Skills Needed to Find a Placement |
Skill |
Resources |
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1. |
Be aware of your research question. Your question is what you want to find out by working in the field for these three weeks. This is important because you are not only looking for a placement, you are looking for someone to be your outside facilitator to mentor you through your field experience. You will impress your potential placement when you walk in with confidence and show that you know what you want to get out of this placement. | |
2. |
Develop a sense of confidence. Confidence is should never be false confidence. That will always come across as bravado or an immature overconfidence. Real confidence grows out of hard work and a sense of knowing what you want to accomplish (see skill #1). Then, consider the simple things that you can do to project a sense of confidence. You might be surprised at how business attire can project great confidence. | |
3. |
Develop placement goals. Looking for a placement, like looking for a job, is a full time job. No full time job is possible without objectives or goals. Schedule time to make phone calls, to set appointments, and to go on interviews. If you try to look for a placement with objectives, you will be lucky to find one at all, and if you do, it might not be what you want. | |
4. |
Write a good cover letter, resume, or letter of introduction. These are done to show two things. First, a good letter or resume will show the first 3 steps. Second, they will show that you have competent literacy skills. | |
5. |
Practice good interviewing and interpersonal skills. Good interpersonal skills are a must in the business world. If you come across as a self-centered individual, few will take you seriously. This starts with the interview but is carried into the workplace. | |
6. |
Follow up interviews and job offers with a thank you note. Nothing convinces the interviewer that she has made the right choice more than receiving a thank you not from the person who was just hired or been placed as an intern. Don't forget this simple strategy to smooth your way into your field placement. |