Training, handbook review, log-ins for company accounts and a description of responsibilities are what one usually expects to find on his or her first day at a new job. For me, however, that was not the case.
"Kristin, what is it you want to do after you graduate? And, how can I help you get there?" This was the question posed to me by a a mentor and friend that became my boss last week. For my final semester at Bradley University, I am interning for the Vice President for Student Affairs Nathan Thomas. Although we have been planning this internship for nearly a full year, I was surprised when I entered his office for my first day. Ready to jump right into the tasks he had for me to do, I immediately opened my notebook to start writing down project details. Nathan, however, sat down next to me with nothing in his hands. "Kristin, what is it you want to do after you graduate? And, how can I help you get there?" This wasn't how it was supposed to work. I was interning for him so that I could help him with the projects he needed. I was caught off guard and struggled to answer him. For several months now, I've been torn between pursuing a career in advertising and a career in student affairs. I've built experience in both fields and am so passionate about the various parts of each industry. This has caused quite a bit of confusion as to what I want to do post-grad. Because of this, I was unable to give him a definite response. His question did, however, remind me of why I've come to love student affairs. It's all about student development, leadership, and attainment of goals. Nine months ago, Nathan lent me a book called "The Wisdom of Failure." In one chapter, it addressed the role of a leader as a coach, not a boss. Nathan's question on my first day working for him gave me a glimpse of what this philosophy looks like when put into practice. Coaches focus on helping each teammate achieve success, both individually and as a whole. Unlike a boss who is often focused on how a subordinate can help him, a coach focuses on how he or she can help the player. A leader's role is more than simply helping someone get where they want to be; it's also helping others get to where they need to be, even when they don't realize it themselves. I may not know for sure where I'm going come December, but Nathan is already helping me figure it out and lay a foundation for success no matter what my chosen path is. While at Bradley, I've been fortunate to learn from the examples of leaders all around me - from peers to staff members, administrators to community members. I'm happy to feel their influence and impact on me as I develop as a leader myself. No matter what I end up doing, I know these lessons will stay with me and guide me as I navigate my way through life after college. Next time I'm in a leadership role, I know I already have my first agenda item for Day 1: "What do you want to do? And, how can I help you get there?"
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Kristin KreherMy happiness comes from meaningful interactions, the outdoors, thrift shops, and saying "thank you." Archives
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