I feel at this point in my career and probably yours too, you know the basic do's and don'ts of interviewing, but I felt the need to touch on this subject because of the poor choices I witnessed people make this week and it fits since I have an interview coming up myself :)
While I was sitting at the reception desk earlier this week at one of my jobs a young lady came up and asked to speak to the person she was interviewing with. She didn't address them as Ms. or Mr,. she just said their first name and she didn't tell me she was there for an interview either. On top of that she had on a short little polka dot dress, which don't get me wrong was cute, but not interview attire.
So my first tidbit is to dress the part. You should at the very least be business casual for an interview but if they specify otherwise, adhere to that. Don't overdue makeup, wear shoes you can't walk in comfortably or draw any unnecessary attention to your appearance. You want them to focus on what you're saying during the interview, not those huge earrings in your ears. It'll distract them from important points you may be making.
With everyone you meet, you should be friendly with and maintain a pleasant demeanor (I think this should be a part of your everyday life but that's all on you LOL). The young lady who came to my desk in my previous example wasn't rude but I also had no idea why she was there. Provide specific information if possible and address people as Mr. or Ms., call me old-fashioned but if you don't know the person yet, I wouldn't refer to them by their first name. Plus at other jobs I've had, even though I was not the one making the decision about whether to hire someone, my opinion was asked of. You never know who you're talking to and how they can impact your potential position.
Piggy-backing off 'know who you're talking to', make sure you do your research. Employers are impressed when you know their background and have some idea of what you're getting into. You also don't want to say the wrong thing. My professor gave a great example of this referring to a student interviewing for internship. She told the committee she did not approve of projective tests, one of the people on the committee was a huge advocate for the use of projective tests, so clearly he approved and in turn she was not offered a position at that site.
In sum, look the part, know your stuff, and know that when you're there, EVERYONE is interviewing you. Even when you're with the people who you're interviewing with, how you're interacting with others may be evaluated. If you keep these simple tips in mind, you'll be good to go!
August 29, 2012
August 22, 2012
First Day of School!
First day of classes started today and thankfully I'm not as overwhelmed as I anticipated. It's probably because I haven't really slowed down yet today to think about the workload I'm about to accumulate. I have a HUGE new planner though so hopefully that will give me the illusion that my life is in order.
I have to get up super early tomorrow morning but I wanted to make sure I shared two really interesting things that I saw today. One is about perspective. In every aspect of our lives but especially working with children in the school system, it is important to look at problems from every possible angle. It's easy to get comfortable in a role and a way of doing things and not consider if the best option is the one that's chosen. My professor showed us some artwork from a 3-D chalk artist by the name of Julian Beever. If you look at this first picture, you can't tell what the picture is, but if you come at it a different way....WOW!
Even if you think you see the whole picture, there could be an even better view if you just change directions a bit.
And this video is something another one of my professor's shared that an IT person made to show teachers and principals that data doesn't have to be intimidating. We all got a BIG laugh out of this, hope you do too!
Click this link to see more artwork from Julian Beever! Great stuff!
I have to get up super early tomorrow morning but I wanted to make sure I shared two really interesting things that I saw today. One is about perspective. In every aspect of our lives but especially working with children in the school system, it is important to look at problems from every possible angle. It's easy to get comfortable in a role and a way of doing things and not consider if the best option is the one that's chosen. My professor showed us some artwork from a 3-D chalk artist by the name of Julian Beever. If you look at this first picture, you can't tell what the picture is, but if you come at it a different way....WOW!
Even if you think you see the whole picture, there could be an even better view if you just change directions a bit.
And this video is something another one of my professor's shared that an IT person made to show teachers and principals that data doesn't have to be intimidating. We all got a BIG laugh out of this, hope you do too!
Click this link to see more artwork from Julian Beever! Great stuff!
August 16, 2012
It's All Good!
I am currently a research assistant for an early childhood study and we have been doing constant trainings and observations in pre-k classrooms around campus in order to meet reliability standards. I can honestly say that I am getting such wonderful experience and insight into early childhood, an area I didn't really think I had an interest in. It is definitely A LOT of work though, but it makes you appreciate how much it takes to conduct a research study.
Since I joined the study in mid-July I have been in seven meetings, eight trainings, and five observations with more to come. None of that includes scoring the measures afterwards, studying the manuals, and watching 'take-home' videos to practice either. Everything is always two hours or more so you can see how in-depth this is and I'm just a data collector! I salute everyone who is working on this study because it's clear that we ALL work hard and it'll be great when we start collecting data and getting results.
I have noticed that my observations skills are getting much better, especially considering that I've never been in a pre-k classroom to observe before. Although I have to admit that I did get a little discouraged today that I still haven't met reliability on one of the measures. Of course it's the one that I don't like and I'm sure that plays a role but it was disheartening all the same. But then I remembered a story I heard while observing one of the classrooms.
It's call "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes." Pete was walking down the street in his new shoes and kept stepping in things like blueberries and mud that made his shoes change colors. He didn't get mad though, no matter what color his shoes were "he just kept movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good!"
Even though it's a kids story it's definitely something I want to keep in mind this semester. No matter how much is going on, or what I step in...it's all good! Yes, this has been a tremendous amount of work and time but I have learned so much in such a short period that will help me in School Psychology. This semester is said to be the toughest in my program but if I focus on the bigger picture and don't get bogged down by the little things that will undoubtedly pop up...it's all good! So when you're having a rough day or you just don't know how you're going to get everything done, just think about Pete the Cat and smile because it's all good :)
Since I joined the study in mid-July I have been in seven meetings, eight trainings, and five observations with more to come. None of that includes scoring the measures afterwards, studying the manuals, and watching 'take-home' videos to practice either. Everything is always two hours or more so you can see how in-depth this is and I'm just a data collector! I salute everyone who is working on this study because it's clear that we ALL work hard and it'll be great when we start collecting data and getting results.
I have noticed that my observations skills are getting much better, especially considering that I've never been in a pre-k classroom to observe before. Although I have to admit that I did get a little discouraged today that I still haven't met reliability on one of the measures. Of course it's the one that I don't like and I'm sure that plays a role but it was disheartening all the same. But then I remembered a story I heard while observing one of the classrooms.
It's call "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes." Pete was walking down the street in his new shoes and kept stepping in things like blueberries and mud that made his shoes change colors. He didn't get mad though, no matter what color his shoes were "he just kept movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good!"
Even though it's a kids story it's definitely something I want to keep in mind this semester. No matter how much is going on, or what I step in...it's all good! Yes, this has been a tremendous amount of work and time but I have learned so much in such a short period that will help me in School Psychology. This semester is said to be the toughest in my program but if I focus on the bigger picture and don't get bogged down by the little things that will undoubtedly pop up...it's all good! So when you're having a rough day or you just don't know how you're going to get everything done, just think about Pete the Cat and smile because it's all good :)
August 10, 2012
Medicating our Youth
I got a suprise skype call from my former tutee last night. I tutored her my first semester in grad school and unfortunately had to stop due to my class schedule. She has ADHD and like most children who are diagnosed, she often lost focus in the classroom and when completing homework. I often found it difficult to keep her on track and not rush to finish an assignment but actually think about how she was solving a problem. She happily reported to me last night though that she is on a new medication that is much better for her and how she is much more organized (she showed me her super clean closet to prove it LOL) and is doing much better in school. I am so proud of the progress she has made but it also made me think about the issue of medicating our youth.
As a future school psychologist, I know this is undoubtly an issue that will come up on a regular basis. According to a recent article I read, "Between the years 1994 and 2001, there was a 191.7% increase in number of office visits resulting in a psychotropic medication prescription among children and adolescents" (Thomas, Conrad, Casler, & Goodman, 2006). One of the things that struck me the most about this article and that I appreciated was the call for School Psychologists to be informed about commonly prescribed medications. Since we often serve as the advocates for students, we should have a solid knowledge base to better inform administrators, teachers and parents. Personally, I would like to see some type of course or training offered in School Psychology programs, even at the Master's and Specialist level, so that we are more familiar with these issues when we work in the schools.
I honestly would not like to have the responsibility of prescribing medication to children because there are so many side effects and adverse reactions that can arise. There are many psychologists (in general) though who are working to make this option available for licensed psychologists. What are your thoughts though? How do you feel about the increasing prevalence of presciptions being issued to children? What can we as School Psychologists do to be more informed in this process? Would you like to be able to prescribe medications in your practice? Go on, comment :)
You can access the article I mentioned by Jeffrey D. Shahidullah by clicking here: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq/40/8/off-label.aspx NASP membership is required to access it.
As a future school psychologist, I know this is undoubtly an issue that will come up on a regular basis. According to a recent article I read, "Between the years 1994 and 2001, there was a 191.7% increase in number of office visits resulting in a psychotropic medication prescription among children and adolescents" (Thomas, Conrad, Casler, & Goodman, 2006). One of the things that struck me the most about this article and that I appreciated was the call for School Psychologists to be informed about commonly prescribed medications. Since we often serve as the advocates for students, we should have a solid knowledge base to better inform administrators, teachers and parents. Personally, I would like to see some type of course or training offered in School Psychology programs, even at the Master's and Specialist level, so that we are more familiar with these issues when we work in the schools.
I honestly would not like to have the responsibility of prescribing medication to children because there are so many side effects and adverse reactions that can arise. There are many psychologists (in general) though who are working to make this option available for licensed psychologists. What are your thoughts though? How do you feel about the increasing prevalence of presciptions being issued to children? What can we as School Psychologists do to be more informed in this process? Would you like to be able to prescribe medications in your practice? Go on, comment :)
You can access the article I mentioned by Jeffrey D. Shahidullah by clicking here: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq/40/8/off-label.aspx NASP membership is required to access it.
August 7, 2012
Wait, school starts when?!?
As hard as it is to believe, the Fall semester is quickly approaching. Summer just seems to go by faster and faster but I guess I shouldn't complain, some kids are already back in school I noticed on my recent trip home to Atlanta. With the start of the new semester comes all of the little nuances that we've all tried not to think about. Books, membership fees, liability insurance, and who knows where my stopwatch is. Even though none of these things are the glamorous part of being a graduate student (idk if there is a glamorous side but that's another topic) they are important to remember and take care of before the hustle and bustle of classes, and everything that comes with it, sets in. So here is my handy guide on things you can do before the semester starts so the first few weeks of school can be spent enjoying the 50 page articles your professor assigns and not these frivolous, yet mandatory requirements.
1) Books- Check your schedule and see if there is a link to textbooks for your courses, the earlier you do this the better to insure you have time to research where the best prices are (amazon, chegg, school bookstore) and get it shipped in time before you start getting assigned readings. Check your school library as well, sometimes your textbook is right on the shelf- free of charge.
2) Membership Fees- Are you required to join your state association, NASP or APA? If not, it's great to keep that $120-150 in your pocket for other expenses but membership usually allows access to a number of great resources to be used throughout the year. In addition, if you're going to any of their conferences, membership will usually mean a cheaper registration fee.
3) Liability Insurance- If you're going to be working in the schools this year for practicum or internship, liability insurance is a must. The cost is usually only around $20-25 and membership in one of the organizations listed above will also have discounts for their members with certain companies. After joining NASP or your state association, research what they offer. Take advantage of that membership!
4) Confidentiality Training- Does your program require you to complete any trainings and turn in a certificate to be put on file? HIPPA Training is required for my program, it takes an hour to complete and is SOOOOOOO boring but it's mandatory. Get this done and out of the way now if it's offered through your University's privacy office. One less thing to do!
5) Travel Grants- Sure that conference isn't for another 3 months, but if you're looking for a travel award or grant from your department or graduate student council, the application may be open now. Look into dates and start estimating costs. When financial aid comes through, put money aside for upcoming conferences or events that will bring a lot of expenses. Planning ahead will save you in the long run.
6) Financial Aid- Speaking of financial aid, make sure all of your affairs are in order BEFORE everyone comes back to school and you're waiting an hour in line to speak to someone. Is that waiver listed on your awards summary, is there a loan you don't need, look at this now so there are no surprises. Also check your schedule to make sure you're registered for the right courses, especially if someone does that part for you. We all make mistakes!
7) School Supplies- Clipboard to hide your protocol, user friendly stopwatch (who knows how to use a sports one?), pencils galore. Stock up now while there are back to school sales galore.
Just a few things to consider to make your life a bit easier as the start of the semester comes along. Hopefully it'll make your first few weeks that much less stressful :)
1) Books- Check your schedule and see if there is a link to textbooks for your courses, the earlier you do this the better to insure you have time to research where the best prices are (amazon, chegg, school bookstore) and get it shipped in time before you start getting assigned readings. Check your school library as well, sometimes your textbook is right on the shelf- free of charge.
2) Membership Fees- Are you required to join your state association, NASP or APA? If not, it's great to keep that $120-150 in your pocket for other expenses but membership usually allows access to a number of great resources to be used throughout the year. In addition, if you're going to any of their conferences, membership will usually mean a cheaper registration fee.
3) Liability Insurance- If you're going to be working in the schools this year for practicum or internship, liability insurance is a must. The cost is usually only around $20-25 and membership in one of the organizations listed above will also have discounts for their members with certain companies. After joining NASP or your state association, research what they offer. Take advantage of that membership!
4) Confidentiality Training- Does your program require you to complete any trainings and turn in a certificate to be put on file? HIPPA Training is required for my program, it takes an hour to complete and is SOOOOOOO boring but it's mandatory. Get this done and out of the way now if it's offered through your University's privacy office. One less thing to do!
5) Travel Grants- Sure that conference isn't for another 3 months, but if you're looking for a travel award or grant from your department or graduate student council, the application may be open now. Look into dates and start estimating costs. When financial aid comes through, put money aside for upcoming conferences or events that will bring a lot of expenses. Planning ahead will save you in the long run.
6) Financial Aid- Speaking of financial aid, make sure all of your affairs are in order BEFORE everyone comes back to school and you're waiting an hour in line to speak to someone. Is that waiver listed on your awards summary, is there a loan you don't need, look at this now so there are no surprises. Also check your schedule to make sure you're registered for the right courses, especially if someone does that part for you. We all make mistakes!
7) School Supplies- Clipboard to hide your protocol, user friendly stopwatch (who knows how to use a sports one?), pencils galore. Stock up now while there are back to school sales galore.
Just a few things to consider to make your life a bit easier as the start of the semester comes along. Hopefully it'll make your first few weeks that much less stressful :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)