Developing the Future Professional By: Tonee Sherrill & Arlene Vargas Information Services & Special Projects University Student Union, Inc. California State University, Northridge

Who’s in the Room? Name Staff or Student What do you hope to gain from this presentation?

Let’s talk… Brief History What is the Making Connections Program? You Try It! Findings/ Results The Wrap Up

Our History History of the ISSP Department – Customer Service Attendant – Morale in the department was low – What’s the value/purpose? – Students couldn’t identify what they were gaining from answering phones, stapling and filing – High turnover for this position – Something had to change

MCP’S Mission Statement The Making Connections Program The “Making Connection” Student Assistant Professional Development Program is designed to provide personalized and comprehensive career– related skills through innovative training and development exercises. We strive to empower student assistants by giving them the tools and techniques to obtain their career objectives, become effective leaders in the workplace and execute vocational duties beyond minimal expectations.

Learning Opportunities Through the Making Connections Program Student Assistants will learn… Effective interpersonal written and verbal communication Productive team building skills to achieve common goals Efficient problem solving skills by indentifying the problem, developing a solution, and implementing the solution How to maximize job performance through reflective thinking and documenting their areas of strengths and areas of growth To be comfortable in a professional environment To identify and clearly articulate the transferable skills attained while being employed at the University Student Union

MCP Components Fall Semester Focus on gaining knowledge Peer-to-Peer Presentations & Feedback One-on-One Meetings with Graduate Assistant or Coordinator Job Journaling Spring Semester Focus on applications of the knowledge Hands on exercises Job Journaling

MCP Components – Fall Semester Student presentations on the book 10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College by Bill Coplin (2003). Topics include: – Work Ethic – Communication – Working with People – Influencing People – Solving Problems – Thinking Beyond College (Career, Graduate school)

Fall Semester - Presentations By: Carlos Flores

Fall Semester - Presentations By: Shari Lucas By: Shari Lucas

Fall Semester - Presentations

MCP Components – Spring Semester Spring Exercises Numerous activities to expand and practice on the learning attained during previous semester – Values Card Sort (Session 1) – Recognizing Skills (Session 2) – Transferable Skills quiz (Session 3) – Privilege Exercise (Session 4) – Interviewing Skills (Session 5)

Assessment Findings/Results Methodology Students are sent an online self- assessment via Student Voice Program Wrap Up at the end of the program GA/ Coordinator did an observation analysis based on rubrics provided by Student Affairs Leadership Next year, we will have a pre-assessment & post-assessment for first year participants

Assessment Findings/ Results 44% of student participants have received promotions either within the Union or in the path of their career objective 89% of those completing the survey believed they had improved or considerably improved in the areas of Developing Presentations, Respecting Diversity, and Developing Professionalism 100% of those completing the survey were able to articulate Transferable Skills gained while working at the USU useful for other areas of life

Student Development Theory Astin’s Involvement Theory Schlossberg’s Mattering and Marginality

Tips of the Trade! Know what your staff’s career objectives are Delegate task based on those career objectives This is nothing new! (Simply bringing awareness!) Assessment Projects Job Journals Business attire at department meetings Constructive Feedback

The Wrap Up “We make a conscious effort to bring awareness to skills developed by students!” What are you doing on your campus? Q&A