Well, there isn't a lot of controversy taking place in the archives at Presbyterian College. So it's rather hard to talk about how my values were challenged and how I encountered diversity. In talking to Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie, I found out that their backgrounds were similar to my own and we shared many of the same beliefs. However, despite a level of controversy, I have gained more than I could ask for this semester. In addition to transferable work skills and job experience, I would like to think that I've gained to new and very good friends in Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these ladies this semester. They are witty, funny, kind, and so very smart. Despite our gaps in age, we had a lot in common. I found it easy to talk to and relate to both of them. Mrs. Griffith became my go-to for advice both personal, academic, and career related and Mrs. Leckie was always there to hear my troubles and my triumphs. Mrs. Griffith has been tremendously helpful in so many areas. She has helped me to find possible jobs after graduation, and she's even referred me to an oral surgeon to have my wisdom teeth extracted. Mrs. Leckie helped me through the crisis of having one of my roommates moving out. She also always wanted to know what I thought about certain issues and historical points. They both took such a sincere and kind interest in me, and I cannot think them enough. They were my rock this semester, and I do not know how I would have made it through everything I had to go through without them. We shared so much and I learned so much from them this semester. I can never thank them enough, and I cannot wait to go visit the archives again next year! It makes me sad to leave this internship, but I know that I leave it having forged friendships and connections in the archives and with the pleasure of being able to say that I've worked with Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Transferable Skills
While interning at the Archives this semester I have gained many transferable skills which I am sure will help me in the workplace. One of the most important things I learned was how to manage my time. I had to be on time for work every day, and while working I had to focus. As most of my transcription work too place on my laptop, there was the temptation to look at Facebook or check my email, but I had to remind myself that I was at work, and my time should be used for working. Managing myself in this way, I was able to make the most of my time at my internship. I also had to take consideration in telling Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie when I would be late to work or when I would have to leave early due an an academic conflict.
I also learned how to listen attentively this semester. Often, Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie would give me assignments to do. Not only would these be new to me, be often times the assignment had many steps to them. I had to listen to what was being instructed of me and learn to ask the appropriate questions so that I could do what they were asking of me. If I had failed to listen to directions, something could have been archived incorrectly or mislabeled.
I learned a great deal from project management this semester. Most of this experience came from the aid I gave in crafting two exhibits for visitors to the archives. Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie gave me the tools and the objects with which to create the displays, but it was up to me to creatively and efficiently manage the creation of the exhibits. You can read more about each of my exhibits here and here.
I developed interpersonal skills, especially in the area of representing others. On occasion I would have to go down to the main or basement level of the library and talk to my fellow workers about things Mrs. Griffith or Mrs. Leckie would need. I had to be able to present myself in a clear and understandable fashion in order for others to understand me. I also had to keep in mind that while I was talking to other people, I was representing not just myself but the archives, meaning that I had to conduct myself in a respectable manner.
Lastly, this semester I developed the skill of organization in the ability to plan projects. While working at the archives, I had several projects usually running at a time. I was constantly editing and transcribing my interviews from this summer as well as continuously working on the Bee-Mail Project. However, I would have to manage the allocation of my projects when something would come up that was needed of me. Often Mrs. Griffith or Mrs. Leckie would require me to do some research for them or to look something up. I was also asked to file, copy, and archive several objects. Needless to say, I had several projects going on at a time and had to learn which one to devote my attention to. Therefore, I would have to plan out my schedule for my projects every day, doing those that needed completed earlier first and those projects which could wait next.
I've learned a lot this semester at the archives, and I hope be able to apply what I've learned there in the classroom as well as in the workplace.
I also learned how to listen attentively this semester. Often, Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie would give me assignments to do. Not only would these be new to me, be often times the assignment had many steps to them. I had to listen to what was being instructed of me and learn to ask the appropriate questions so that I could do what they were asking of me. If I had failed to listen to directions, something could have been archived incorrectly or mislabeled.
I learned a great deal from project management this semester. Most of this experience came from the aid I gave in crafting two exhibits for visitors to the archives. Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Leckie gave me the tools and the objects with which to create the displays, but it was up to me to creatively and efficiently manage the creation of the exhibits. You can read more about each of my exhibits here and here.
I developed interpersonal skills, especially in the area of representing others. On occasion I would have to go down to the main or basement level of the library and talk to my fellow workers about things Mrs. Griffith or Mrs. Leckie would need. I had to be able to present myself in a clear and understandable fashion in order for others to understand me. I also had to keep in mind that while I was talking to other people, I was representing not just myself but the archives, meaning that I had to conduct myself in a respectable manner.
Lastly, this semester I developed the skill of organization in the ability to plan projects. While working at the archives, I had several projects usually running at a time. I was constantly editing and transcribing my interviews from this summer as well as continuously working on the Bee-Mail Project. However, I would have to manage the allocation of my projects when something would come up that was needed of me. Often Mrs. Griffith or Mrs. Leckie would require me to do some research for them or to look something up. I was also asked to file, copy, and archive several objects. Needless to say, I had several projects going on at a time and had to learn which one to devote my attention to. Therefore, I would have to plan out my schedule for my projects every day, doing those that needed completed earlier first and those projects which could wait next.
I've learned a lot this semester at the archives, and I hope be able to apply what I've learned there in the classroom as well as in the workplace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)