Making Your On-Campus Job a Success
Making Your On-Campus Job a Success
Your on-campus position should help you develop professional work skills that will increase your opportunities for obtaining a good job after graduation. To be successful in your career requires developing good personal qualities and work habits. The following guidelines will help you make the most of your on-campus job and increase your effectiveness.
Professional Behavior
You may be in contact with faculty, students, and College staff and with members of the educational and local community. Always be pleasant, helpful, and professional. Practice proper telephone etiquette and be courteous and helpful to visitors.
Attire
Supervisors understand that students dress casually. However, always be neat and clean and dress suitably for your assignment. Check with your supervisor if you are not sure what the proper office attire is.
Attendance
Your supervisor depends on you to come to work on time and on all assigned days. Be realistic when preparing your schedule. If you are unable to report to work, notify the office as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly. Speak with your supervisor well in advance if you need to change your schedule during exam periods.
Positive Attitude
Not all tasks will be exciting or challenging but you will still be learning new things. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in; employers appreciate a cooperative attitude.
Initiative
When you have completed your assigned work do not sit and wait for another task. Ask your supervisor for another project or offer to assist someone else in the office.
Assertiveness
Approaching others in an honest and open manner instead of being either meek or pushy is being assertive. Some situations may arise in your job requiring that you speak up for yourself assertively.
For example:
- You are given an assignment that you do not understand – Ask clarification questions and listen carefully. If you make a mistake, admit it rather than attempting to cover it up.
- You have completed several projects and you do not know if your supervisor is satisfied with your performance – Ask your supervisor for feedback if it is not volunteered. This is important for your professional growth.
Confidentiality
You may have access to information about students or staff. Whether or not it appears to be of a confidential nature, you should not discuss anything that you learn. You may be asked to sign a Confidentiality and Conduct Agreement when you begin work.
Evaluations
Your supervisor will complete an evaluation at the end of the year to highlight strengths and point out areas needing improvement. This should be seen as a positive and educational process and not a criticism.