Relationships in the workplace

Kendra Potts "My Entry-Level Life" was amusing and very reminiscent of real life. She mentions that her job has been referred to as a "glorified typist" and that very few people in her workplace know what exactly her job is. Her descriptions of colleagues are funny and typical "The Office" material. Potts refers to the workplace totem poll and those located on it. The internship experience in D. Kathleen Stitt's writing was a very informative reflection on how non-verbal behavior can affect an intern's progress. The advice found there to be assertive and non-complacent was a good reminder, and to handle your student life as you would your professional life was interesting also. It is always best to be non-disruptive and respectful, but to stand up when something is wrong and communicate effectively.

What Interns Should Know

It is true, not very often is information on appropriate interaction between intern and workplace found in books or in technical communication.It is important for the student to pick up on informal rules and methods of doing things, without doing so, the student may not get the full experience, or worse, have a terrible experience. It seems to me that even the most academically prepared student who doesn't possess good social skills or nonverbal skills would be doomed for failure. It is like visiting a foreign country and learning how to blend in, learning mannerisms and customs. I have made a point to observe how the employees at the National Environmental Services Center dress and interact with one another, and feel as thought I have a good sense of how to blend in and maintain those codes.