For my Informational Interview, I met with JoAnn Turcotte, a Paraeducator Assistant at East Layton Elementary. I'm considering getting a teaching certificate, and if I do I've been told by several people to get a certificate for teaching Special Needs because it will open more doors when applying for teaching positions.
What is your job like on a typical day?
“We follow a consistent schedule each day. With a half hour or so for each subject, we teach a few in the morning, go to lunch, then a few more in the afternoon, plus any bathroom breaks or emergencies that fall in there. It's hard to say what subject we're teaching because what we call English class for one child is writing their name and to another its having one of the teachers read to them. Every student has a daily calendar taped on their desk that we check off the subjects as we go along. So a typical day...? I come to work by 8:30, multitask for 7 hours, then leave by 4:00.” (laughs)
How did you get your job?
“It was really fortunate. A lady in my neighborhood worked at the school already and knew I was hurting for a job. Once she heard the position was going to be opening up she called me and asked if I would be interested. I said absolutely yes. I think they interviewed a couple other people too, but I honestly don't think they seriously considered anyone else after she went in there and recommended me.”
What jobs or experiences did you have in the past that prepared you for this job?
“In my interview I said the best related work experience I had was being a mother of eight children. Though none of them are special needs, I was familiar with being pulled in multiple directions and balancing the wants and needs of my kids. For a while I ran a small babysitting service out of my home as well so in addition to my own children I had about six others in the home, plus any little friends that came over, so yeah... I was very experienced with having a full house with a lot of children under my responsibility.”
What are the most satisfying and the most challenging aspects of your job?
“Everything we do here is satisfying. I think making a difference in a child's life is the most worthwhile thing a person can do. Just being their friend. Some of our lower functioning kids you're not even sure how much they recognize you one day to the next, but you still learn from them as you teach them. This job really is its own reward in many ways. The most challenging aspect would probably be when one of the children gets upset or rowdy. Some of these children have a harder time understanding how to be calm when they don't like something. And then when one get upset and starts screaming, then often a few of the other kids will start reacting too, and then the whole room is in chaos and you don't know who to calm down first or how.”
What skills are most important for a position like yours?
“Patience is a big one, obviously. Love, resolve, being able to multitask. This job is very professional and personal, so knowing how to deal with that.”
How would you describe the work atmosphere and people with whom you work?
“The atmosphere is rewarding. Our kids will say the cutest things and really consider us as their teachers, and the other students in the class, to be their best friends. At times it can get pretty chaotic in here, but its a understandable chaos, if you know what I mean. As far as people I work with, you mean besides the students? The other instructors here are great, we all get along really well. In fact the only problem we had with a coworker ever was our lead facilitator last year, she just wasn't very organized and that caused some frustration. But we're all a team now. We work a lot with the school administration and the student's parents or guardians too because each student has to have a written education plan agreed upon by all parties, but that usually isn't a problem because we're all there wanting what is best for the student.”
What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the position you hold?
“Sadly, there is a fairly high turn-over rate in my department. I've only been here a year and a half and so far we've had three of the ladies I started with leave us. It is a unique-stress job, and so I get it when they need to leave. For me, I'm actually looking for another position right now mostly because of financial reasons. I said this job is very rewarding, and it is, just not in a financial sense, which can be hard. Even though I'm looking for another job right now, if I didn't need to, I'd probably stay on for another couple years but I could see myself needing a break eventually.”
What would you consider the greatest skill you have developed from your current position?
“Hmm, I know this is going to sound broad, but probably an understanding of people. Is that a skill? I have more appreciation for my own life and for the individuality of those around me since starting this position. So its really helped me get along better with anyone I come in contact with.”
Meeting with JoAnn was nice. She's actually a relative of mine so we just met in her house, but we tried to make it formal still. One of the things that struck me most during the interview was when she said she really thinks she got the job because of the recommendation of another employee at the school. This reminded me a lot of the networking we've been talking about. Although I don't know how valuable JoAnn will be to my employment network (unless I want a job at the school she's at) it still proved exactly what we covered. I prepared for the interview with writing down my questions, and finding a little tape recorder. We sat down to cheese and crackers at her dining room table, so that was extra nice. I don't know if I'll do this process again right away. It definitely gave me some things to think about, and once I'm further along in my education and looking for a solid career, I can see how it would be very beneficial to do something like this again.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
6 Reasons for Internships
WHY INTERNSHIPS?
It is a competitive world out there, everyone expecting to be the best and get ahead. With all the uncertainties about the future, one needs to think what they can do to better their odds for success! Here are six reasons why an internship may be just what you need to get that leg up on the competition:
1.Gain Experience- having an internship on your resume really makes you stand out from the crowd. Also, with all the knowledge you'll learn in an internship, it will make you all the more confident and capable when starting a new job when you've already had hands on experience!
2.Employment Opportunities- 88.5% of students that are hired by employers have internship experience. 53% of employers will hire their interns to a full time position after the internship. You are more likely to get hired if you have internship experience.
3.Network Connections- you will get to meet people in your prospective industry. You will gain knowledge of how the business works, and have people you can call on in the future as you launch your career.
4.Earn Money- many internships allow you to make money while you work there or offer some kind of living stipend.
5.Fun- lots of internships are set up to provide an extra special experience for the intern. There are tons of international opportunities for internships. You can create fun and memories while working!
6.Exploration- internships help you explore your chosen career path without completely committing. An internship may confirm your desire towards a certain career, or give you ideas of what other avenues to try.
Find out about internship possibilities in your major and get ready to gain knowledge, experience, and fun!
It is a competitive world out there, everyone expecting to be the best and get ahead. With all the uncertainties about the future, one needs to think what they can do to better their odds for success! Here are six reasons why an internship may be just what you need to get that leg up on the competition:
1.Gain Experience- having an internship on your resume really makes you stand out from the crowd. Also, with all the knowledge you'll learn in an internship, it will make you all the more confident and capable when starting a new job when you've already had hands on experience!
2.Employment Opportunities- 88.5% of students that are hired by employers have internship experience. 53% of employers will hire their interns to a full time position after the internship. You are more likely to get hired if you have internship experience.
3.Network Connections- you will get to meet people in your prospective industry. You will gain knowledge of how the business works, and have people you can call on in the future as you launch your career.
4.Earn Money- many internships allow you to make money while you work there or offer some kind of living stipend.
5.Fun- lots of internships are set up to provide an extra special experience for the intern. There are tons of international opportunities for internships. You can create fun and memories while working!
6.Exploration- internships help you explore your chosen career path without completely committing. An internship may confirm your desire towards a certain career, or give you ideas of what other avenues to try.
Find out about internship possibilities in your major and get ready to gain knowledge, experience, and fun!
Elevator Speech
My name is Whitney Smith. I am a junior studying English and History at Utah Valley University. I have a wide variety of work experience. I've worked at a boy scout camp on Catalina Island the past few summers, having ocean adventures and meeting lots of fascinating people. I've also worked some customer service positions and in group homes for individuals with disabilities.
I enjoy meeting new people and trying new things. I'm dedicated yet fun-loving so I can get the job done and still be smiling. I'm confident in my capabilities to do a job well on my own or with a team. I am a quick learner and like to multitask.
I want to find a career that allows me the freedom to manage my time effectively. I also want to know that my job is meaningful and making a difference somehow.
I enjoy meeting new people and trying new things. I'm dedicated yet fun-loving so I can get the job done and still be smiling. I'm confident in my capabilities to do a job well on my own or with a team. I am a quick learner and like to multitask.
I want to find a career that allows me the freedom to manage my time effectively. I also want to know that my job is meaningful and making a difference somehow.
Career Research
Teacher (secondary)
Instructs teenagers (and/or adults) in chosen subject. Lots of social interaction required. Responsibility to explain subject material well and be a mentor to those in the class to motivate them to excel in school and life situations. Possible advancement opportunities. Set schedule. Salary depends on subject but average around $40,000/yr.
Author/Writer/Editor
Writes (or edits) a variety of material from literature to news reports to blogs. Does not require a lot of social interaction as much of the writing can be done from a home or private office. Schedule determined by production schedule. Advancement opportunities mostly based on ability to build reputation among readers. Average wage about $50,000/yr.
Public Relations Specialist
Serves as an advocate to the public for a client/company to keep good standing. Organizes public record material such as press releases and statements. Lots of social interaction with public and busy office. Many opportunities to advance based on work performance. Average wage $51,000/yr.
The career that would best fit my personality and skills would be that of an author.
The pros: I like the flexibility it offers for schedule and creativity. I could work from anywhere. Other than publishers I wouldn't have to work with people that much.
The cons: Not guaranteed employment and even when you have employment your salary can shift at any given time. Though I like not having to bother with co-workers, I would miss out on social interaction.
References:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos066.htm
Instructs teenagers (and/or adults) in chosen subject. Lots of social interaction required. Responsibility to explain subject material well and be a mentor to those in the class to motivate them to excel in school and life situations. Possible advancement opportunities. Set schedule. Salary depends on subject but average around $40,000/yr.
Author/Writer/Editor
Writes (or edits) a variety of material from literature to news reports to blogs. Does not require a lot of social interaction as much of the writing can be done from a home or private office. Schedule determined by production schedule. Advancement opportunities mostly based on ability to build reputation among readers. Average wage about $50,000/yr.
Public Relations Specialist
Serves as an advocate to the public for a client/company to keep good standing. Organizes public record material such as press releases and statements. Lots of social interaction with public and busy office. Many opportunities to advance based on work performance. Average wage $51,000/yr.
The career that would best fit my personality and skills would be that of an author.
The pros: I like the flexibility it offers for schedule and creativity. I could work from anywhere. Other than publishers I wouldn't have to work with people that much.
The cons: Not guaranteed employment and even when you have employment your salary can shift at any given time. Though I like not having to bother with co-workers, I would miss out on social interaction.
References:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos066.htm
SWOT Analysis
Major: Integrated Studies with emphases in English and History
Classes already taken towards major:
•All general education requirements
•HIST 3450
•ENGL 3150
•PHIL 3800
Still need to take:
•12 credits of upper division History- plan on taking Summer and Fall 2012
•12 credits of upper division English- taking 9 credits Spring 2012 and will take 3 Summer 2012
•3 credits of upper division Philosophy- plan on taking Fall 2012
•6 credits of IS classes- plan on taking 3 credits Fall 2012 and 3 credits Spring 2013
•6 credits of IS Senior Capstone classes- 3 credits Fall 2012 and 3 credits Spring 2013
STRENGTHS
•What I like best about this major is the freedom it allows me to study multiple subjects.
•The advantages of having this degree will be ability to market myself in multiple areas.
•Almost all of the courses are appealing to me. I've always been fascinated by history and am gifted with English.
•It will take me another 45ish credit hours to graduate.
•This fits into my new career plan of graduating within 3 years and having my first novel written within 4.
•This area of study fits very well with my personality, interests, values and skills. I can't think of any red flags against it.
•This major is definitely something I will enjoy, and while it isn't my only passion, I love it enough to believe I will be happy here.
WEAKNESSES
•What I like least about this major is the “extra” classes I have to take in order to graduate. When I switched my major it was nice that I already had all my generals done, but I didn't have any requirements towards this major fulfilled otherwise.
•The courses that might be a challenge for me are those that I find boring, namely the capstone classes and philosophy. I have ADD so getting me to focus is already enough of a challenge.
•This major will fit into my work/life schedule just as well as I could hope for.
•It will take me at least 2 more years to complete this degree.
•This major will absolutely prepare me for my future career.
•I did a lot of soul searching this last year and now I am very committed to this area of study. I'm “willing” to commit the time and money, I just need to get me some of each first.
OPPORTUNITIES
•This degree will prepare me for my future by building my writing portfolio and giving me insight on what to look for within the writing market (how to tailor my writing to my audience, where to go to get published, etc.)
•I don't know which doors will be opened for me yet, I'm hoping to find an internship or something in a publishing company.
•All in all I hope to gain experience and refinement of my own abilities.
•I should be able to graduate within 3 years.
•I don't personally know others in this field that have ben successful, but they are out there.
•My main mentors in this field will be my sisters as we all hope to follow this path, we can help each other as we each learn something new.
THREATS
•Financing my education is and will most likely continue to be a problem. I already have student loans, and will probably acquire some more before I'm done. I have to work every semester and receive FAFSA but its still always a struggle.
•Balancing the time is a huge challenge for me, it's been a big threat to my education in the past. If I didn't have money as a constant threat that would help my time not be as threatening, but there isn't much I can do about that. I don't have the luxury of not having to work while I'm in school.
•I don't think there are any other majors that would be more appealing to me at this point. It took me several years to settle into this one and I'm finally feeling good about it.
•Family considerations present challenges and supports. The challenges would all be emotional due to death and marriages in our family. But the supports are great: close relationship with everyone and we all want to be writers.
Classes already taken towards major:
•All general education requirements
•HIST 3450
•ENGL 3150
•PHIL 3800
Still need to take:
•12 credits of upper division History- plan on taking Summer and Fall 2012
•12 credits of upper division English- taking 9 credits Spring 2012 and will take 3 Summer 2012
•3 credits of upper division Philosophy- plan on taking Fall 2012
•6 credits of IS classes- plan on taking 3 credits Fall 2012 and 3 credits Spring 2013
•6 credits of IS Senior Capstone classes- 3 credits Fall 2012 and 3 credits Spring 2013
STRENGTHS
•What I like best about this major is the freedom it allows me to study multiple subjects.
•The advantages of having this degree will be ability to market myself in multiple areas.
•Almost all of the courses are appealing to me. I've always been fascinated by history and am gifted with English.
•It will take me another 45ish credit hours to graduate.
•This fits into my new career plan of graduating within 3 years and having my first novel written within 4.
•This area of study fits very well with my personality, interests, values and skills. I can't think of any red flags against it.
•This major is definitely something I will enjoy, and while it isn't my only passion, I love it enough to believe I will be happy here.
WEAKNESSES
•What I like least about this major is the “extra” classes I have to take in order to graduate. When I switched my major it was nice that I already had all my generals done, but I didn't have any requirements towards this major fulfilled otherwise.
•The courses that might be a challenge for me are those that I find boring, namely the capstone classes and philosophy. I have ADD so getting me to focus is already enough of a challenge.
•This major will fit into my work/life schedule just as well as I could hope for.
•It will take me at least 2 more years to complete this degree.
•This major will absolutely prepare me for my future career.
•I did a lot of soul searching this last year and now I am very committed to this area of study. I'm “willing” to commit the time and money, I just need to get me some of each first.
OPPORTUNITIES
•This degree will prepare me for my future by building my writing portfolio and giving me insight on what to look for within the writing market (how to tailor my writing to my audience, where to go to get published, etc.)
•I don't know which doors will be opened for me yet, I'm hoping to find an internship or something in a publishing company.
•All in all I hope to gain experience and refinement of my own abilities.
•I should be able to graduate within 3 years.
•I don't personally know others in this field that have ben successful, but they are out there.
•My main mentors in this field will be my sisters as we all hope to follow this path, we can help each other as we each learn something new.
THREATS
•Financing my education is and will most likely continue to be a problem. I already have student loans, and will probably acquire some more before I'm done. I have to work every semester and receive FAFSA but its still always a struggle.
•Balancing the time is a huge challenge for me, it's been a big threat to my education in the past. If I didn't have money as a constant threat that would help my time not be as threatening, but there isn't much I can do about that. I don't have the luxury of not having to work while I'm in school.
•I don't think there are any other majors that would be more appealing to me at this point. It took me several years to settle into this one and I'm finally feeling good about it.
•Family considerations present challenges and supports. The challenges would all be emotional due to death and marriages in our family. But the supports are great: close relationship with everyone and we all want to be writers.
Transferable Skills Letter
To Whom It May Concern:
Hello, my name is Whitney Smith and I am writing you to inquire about a teaching position in your school. I first became interested in teaching after I had the opportunity to work for a summer at a Boy Scout camp showing young men how to develop simple skills in art, leather work, woodcarving, and basketry. The following summer I returned to a camp where I taught more young men how to kayak, sail, snorkel, and hike for many hours hopefully without too much complaining.
Both of these positions gave me invaluable insight in how to be flexible, work with people, and to communicate effectively. I had to develop patience and disciple for the boys that didn't want to stay on task, while keeping the flow of the class in order for those that were on task. Often our activities would require me to work with more than twenty students at once, coaching them as a group and then individually as I supervised their progress. This sharpened my ability to multitask and taught me to be flexible with my students.
I think the greatest skill set I have acquired over my work experience would be that of human relations. I have always been a friendly person, but after spending many long days in the scouting program with people from all walks of life, I have developed a love for my fellowman. This has allowed me to engage with them even when they are being difficult. My patience is long, my reasoning is rational, and my love is genuine. I can make people feel comfortable and confident.
I also consider myself an effective communicator. Being able to give direction to a large group with ages ranging from twelve to fifty was a daily requirement in my positions as camp. I have a knack for writing and enjoy engaging in conversation with just about anyone. Communicating in virtually any form is one of my strongest skills.
I hope this brief introduction into my abilities has gained me an audience with you. I look forward to meeting you in person.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Whitney Smith
Hello, my name is Whitney Smith and I am writing you to inquire about a teaching position in your school. I first became interested in teaching after I had the opportunity to work for a summer at a Boy Scout camp showing young men how to develop simple skills in art, leather work, woodcarving, and basketry. The following summer I returned to a camp where I taught more young men how to kayak, sail, snorkel, and hike for many hours hopefully without too much complaining.
Both of these positions gave me invaluable insight in how to be flexible, work with people, and to communicate effectively. I had to develop patience and disciple for the boys that didn't want to stay on task, while keeping the flow of the class in order for those that were on task. Often our activities would require me to work with more than twenty students at once, coaching them as a group and then individually as I supervised their progress. This sharpened my ability to multitask and taught me to be flexible with my students.
I think the greatest skill set I have acquired over my work experience would be that of human relations. I have always been a friendly person, but after spending many long days in the scouting program with people from all walks of life, I have developed a love for my fellowman. This has allowed me to engage with them even when they are being difficult. My patience is long, my reasoning is rational, and my love is genuine. I can make people feel comfortable and confident.
I also consider myself an effective communicator. Being able to give direction to a large group with ages ranging from twelve to fifty was a daily requirement in my positions as camp. I have a knack for writing and enjoy engaging in conversation with just about anyone. Communicating in virtually any form is one of my strongest skills.
I hope this brief introduction into my abilities has gained me an audience with you. I look forward to meeting you in person.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Whitney Smith
Monday, November 7, 2011
Skills Assessment
The online skills assessment showed that my skills would be beneficial in many careers involved with health care, management, and education. While all of these are areas I have considered, and I recognize my strengths in them, they aren't exactly where I want to end up.
Three skills I enjoy: communicating, encouraging, and demonstrating
Three skills I perform well: writing, listening, and counseling
Three skills I would like to develop: responding, critical thinking, and time management (perhaps my biggest weakness)
I think the only way I can really plan to develop these skills is just through practice and disciple. I know I lack in these areas, but focusing on conquering them will help me.
Three skills I enjoy: communicating, encouraging, and demonstrating
Three skills I perform well: writing, listening, and counseling
Three skills I would like to develop: responding, critical thinking, and time management (perhaps my biggest weakness)
I think the only way I can really plan to develop these skills is just through practice and disciple. I know I lack in these areas, but focusing on conquering them will help me.
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