Health and Human Services Professional Development

Professional Work Ethic by   Mikki Sherwood   on   July 4, 2013 How many times have you heard that you should have a good work ethic? What does that mean to you? More importantly, what does that mean to professors or employers?  A recent survey of hiring managers found that employers believe that professionalism is fading and that students coming into professional venues do not have a strong work ethic. That is unfortunate, because most of the students I meet try very hard to do their best. Could it be that they were never taught about developing a strong work ethic? In order to develop a strong work ethic, consider the following: Show a positive attitude:  a sense of entitlement does not mix well with professionalism and a good work ethic. Every class/job has aspects that are frustrating, unenjoyable, and just plain irritating. However, what you do with unpleasant aspects of a situation defines you as a student or professional. Move confidently and c...

Ways to Avoid Being on Employers’ Complaint Lists by   Jill Bowers   on   August 16, 2013   What are employers’ complaints about grads they have recently hired? Supervisors, bosses, and employers get upset when new hires or interviewees: come unprepared to interviews apply for jobs they do not have the skills or background training for demand salaries that are too high for the position (e.g., higher than what others who have been there for awhile make) or premature promotions write letters or emails with typos start and then quit the job without giving it a chance lack professionalism lack tenacity post inappropriate or unprofessional photos or status on social media accounts that are visible to the public, clients, or individuals they serve have poor attitudes, work ethic, or interpersonal skills See more and some general tips for addressing these issues from  The Savvy Intern article,  Employers: 13 Complaints about Recent Grads . Che...

The Realities of Internships by   Elissa Mitchell   on   February 9, 2014 This comic ( http://mashable.com/2014/01/08/internships-comic/ ) from mashable.com highlights the lofty expectations of some new interns and the realities that often find them. Sure, you want to have high expectations of your position and hope that it will work out for the best. However, in reality, your internship may not live up to these expectations. Remember that you’re there for the learning experience and to keep a positive attitude. You never know where it might take you! *Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).