Tim Elmore in his blog, http://growingleaders.com/, explains the employers' view regarding a bad experience with their interns. This blog was quite interesting because rather then writing about the perfect intern, he highlights the negative personal aspects that create for a negative internship. The blogger's friend invited a few college students to intern for him at his company, only to realize they lack certain qualities that will make the internship experience enjoyable, specifically, Teachability, Initiative, Responsibility, and Energy. The author suggests to explain the internship as a 12-week long interview, so that they will take the experience seriously and actually learn something. This idea seems to be the most relevant to me personally, the idea that employers look for attitude more so than aptitude. It's important to have a good attitude above anything else because then it amplifies the experience and you'll learn more from it.
After taking the OWEI test last week, I realized that I lacked initiative skills, so it's important that I step out of my comfort zone and ask my mentor if I could participate in different aspects. I could ask by saying, "Would it be okay with you if I participated in...". In addition, I believe I can improve my "teachability" skills by asking more questions on things I don't understand. To take it a step further, I could take my internship home by researching independently so that I am more knowledgeable about what is happening daily. If I take these further steps, then I believe I can be a successful intern in my 12-week long interview.
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Work Ethic is a broad term encompassing interpersonal skills, initiative, and dependability. It is being accountable for the work that you complete and believing that it serves an important function for the company as a whole.
Being able to work with others and communicating effectively is demonstrating interpersonal skills. Employers are looking for individuals who can be comfortable working independently and with others. They also look for how you show proper communication skills. Being able to make informed decisions without having to be told is demonstrating initiative. These days, having direct supervision is uncommon so it's important that you can make decisions yourself. Finally, being able to complete your duties and maintain your responsibilities demonstrates dependability. If you do not arrive on time and lack off your job responsibilities, you waste the company's money and you are likely to be fired. After using the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory, I found that I am above average to other working people. I scored a 6.44 out of 7 in interpersonal skills, a 6.19 of 7 in initiative, and a 6.43 out of 7 in dependability. While I ranked high in interpersonal skills, I found that my initiative was lower. By understanding my scores, I have learned that I have to work on making informed decisions by myself. This will help me make the most out of my internship and demonstrate professionalism. It's important to be aware of the situation you are placed in and what type of people are surrounding you because there are many different ways one has to communicate appropriately. For example, when I am communicating with my friends or other peers, I am rather informal and casual; however if I am in a workplace surrounded by adults and professionals, I take a serious tone and I make sure I regard them as "Mr. or Mrs./Ms." In addition, it is equally as important to pay attention to nonverbal communication, such as, body language and eye contact. When I am communicating with professionals at the company, I will make sure I stand up straight and maintain eye contact. A straight posture with your hands by your side, shows that you are engaged in conversation and willing to offer insight. Finally, communication via email or phone call should also be appropriate. With friends, phone calls can be less serious, but with adults it's important to maintain the same level of seriousness and formality as you would in person. In emails, you should always say "Thank You" and your name at the end.
Expectations also vary between friends and coworkers/mentors. While both expect your respect and courtesy, your coworkers expect your enthusiasm and academic insight as well. Employers go off first impression, simply because they don't know you well enough, so that's why it's important to show that you're serious about the opportunity. They expect that you can effectively communicate when you have questions or concerns. As far as communicating with my mentor, I will make sure I reply in a timely manner whenever I get an email or phone call. I will also make sure I have good body language and eye contact so that I can show my confidence and enthusiasm. Lastly, I will effectively listen to my mentor and ask appropriate questions. In "Making the Most of Your Internship or Co-op", Juliette McDonald highlights the practical tips and strategies one should take in order to be successful in the workplace. McDonald begins by emphasizing the benefits of taking on the role of an intern; "...this is your opportunity to absorb as much as possible from this experience." An internship is an invaluable opportunity that will benefit both you and the company. However in order to be successful, you should always carry responsibilities and learn to adapt to the environment. McDonald's addresses the importance of clarifying job expectations and showing enthusiasm is everything that you do. Furthermore it is essential that you take on your duties with initiative and maintain focus; however you shouldn't take yourself too seriously. In other words, you won't end up enjoying the work that you will do if you're hung up on your mistakes. Advisory and managers are looking for someone who tries their best in everything that they do, not for absolute perfection. Overall, the author details the idea that an internship can provide a student with real life work insight and the tips to make the most out of the experience.
https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=VYZrWn
This video is about how we can all grow as leaders in society. We can make a difference in the world and strive to inspire future generations. JD Russo, in his Tedx talk, speaks about indifference in society and the need to be actively apart of the solution. He states, "The indifference of the passion is not the absence of zeal, but more the lack of concerns for others that don't share their values." Ultimately, we must listen to others that may not share the same opinions because if we only listen to those with similar values, we won't be able to solve the bigger problem. It is one thing to be aware of a problem, and it's another thing to help resolve the problem. We can't disregard the ideas and viewpoints of others because if we do, we will only be creating another problem. Interacting with others face to face is the key to change.
I hope to be a leader and role model for little girls - to encourage them to take initiate in a the largely male dominated engineering field. I want to teach them that big achievements are accomplish by small steps and that one day, they too can be a leader of change. |
Divya B.High School Intern at a biomedical engineering company called Aziyo Biologics Archives
May 2018
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