Even though you may feel that you are extremely easy to talk to, others may have mixed emotions on the matter. Let’s take a step back and reanalyze how others may perceive us, starting with body language. Does your job have you sitting behind a desk all day, or up and walking around? Either way, your arms should not be crossed. You want to give off a good vibe, not one that makes it seem like you are upset or agitated. If you do start speaking with someone, make sure you lean in a bit and keep eye contact. You want to let them know that what they are saying is important and has all of your attention.

When speaking with someone, make sure you are slightly animated. Nobody wants to talk to a monotonic, catatonic bump on a log. Having facial expressions as well as vocal expressions can show that you are human and that you can relate to people on different levels. Also, make sure you ask some questions to show your interest. While they are talking, perhaps nodding can also show your attentiveness.

A very amicable gesture is as simple as a smile. Showing others that you are warm and caring can go a long way in the world of communication. Just remember though, keep it polite and sincere, otherwise it will look phony.

Lastly, if people are not approaching you, perhaps you should approach them. Remember to keep your body language open and inviting, and perhaps flash a smile or two. This will show those around you that you are concerned with their lives, as well as the life of the company. The communication within the company is only as strong as the weakest amplifier.

Many students take on internships or co-ops because they sound fun or they think it will be another bullet to add to their resume. Although these things may be true, there are a few other things one will have to think about.

An internship, whether or not it is paid, is just like a job. It is like class in the sense that you are expected to learn things, show up on time, and be productive, however, you will not be allowed to just copy off of your neighbors’ assignment or sit in the back of the class and sleep. You are here to learn something valuable for your future. So get out that notebook and pen, and start jotting some things down.

Firstly, you want to stand out, and not in a “wear a loud outfit everyday” kind of way. If you only do what is expected of you, you will fade into the background and just be another face among all of the other young, eager learners there. If you are there because you know what you are doing, excellent! Share your thoughts or ideas on certain things. What is the worst that can happen? Perhaps you will be the one recognized for the greatest idea of the day, and just maybe, the president of the company will be there to hear your idea as well. Hands on experience is often the best way to learn, so it only makes sense to get in there and get your hands dirty. Ask your supervisor for more responsibility. Take on responsibilities when the opportunity arises. Showing that you are creative and have productive ideas will prove that you are willing to take chances.

One thing you should not take chances on, however, is missing many days at your internship. Although this is not a class where you only get three sick days, just remember that this company is doing you a favor. The more you show up, the more responsible you appear, especially if you are working hard. If you are only doing the minimal, you are showing the company that you are only expecting the minimal. An internship is like a delicately crafted relationship, it is a give and take, the more you give, the more you will get. You never know you who you will meet during your experience. These people you meet can help your career for many years to come, create a connection and build a network.

Finally, never forget why you are there. This is for a future goal you have set up. Do not get mixed up in the office drama of day to day life. You are there to learn to do the job, not to learn to socialize with the people in the cubicle next to yours. Networking is an important part of the internship, but it does not involve talking about the score of last night’s game or what happened on Grey’s Anatomy. This internship could make or break you when it comes to a future job. Create a portfolio of accomplishments during your internship. From projects you worked on to excerpts from emails saying how great of a job you did to examples of tasks you managed. All of these things will help you supplement your resume and engage the employer during the interview. Thinking about the next part of your life will help you be better prepared. It is a learning tool that you will remember and rely on for other opportunities in the future. If you keep yourself in check while learning at the office, you may just be preparing yourself for signing a continuous check at the office.

Professional associations what can one say about these groups?  We encourage our students to participate.  We tell them how wonderful it is to network, be known in your profession, and the list can go on.  Do we always take our own advice?  What professional associations do you participate in?  How do they benefit you?  What do you do to benefit them?

I just read an interesting article on the web by Susan Ellis called Chicken or Egg: Why Are Our Professional Associations Weak?  This made me think about how I view my profession.  Her article looks at the reasons people do and don’t participate.

Her chicken view:

• Collegial exchange and debate on issues
• Setting standards for themselves
• A voice for issues facing the profession
• Mentor newcomers to the field
• Analyze trends through the lens of their perspective/approach
• Affect public opinion on behalf of their profession

Her egg view:

• For too many practitioners, professional associations are volunteer efforts and not our primary career.
• Lack of formal education in the profession – many of us tends to “fall into” the field and learn by doing.
• Many of us are isolated in our positions – we’re the only one in our organization doing the work.
• Because of isolation – we may not even know there is a professional association out there.

Wow, what do you think about this?  Do you see yourself in some of this?  I see myself.  What impact does seeing this information have on you?

I encourage you to discuss this.  Give some feedback.  Think about how we encourage the future to service through our actions today.

Kelly Harper
Cincinnati State

http://www.wqow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11375443

Posted on LinkedIn by Kelly Harper

We also extend a welcome to the newly-elected class of 2012 Board of Governors:

• Michelle Clare, University of Cincinnati
• Tanye Harrison, Illinois Institute of Technology
• Lovetta Houston, Olive-Harvey College
• Christine Karaptian, Valassis
• Kathryn Kennealy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Brenna Miller, AEGON
• Amy O’Donnell, University of Toledo
• Susan Seibert, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Wendy Weiler, Midwest ISO

We wish to extend our appreciation and thanks to Kelly Harper, Cincinnati State, who now moves into the role of Past President. We look forward to her continued expertise and guidance throughout this next year.

We also express our heartfelt thanks for the outstanding leadership that MCEIA received under the watchful eye of Mark McCreary, Indiana University, School of Informatics. His guiding force will be sorely missed, as he moves off the board to serve in a leadership role for CEIA. Thank you, Mark, for all that you have done for the association!