Accepting, Declining and saying Thank You
Posted April 10th, 2008 by Mary MartinAccepting, Declining and saying Thank you
For some, graduate school is nearing the final stretch and job offers are beginning to fill your inbox – or shortly will. Now you are confronted with what seems like an enormous decision which can drive you nuts as you look at it from every angle. You will consider location, salary, and title, which are very reasonable thoughts, but not a complete list. Consider an additional element – will the organization and your supervisor provide an environment in which you can grow, develop and become the professional you desire to be?
As we all know, there are organizations that seem to surround themselves with turmoil, turf issues, and an overabundance of egos. These types of organizations can simply zap your energy and direct your efforts toward maintaining, rather than growing. With the tools you typically use to accomplish this measurement, do your best to determine how significantly your future supervisor will support your growth and development as a professional. This is a condition we often neglect totally, or place on the very furthest back burner, when in fact it may be the most significant consideration you should entertain. The encouragement, knowledge and passion you receive from your supervisor can very well determine the pace of your development, the quality of contribution you might make to your profession and your personal satisfaction with your career. Much like a professional athlete, your first contract ought to be focused toward a quality environment rather than a materialistic concern. A first contract in a nurturing and encouraging environment will point you toward the great career you hope to have.
How do you do this? When you interview on campus, listen carefully to current staff and try to pick up on their levels of satisfaction. Investigate the organization and determine if they are average in the field, or if they strive to cut new cloth and make a difference. Does the organization feel as though students come first, or are they systems orientated? But most important, listen carefully to your heart and not your ego. Somewhere along the line your Mom most likely told you to trust yourself, and here is a real test.
Once you make your decision, move forward with all the passion, energy and gusto possible. The ride from this point on can be incredible if you are honest with yourself.
No matter what decision you make, be sure and say thank you.
Don Johnson
April 11th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I had a daydream the other day that offices should do a “trial week”, where potential employees get to work in the job for a few days to “try it on for fit.” I feel like one interview is not enough to really get a great understanding of the organization, office relationships and environments, and how the office actually works to accomplish its mission and goals. Without undermining good people and organizations, I think sometimes it is easy for an office to appear healthy and student-oriented for a few hours while you are interviewing and hide the problems they are experiencing (and all organizations have problems – and I think candidates should know of them up-front to make an informed decision). And it is sometimes easy for interviewees to appear competent, dedicated and student-oriented. So wouldn’t it be nice to have a chance to work in your potential future position, maybe shadow the person in your current position, for a week before having to make a decision or offer?