey that they are building upon skills they already possess and are in a position to learn new skills.

• Employers will want to know what skills they possess.• Help the student realize the variety of skills inherent to

the job.• Walk them through a short list of key skills…some of

which might not be readily apparent at first glance.

Dealing with Recalcitrance

• Students are very bright and talented• They do bring different talents and gifts• From time to time, you encounter a student that just

doesn’t work. Any examples?• What do you do?• As hard as it is, the best course (after all options are

exhausted) is to terminate them.• A “teachable moment” for the student.• Inconvenient, in the short term, for you/the office.• Best for both in the long term.

Questions and Comments