Hi mentees! Hope everyone is having a great week. We have made it half way so far, yay! J For this week’s topic we will be discussing professional opportunities and job skills. Being interdisciplinary students we are lucky enough to say we have more job skills than most graduates because our degrees focus on more than one area. I have personally worked many jobs that were not involved with my areas, but with all my skills I have learned being an interdisciplinary student, I was able to relate. Most of us don’t realize but we use our interdisciplinary skills a lot more then we think. Please answer the following question and share about your job skills! In Ambers personal experience and work history, I have used my interdisciplinary skills in many different ways. I had an office management job that required multiple disciplines of knowledge. For instance, one minute I would be fixing some technological problem with my computer, the next talking on the phone utilizing my customer service skills with a guest of our hotel. And even just moments later I would be tallying up someone's resort bill using my mathematical skills (however lacking they might be lol). Over the years I have also had waitressing jobs in which the same skills as well as many others are utilized on a daily basis.
· How have you used your interdisciplinarity in your professional life?
· What has been your professional history?
· What are your strongest and weakest job skills?
· What can you do to develop and improve upon your weak skills?
· Identify two professional clubs or organizations that are useful to your chosen career.
· How have internship or externship helped your professional development?
· Discuss your personal philosophy concerning your professional life
· How is or isn't this philosophy interdisciplinary?
· How have your career goals altered?
Please dont forget to sign your name at the bottoms of your post, and have a great weekend!
Hey everyone, I have had one real job where I worked at Lowes as a cashier. I had to use math to apply discounts and also customer service skills to make sure everyone had a good experience in the store. You were expected to have a lot of different skills even as just a cashier.
ReplyDeleteKayla Lee
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DeleteHi, Kayla Lee. I agree with you that as a cashier you do need to have so many skills in order to succeed today. I haven't been a cashier since before I got married (almost 24 years ago), but as a consumer (and I do shop all the time), I am looking for good customer service or I won't return to a store. It is something that is important to the success of a store and that keeps shoppers returning.
DeleteDo you think that the customer service skills you have acquired as a cashier will be helpful to you in your future career choice, and if so, how?
Stacey Feldman.
Hey Kayla, great example with the cashier position. I was a cashier when I was younger and there is definitely more to it then just counting money. Customer service is big to me when I shop, it can make or break the experience at a store.
DeleteKayla,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent example of utilizing our interdisciplinary skills in the workplace. It's funny because in any job you are more than likely going to utilize skills in more than one field. The most ideal candidate for any job is going to have the ability to face and solve problems using more than one area of expertise, no matter how small the issue.
It is interesting when you start to think about how many times you use more than one skill set to solve a problem throughout day to day life. We use our interdisciplinary skills every day in every thing we do!!
Hope your spring break was a good one, Kayla! Keep up the good work, half way there :)
Amber
Thanks Amber, my spring break was pretty good and hope yours was too. I am just now starting to realize that I do use interdisciplinary skills everyday. It has been really hard for me to think of daily activities as being interdisciplinary but I think I am now slowly starting to realize it.
DeleteKayla Lee
Hi, Jess. I am a little confused, as it seems there are two conversations going on this week. I did my initial post under Kevin’s questions, although I see yours are the same. I guess it doesn’t matter which we respond to.
ReplyDeleteI guess I never thought of using interdisciplinary skills as a cashier before, but it does make sense, especially with today’s registers being so computerized. It’s way more than just entering a number and giving back change.
As for my main job skill right now as a Weight Watcher’s leader, I service the member by collecting their money, trouble shooting if they are struggling, leading a conversation to motivate, teaching new techniques for success, and even using basic math as I weigh them and record their progress. Lots of chances to use many different disciplines: math, communication, leadership, and education.
I have realized after further research that I would love to work as a counselor in our school system. This will allow me to help others while still stressing the importance of education (something I always believed in). Has anybody found any clubs or organizations they are familiar with for my career choice?
Stacey Feldman.
Hey Stacey,
DeleteHelping others in education is a noble thing to do. I had a tutor when I was in elementary school because I had a hard time sitting down and focusing. Helping others in academic advancement takes many different skills. Creativity, patient, knowledge, and communication are just some of the few skills required.
According to your post, you have had experience before so I'm sure it will be an easy transition.
Good luck,
Catherine
[I did write this under Kevin Lee's questions, but after I responded to Jess' post, I noticed that Kevin's questions were dated during the vacation (March 6). I decided to repost it, just so it doesn't get missed. Hope this isn't a problem.]
ReplyDeleteI believe that my weakest job skill is [having patience during] communication, but not in the normal sense of the word. I believe my strongest job skill is communication in the traditional sense of the word. Wondering how I believe these could be the same? I pride myself on the fact that I can listen without being pulled into an argument. I rarely yell or raise my voice, and I can honestly say very rarely. I have always said to my kids when they got angry, “conversation, not confrontation; I will be happy to discuss it and have a conversation with you, but I won’t have a confrontation. Come back when you are willing to do that.” Now that they are older (14, 19, and 21), all I say is “conversation, not confrontation.”
This saying has helped me grow individually by helping me gain patience, persistence (because sometimes they wouldn’t walk away and I needed to quietly be persistent to show the seriousness of my comment), and better communication skills when we did speak because the conversations were now within my guidance. I have also taught many of my friends to use this phrase, which has helped them in their families as well. I have had co-workers get angry and used it to defuse situations in that respect, too.
However, when I am excited about something, I want to blurt out (communicate) my thoughts and that unfortunately results in me interrupting people. Obviously, this doesn’t happen when dealing with an issue that I have just defused, but it does happen during normal conversations. I have become much better at controlling myself, and I only hope that once I am in my ultimate career, it (the interrupting-communication) won’t be a problem.
Stacey Feldman.
I agree with this. And I envy your calm. This is also a skill I have been trying to develop. Communication can just open so many passages and doors to bigger and better things that one has to consider whether confrontations actually get anything accomplished. I have noticed that when people get in heated arguments, nobody learns anything. Kudos to you.
Delete-Camilo Echeverri Bernal.
Stacey,
DeleteSorry about the confusion with the double posting!
I'm not sure what exactly happened there.
I'm sure that the professor will see you have kept up your end of the bargain either way :)
I love the "communication, not confrontation" phrase that you use with your kids! Genius! lol
I think that it is a natural human reaction to become just slightly overzealous when we are excited about something so don't feel too bad about interrupting others sometimes. It is good that you are able to pick out a weak area in your communication skills, this will allow you to improve on it :)
Thanks so much!
Amber Lengacher
I think my strongest job skill is always being on time and being able to go with the flow. I do not think I have ever been late to a class and I have never been late for a job. I feel like that is the best quality I have. My weakest job skill is not being motivated for work on the weekends. When I was a cashier I hated coming in every weekend. That is definitely my weak point when it comes to job skills.
ReplyDeleteKayla Lee
Hi, Kayla Lee. Being on time and able to go with the flow are great job assets, I agree. As for working and staying motivated, maybe it's just that you didn't really care for your job at the time. Like I mentioned earlier, I work as a lecturer for Weight Watchers and so love leading the meetings, that it's easy to get up on the weekends and go. But when having to get up and get the kids somewhere so early on the weekends, I only want to stay home and sleep.
DeleteWill you need to work on the weekends when you are in your career? Will this lack of motivation for weekend work ultimately be an issue for you?
Stacey Feldman.
Hey, Kayla! I think being on time is one of the best job skills, I think it says a lot about a person. I would think a person on time would be responsible and reliable. Unfortunately, being punctual is area in my life that still needs improvement, but I am happy to say that it's been improving.
DeleteCatherine.
Hey Kayla! Like Catherine and Stacey have already said, I also agree that being punctual to work is a great asset (one I don't have myself, just yet!) But with that as a base asset I think it will help you reach your ideal career goal more easily meaning then you won't have to work on the weekends. Being punctual and able to go with the flow are assets a lot of jobs hope for in their employees!
DeleteSokhara Goodall
hey Kayla, I agree punctuality is one of the most important job skills to have. I have always tried to be as punctual as I can during my professional career as I believe it shows motivation and a drive to succeed.
DeleteAllen Haley
Kayla, I agree with not being motivated to work on weekends. Sometimes I have to take a weekend off just to have time for myself. One thing I always tell myself is that one day I will make my own schedule.
DeleteHey everyone, throughout my life I haven't had many jobs but I am experienced in a couple areas in the professional world. In the professional job world I have used communications skills to greet, negotiate, or persuade someone to do something or buy an object. Also, like everybody else I have used mathematics to count change and receive payments from customers. Throughout many jobs I learned that communication and interacting with guests or customers is a strong skill set for me. I love to engage in conversation with people and have an influence on what they should do and how they should go about something. My weakest skill would be math, I am quite good in it but when things get crazy and fast I seem to panic. I know if I study hard and practice math every day I will eventually get good at it but some people are just not good at it and don’t want to be. My personal philosophy concerning my professional life is that if you know the right people, work hard, and meet everyone’s expectations you will be rich. I truly believe everyone strives to rich, nobody wants to be poor all there life.
ReplyDeleteIf anybody agrees with me about people strive to be rich leave a comment. I truly believe that everyone in this world strives to be rich if given the opportunity. If you work hard and meet everyone's expectations you have nothing to fear in your professional life.
ReplyDeleteKemal,
DeleteI agree with your comment that "people strive to be rich" however, probably not necessarily within the context you meant it. I think a statement like that calls for a further definition of "rich," and I think that everyone has a different definition of what that means; whether it be in regards to money, property, friends, love, family, culture, etc. One person's riches may be another's rags. It's all a matter of perspective. Obviously, no one aspires to be poor in any of those things, but not everyone is motivated by the same "riches."
Alyssa
Kemal,
DeleteI think that everyone strives to be rich in one way or another but I don't think that it is always money that signifies being rich. Wealth can come in many ways, shapes, and forms. To many, intrinsic rewards are just as important, if not more, than the extrinsic rewards that they get from a profession or career.
Micah O'Steen
I agree with you, everyone does strive to be rich. I also believe being rich does not necessarily have to mean millions of dollars. When someone is rich they usually have earned it. I believe you can be rich by being successful and having a career you truly enjoy.
DeleteAllen Haley
DeleteHi Kayla Lee. I believe that being on time is a great and important asset too. My coach always says that one thing that shows loyalty and commitment is being on time. Being on time builds trust and shows that you are trustworthy. so I do believe that a little thing like being on time can take you a long way. Coach always says if your on time your late so be early for everything you do.
ReplyDeleteKemal,
DeleteI think you bring up a great point about timeliness building trust. A lot of times, employees take for granted the fact that they're a few minutes late to work every day, but in comparison to the person (like Kayla Lee) who is never late, they look incompetent. Loyalty and commitment are very important attributes, and in a lot of cases, can make up for other technical shortcomings one might have in their job. For example, if I am a loyal and committed worker who always shows up on time, a manager might find it easier to forgive a mistake made at a register, or my slow typing skills, for instance.
Alyssa
I think my strongest job skill is my communication. I thrive in positions where I need to be a team player and motivate my fellow workers. I have really good paitence so explainging things and taking time to help people understand what they need to do or goals is no trouble for me at all. However, my weakest job skill is punctuality in tersm of being there early, I run on a different time schedule and being on the dot of when Im meant to be at work is on time. I also have the worst luck with traffic etc so that probably doesn't help!
ReplyDeleteSokhara Goodall
Hey, Sokhara!
DeleteWhen it comes to punctuality I used to be the worst, back in high school. Now, I really pushed myself to be on time. I was a new hire and my trainer blew up on me the first day I was late. She brought the situation to the unit manager and director. It was so embarrassing, really learned my lesson after that.
One of the things I do to avoid being late, nowadays, is that I adjust my car clock 10 mins ahead. I also really put it in my head how bad it looks to be humiliated again at work. Sometimes I even skip putting makeup on just to make it to work on time.
In psychology, I remember my professor said that when we are late we tend to notice traffic more. It's all mental, I guess.
Best of luck,
Catherine
My career goals have altered a lot over the years as I still don't really know what career field I want to specifically enter other than sports-orientated. The only career goal that has remained is to work in a field I enjoy and can both contribute and gain skills and knowledge from.
ReplyDeleteSokhara Goodall
Likewise. I know the field I would like to get into, to be honest. And I know that I would like to contribute to it. I am positive you yourself will find your career field; Passion and drive are what matter, as well as develop a sense of purpose.
Delete-Camilo Echeverri Bernal
I constantly question myself in just exactly what I want to be when I "grow up." When it really comes down to it, all I really care about is being in a position that is stable and that I am happy with what I am doing. I believe that having satisfaction with whatever we end up doing in life is key.
DeleteMicah O'Steen
Hi, Micah, I agree that it is important to have satisfaction with what we do as a career. The more we enjoy something, the better we will work and apply ourselves. Plus, what makes us happy today, might evolve into something else in the future thus resulting in changes in our career goals.
DeleteStacey Feldman
I can relate to you as far as career goals. Ultimately, I want to be able to gain knowledge from my career but I also want to be able to give back or help others in any way. I think one of the most important parts of a career is if it makes you happy. When we are young we may take a job because we need to make ends meet, especially being a student and inexperienced. For a career, you should want to be happy, because this is something you will be doing for a long time. Maybe once you start off in a sports-oriented career you will branch off into another area.
DeleteKassandra Moreta
[reposting this here, as I had posted under Kevin's entry]
ReplyDeleteI think that the clubs that have been the most useful to my career are school/university newspapers, because they have helped me develop a sense of what it'd be like to work in a professional environment and know what skills are required of me as an aspiring journalist. Whilst I was there, I felt like meeting a deadline, writing and editing my own stories and giving them to the editors to review, presented me with the feeling of what will be expected of me in the future.
-Camilo Echeverri Bernal.
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ReplyDeleteI use interdisciplinary skills on an daily basis in my professional life. By day I am a business manager. I use mathmatics, customer service skills, and computer skills, along with my knowledge of accounting. In my job however, I also have sales responsiblities that encompass a whole new group of disciplines.
ReplyDeleteI think that most of us would find, if we stopped to think about it for a moment, that we all operate in an interdisciplinary manner in our jobs a one point or another.
Micah O'Steen
I strongly agree with you if you stop to think about it nearly everyone in any position will be forced to take multiple skill-sets in a large variety of disciplines to succeed in today's job market. I think in many ways interdisciplinary studies and an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving will help us find success in the workplace.
DeleteKyle Greaves
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ReplyDeleteMy job causes me to use interdisciplinary skills on a daily basis. I am a supervisor at a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. I use management skills along with skills working with the disabled. It took me a while to get used to juggling these two skills but I now have a good idea of what it takes.
ReplyDeleteAllen Haley
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ReplyDeleteI am currently a manager at a convenience store and I think I have used many interdisciplinary skills. I have to be able to delegate duties amongst associates, learn how to deal with many different personalities, customer service, vendor relations, etc. I think being a leader is my strongest job skill. It can be difficult having to deal with so many different personalities in the workplace. I have developed skills where I can approach an associate without offending them.
ReplyDeleteFor my future I would like to have my own law firm. I want to be successful and help others. I would like to open an organization dedicated to helping the youth. I want to be able to motivate kids that have a negative outlook on their future to pursue their dreams. I want to be an active member in my community. I think with my experience as a Manager at a convenience store I will be able to deal with everyone I work with.
Kassandra Moreta
As a manager and assuming many roles I can see how an interdisciplinary approach would be important. I really liked your one point in how an interdisciplinary approach has helped you deal with everyone you work with. I think that the interdisciplinary principle of considering multiple perspectives would be very useful in dealing with a wide variety of people and situations.
DeleteKyle Greaves
I have used an interdisciplinary approach on the job. Even when just stocking the shelves or ringing someone up you would be surprised how often I get asked "is this really healthy?" or what the difference between two similar products were. Ive used my knowledge of chemistry to explain why there is no difference outside of packaging to demonstrate to a customer why the store brand is just as good as the product it says to compare it to. That is not even getting into the necessary computer/technological understanding of just about any position now days. Now that I think about even the basic tendency of the interdisciplinary approach to consider multiple perspectives is fundamental to success in the workplace.
ReplyDeleteKyle Greaves