What is your dream job?

Kristen Nelson
SSHA Career Consultant
Career Services Center

Is this a question you have asked yourself? Maybe you are still asking, and searching for the answer. In my opinion, this is a pretty big question and one I don’t quite yet have a definitive answer for. I have had to recently think a lot about this question because this past week I was invited to hold the first part of a workshop on “Dream Jobs.”

I met with my supervisor who helped me prepare some ideas and also gave me a really great activity to carry out during the workshop. I found the activity particularly inspiring. The purpose of it is to help you develop a clearer sense of what’s most important to you in life.

It starts with a list of about 400 values, going all the way from “Abundance” to “Zeal”. You scan the values and the ones that you naturally notice and stand out to you, you circle. Afterward, you go through the values you circled and pick out the ones you feel are extra meaningful. You then reflect on why these words stood out, how they translate to the values important to your life, and in this case, your dream job.

It sounded so interesting because my idea of a “dream job” and of what I have heard from others always seems to sound like the jobs we came up with when we were little: doctor, astronaut, superstar, etc.  It is flashy and too often its origins are based on money and status. We focus on the job and what it means to others; and less about what it means to ourselves. Perhaps our dreams jobs should be stripped of its connotation of our childhood and the “make-believe” and given a new meaning.  Shouldn’t our “dream job” be a reality, and a goal for a career that makes us happy and supports who we are?

I think that is why I found myself so curious over this list of words, because it showed me I was looking at the idea of dream jobs all wrong. I thought it would be fun if I did the activity myself and shared the results. The list was pretty long and it was fascinating that some words stood out much more than others. Looking over the list, I saw some patterns and differences in how some sections I circled a lot and others not so much. I decided to narrow it down to three values that I just couldn’t ignore. My results were: Balance, Connection, and Inspiration.

These words definitely resounded with me and I could see how they would make me happy in a future career. “Balance” is important because I know I could not have a job that took up most of my life. I need something I could devote my time to and also be able to manage my other responsibilities, like family. “Connection” really stood out to me because I automatically enjoy my time whenever I engage with people.  “Inspiration” was interesting to me because there were other words on the list that were important, but for some reason I kept looking back at it. I think this is because I need to be inspired by what I do. If I don’t have inspiration, I won’t have passion for my work, and will most likely not be very happy.

These words didn’t exactly give me a clear answer of a particular profession, but then again, it wasn’t meant to. It showed me what I find important and if I choose to base my life choices towards being balanced, making meaningful connections with others, and finding inspiration, my dream job will find me.      

New Beginnings

Welcome Back Bobcats!

Once again we are all back into the business of the semester: navigating through classes, reuniting with friends, checking emails incessantly, and everything else that comes with college life.

For some, the spring semester can be a little more overwhelming then the fall. Maybe this is because there isn’t that long gap of summer that we have with the fall semester. It’s easy to revert into the same pattern of the last semester: same study habits, same weekend routine, etc. For some this may be a good thing, but for others that concluded the last semester with not the most desirable outcomes, this semester can be daunting. 

We might be tempted to look at this semester as a continuation of the past one, but I feel the danger of this, is it keeps us from understanding our mistakes and making the changes needed to be more successful.  I have found that the best way to have a successful semester is to reflect and start fresh, make new goals, and focus on the opportunity of new accomplishments that only the new semester can bring.   

But this advice isn’t something I can claim as my own; I feel very lucky to have had a friend, a couple years ago, fill me in on just how important this message is.  It was the spring semester of my freshman year, and I hadn’t done so well in my classes during the fall. When I got back from break, I felt discouraged and certain that the new semester would probably be no different.  Even though the new semester had barely begun, I already felt like giving up.

I sought the help of my friend, Katie, a junior who was really involved on campus, with great grades, and a very positive outlook on school. I felt like she knew something I didn’t and asked her how she was able to do so well. I explained to her how I had received a couple bad grades, and I was really stressed that I would repeat last semester’s mistakes again.

She told me a really simple, but profound lesson that I carry out even now as I am finishing up my own junior year. She said she didn’t always get the grades she wanted, but that it was so important to go into the new semester and start over. Begin every semester as if it were the very first, with renewed confidence and motivation. The past semester doesn’t dictate how the next semester will go, unless you let it. I realized I wasn’t doomed to repeat the past; this was a new semester and I would do things differently. And I did! I got organized, managed my time better, went to tutoring; and at the conclusion of the spring semester, I did really well. After that, I made a decision that each semester, good or bad; I would take it as a fresh start.

This doesn’t just apply to school, there are many other areas of life, including in our future career endeavors that this lesson resonates with. If an interview doesn’t go so well, or if you get reprimanded at work, that doesn’t mean you are bad at interviewing or a bad employee, it means learn from it, then move on. Do not let the past dictate how we feel in the present, and what we accomplish in the future.

That being said, I hope you take the time out to reflect on this past semester, and get excited about the “new beginnings” that Spring 2013 offers. 

Nothing Worthwhile Is Ever Handed To You

Kristen Nelson - SSHA Career Consultant

This past semester has been a whirlwind. It seems like just yesterday I was in training and learning about the SSHA Consultant position.  From creating and presenting workshops to consulting with students, I have learned much about the career world, my peers, and myself.  Being a career consultant has also given me the opportunity to build wonderful relationships.  It is always exciting when students come during drop-in hours or send me an email letting me know they got an interview, or better yet the job!

I feel I am constantly challenged, but also guided through my work to be an independent hands-on learner.  I am encouraged to discover new ways to develop the goals of Career Services as well as my individual goals. One of them in particular, is to gain as much experience as possible while in college, so that I can bring myself closer to understanding of where I will be happiest in my career.

I remember one of the first times I was presenting a workshop on my own. The workshop was “How to Land an On Campus Job.” As over 30 students were filing in to the California Room, my supervisor came up to me and told me that I would not be presenting with the PowerPoint like planned. As fate would have it, the projector wasn’t working. I don’t remember exactly what I told her but I think I just let her know I would be just fine.  Everything was happening so fast, so there was no time to freak out. Using a paper copy of the slides, I presented the workshop… and ended up enjoying every second of it.  Even though I needed to think on my feet, I felt relieved, ecstatic, and surprisingly energized and exhausted at the same time. It all went smoothly and my audience had been amazing; they were engaged and asked great questions. Looking back, maybe the projector was meant to malfunction.  I’ve learned that things aren’t always going to go as planned and it is important to take on the challenge, adapt, and move forward.

As the semester is coming to a close, this last month is usually one of stress and anxiety for many students. Whether it is a job, internship, schoolwork, or even a combination of all three, don’t give up! Take on the challenge. Finish the semester, reflecting on all you learned and be relieved, ecstatic, and surprisingly energized and exhausted at the same time. I leave you with my favorite quote, which is always inspiration during times of stress:

“Nothing worthwhile is ever handed to you.”

-Anonymous

Ever Heard of a Work-Place Bully?

“Why would she do that to you? You just started working there. That’s not cool. ” I said through the phone. 

I hear a long sigh and then, “I know. I don’t know what to do! I was really excited about this job and now I have to deal with this co-worker. I don’t know what I did to her, but she does not like me. What should I do?”

I recently had this conversation with a good friend, Alyssa. She was hired about 4 weeks ago at a restaurant and despite her initial excitement about the position, a co-worker was making her experience miserable.  She explained to me how this person would make mean and sarcastic remarks at her and would complain about her to fellow co-workers. Alyssa even told me she was already feeling worried because she felt like her co-worker was just waiting for her to make a mistake and report it to the supervisor. This person was preventing Alyssa from building good relationships with other co-workers. Since the rude co-worker had been working there longer than her, she didn’t know if it would be worth it talking to her supervisor.

So, what do you do when a co-worker is bullying you? Is there a solution and what’s the best way to go about solving the problem?  Bullying at work isn’t uncommon and it’s a sensitive issue. There may be a time in the future when you encounter a similar situation. Handling this kind of obstacle can be very intimidating especially in cases where your co-worker is your superior, has been there longer, and is using tactics to undermine your position. I wanted to find the answers to these questions for my friend, for my own future, and for the benefit of my peers at UC Merced.

It’s important to know that each situation is different and if it’s possible, a great way to help you resolve the problem is to find out why they might be treating you this way. It is possible that the co-worker is intimidated that you will take their position; it might be advantageous to try to salvage the relationship by reassuring them. For example you might say, “You really know a lot about this. Do you think you could help me?” According to Susan M. Heathfield, a management and organization development consultant and human resource expert, a work-place bully usually will not go away on its own accord. In order for the problem to be resolved, you need to make efforts to face the problem. This takes courage but will mostly likely lead to a resolution and a healthier and happier work environment.   

Heathfield explains the first step towards dealing with a work-place bully is to set boundaries. Think about the bully’s behavior and how it is affecting you during work. Then, talk to the bully about how their behavior is affecting you in the workplace and what behaviors you are not willing to tolerate. Try to refrain from vocalizing your opinions, instead focus on the facts. For example, if the bully is snickering loudly with a nearby co-worker about you, pull the person aside and calmly tell them that they are preventing you from doing your work and also bring to their attention that they are being inappropriate and you won’t accept being treated wrongly. If this does not help the problem, Heathfield suggests a more confrontational approach such as by calling them out on their unprofessional behavior, even if it is in the presence of other co-workers. For example, if the co-worker is yelling at you or using profanity, direct their attention to their behavior by telling them they are yelling at you and decline from carrying on the conversation until they stop.

An important part to approaching this situation in the most professional way is to document their behavior. Make sure to write down the details, place, date and time of the incident. Offensive emails should be saved as well. If the other attempts to explain and confront their behavior aren’t working, the next step is to get outside help.  Talk to your manager or Human Resources department. Your work place should have a policy of confidentiality and documentation helps to insure that you have specific examples and, if possible, hard-copy evidence of your bully’s behavior.

Heathfield concludes her advice with realistic wisdom, imparting “Hope for the best resolution, but be prepared to explore other options so you have less contact with the bully. You may even need to find a new job.” This might be a harsh reality, but if after all these efforts the bully is still making work an uncomfortable place, it’s not in your best interest to continue working there.  No one should have to be in a position where they are being put down or mistreated. A lesson that is best articulated by Mark Twain, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great.”

                                                                        

http://humanresources.about.com/od/difficultpeople/qt/work_bully.htm

SSH(A)! Let Me Tell You A Secret

Kristen Nelson is a junior at UC Merced, currently working on a Management and Economics double major, with a Psychology minor. Kristen is currently the Career Consultant for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.  She hopes to work in university administration, particularly with Student Affairs, or Human Resources.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking, leisure reading, and running and cycling with her friends. 

        Thus far at 20 years of age, I have had 3 different jobs. I question whether this is a small number or if it's enough. But for now, this is the compilation of my work experience. Each position taught me something different, especially about myself. 

My first job was at Vons, a grocery store that is popular in my hometown. It was my senior year of high school, and most of my motivations came from the stereotypical teenage ideas: wanting to gain a little more independence and some extra spending money. I was hired as a courtesy clerk. And many people don't know this, but basically they are the brunt workers of grocery stores. As the checker stands there for 8 hours, the courtesy clerk is helping customer find what they are looking for, cleaning up spills, taking out the trash, even cleaning the restrooms, on top of the usual greet customers and bagging their various items. So basically, for someone who was college bound, these monotonous and yet tiring tasks were, let's just say, not my favorite. The part of my job I enjoyed was talking with customers. It was always nice to hear about their life, and hold a conversation with them.  I also got along with many of my coworkers. The manager of the entire store was pretty strict, but as my dad let me know, "it was a taste of the real world." 

I don't know how many times I had a conversation with a coworker that ended with "don't get stuck here" but what they were really saying was “don't get stuck working here for the next 8 to 10 years of your life like I did.” Apparently, it was really common because most of them had started at my age as a courtesy clerk and then just didn't ever leave. Scary thought.  It was a no brainer for me though, and when I did eventually leave for college, I promised I wouldn't work for another grocery store because I didn’t want that “taste of the real world” ever again. I didn't want to chance getting "stuck" for a second time. 

So what did I take away from being a courtesy clerk? I recognized I liked working with people and was comfortable speaking customers. I also learned that I would hate to work for a grocery store for the rest of my life and in particular, I loathe being the lowest man on the totem pole. I was ready to get out of there and go to college. 

My next position was last year as a sophomore at UC Merced. I was fortunate to obtain a position in the Dean of Engineering's office as a student assistant. I had applied to so many other positions on campus, and I remember questioning whether to apply for this particular one because I had only just finished my freshman year. I was sure there were plenty of older students with more experience, so why would they hire me?  But I got called for an interview and was immediately hired! I was excited because in this position I was actually learning. I hadn't worked in an office before, so it was all very new to me. Most of my duties included scanning; copying, filing, emailing faculty and professors, and also bigger projects that the office needed help on. I really enjoyed understanding what went on behind the scenes of the campus. It's one thing to go from class to class, going about your business as a student, but to understand the interworking of the university showed me just how much work it takes for this campus to exist. Universities and their different departments are dynamic, and that's really what I fell in love with. I found myself thinking, I could definitely see myself working in university administration in the future.

During my time as a student assistant, the realization that I needed to work with people became even stronger. My interactions were pretty limited to faculty. But at times I would have short conversations with students who had general questions for advisory needs or when a student and his or her family would come in to learn more about the engineering program. Those are the times when I enjoyed my job the most.  I wanted to encourage those interactions in my next work experience while in college, which is what led me to my third position.

So what did I learn from being a student assistant? Don't underestimate yourself. If you feel you are right for a position then apply, if I had listened to that voice that said I wasn't good enough, I would not be here writing to tell you about it now. I also learned it's important to listen to what you want from your career. It's easy to forget that you have a choice or even to be afraid to move to another position because you feel it will look bad on your resume. And though I don't support, going from job to job every six months, now is the time to be discovering what you want in a career and that's exactly why I applied to be a career consultant for Career Services. 

Being a Career Consultant is a completely new experience. I have been given much more responsibility, but I also have been given more freedom to be successful in my position. I love that most of my job has to do with interacting and helping fellow students on their career journey and I also learn about my own journey in the process. My hopes at the completion of this position are that I help many different students reach their career goals; to continue to understand what I want for my future career; and to learn more about myself and my aspirations. I look forward to what I have to learn from this position and sharing it all with you.