Showing posts with label Career Building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career Building. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Reasons Why You Need To Volunteer

There is much to be gained when you volunteer. However, the following list is particularly relevant to any student moving towards a career: Develop skills, gain skills and knowledge that may help you get paid work. Also develop qualities useful in all workplaces: punctuality, dependability, the ability to work on a team and the ability to handle pressure. Everyone needs practice in decision-making, problem solving and leadership.

Gain work experience volunteer jobs provide hands-on learning experience and give you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge. In addition, you gain practical experience and qualifications to enhance your resume. Find out about the work world discover the realities of the work world. You’ll gain practical knowledge about organizations and how they work on a day-to-day basis.

Learn to market yourself. Marketing your best assets will be easier after filling out job application forms and going to interviews in the volunteer world. Explore career options. Volunteering gives you a chance to discover whether or not you’re really suited to a particular line of work. To explore select assignments that place you in the type of setting you want to learn about; ask for as much training as you can get; ask to be promoted to more challenging tasks; and work side-by-side with professionals who can answer questions about their careers.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Bridge The Generation Gap

One of the thoughts that go through any team member’s head while forming a team would be the composition of the team members age in a team. Does the team need any experienced, say old guy, or it can happen by all the young guns. But who is this generation Y? Does any team really have to have them? Each generation can feel that the other is all messed up in one way or another and that things would be better if they were done as they should be. Next, mutual respect, teamwork, and flexibility are quickly replaced with rice bowls, stovepipes, and cold shoulders. When you get down to basics, the generation gaps aren’t that wide.

Everyone wants to be able to trust the people they work with, no one really likes change when they think they’re going to lose from it, everyone likes feedback and everyone wants to learn. Even when differences become apparent roadblocks, teams should embrace them. That diversity can be the catalyst for true growth and for expanding into new horizons! To break down the generational barriers and get down to team basics, try these strategies.

Play some team building games. Any simple one can do - building a structure from playing cards, an office scavenger hunt like games can quickly break down barriers, engage people toward a common purpose, and lighten the atmosphere. Take time at each team meeting to spotlight a team member and get to know that person as a person - where they are from, what their hobbies are, and what they liked to do when they were young. Team members will quickly find out how much they have in common vs. how much they think they are different. Do a Freaky fun day! Take a day and let team workers switch roles and responsibilities so they get a comprehensive view of what the other deals with. A decent walk in another’s shoes will usually help with clarity!