Training Associates

Training other associates is a big part of what I do at work. The first time I began training other associates I was extremely nervous. However, our company provides many training materials that take us step by step about the content that we are supposed to be teaching. But no where does it teach us how to teach. This was something I had to, quickly, learn on my own. Throughout this learning experience, I had to figure out how to teach people, who all may have different learning abilities, a skill that has become so natural to me. This has taught me how to analyze other people's behavior in a learning environment. Often people are not willing to admit to their shortcomings. I have learned how to read other people's body language, and learn how to address any anxiety they may be feeling without drawing attention to the fact that that is what I am doing. Working with my peers, it is a big worry of mine that others will feel I am belittling them. By knowing how to maturely talk to ones my own age, it will benefit me in the long run when working with younger children. Although they are younger, I never want them to feel I am talking down to them. I want it to be a respectful and open environment, which I believe I have learned to create thanks to these training opportunities at work. Here is a question for you, the reader: What type of situations have you been in, that have unknowingly prepared you for teaching? When I first started working in retail, I never thought it would prepare me as much as it has for teaching. But, surprisingly enough, I have learned more here with real-world experience than I was expecting.

Screen Cast

For this week's post I have created a Screencast that will teach you how to create your very own blog. I hope you find this a helpful tutorial!

Leading by Example

Being on the management staff at Victoria's Secret means I am always being watched. I have to set the example for the other associates, because I could never hold them accountable for something that I myself am guilty of. When I first took on the role, I never realized how much of a lifestyle change this position would be. I consider this a lifestyle change, because that's exactly what it is. I have to constantly have a positive attitude, always be coaching associates with their strengths and opportunities, and being one step ahead of them with knowledge of the product. When a customer issue arises, it is my responsibility to act in the moment and know how to calmly solve any problem. At first this was a difficult adjustment. I had to stop viewing this as a job with my friends, and start to view it as a teaching job. Because that's exactly what this is. Realizing that I am always going to be watched has really prepared me for a future with teaching. I know the attitude and how I must hold myself when others are around. I must set the example for how I want my students to behave and treat each other, and the type of attitude I want them to have while doing so. This is easier said than done, because obviously people are just going to have some lousy days. But it is my responsibility, as their role model,to learn ways to deal with these moods. Teaching the students these ways can help improve their overall attitude and actions, as well. Learning all of this was a bit rocky at first. Luckily, I have the basic experience I need that will fully prepare me in my future. I will be going into a teaching career already prepared to be a positive, respectful example I need to be for these students.

Introduction!

Hello All,

Please take a quick listen to my newest podcast! It just gives you a quick introduction as to what my blog will be about!

-Sarah

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog!

I've never used a blog before, so I am extremely excited to see how this turns out! Let me start out by telling you a little bit about myself.

• I am a senior at Rutgers, majoring in Linguistics and minoring in cognitive science/psychology. I plan to go to graduate school for Speech Pathology.
•  I am a teacher's aid in an alternative classroom at my temple Sunday mornings, working with kids from ages 10-13. 
• I have been working at Victoria's Secret for the past 3 years.
• Prior to that I had other retail jobs, so I have my fair share of experience in the field. 
• A year and a half ago I was promoted to Cash lead, which is more or less the supervisor of registers.

I know after graduation I will go into teaching and say goodbye to my retail years. However, I know my time at Victoria's Secret has prepared me more than I could think for entering the real world, specifically in respect to teaching. I have run many training sessions, learned how to talk to adults, respectfully solve any customer complaints/issues, and teach customers about the proper fit and laundering of our products. All of these skills (training, talking to adults, solving issues, and teaching) will undoubtedly be apart of my future, in whichever career I choose. I am excited to use this blog to look more in depth at what retail has taught me, and how I can use it in my future.

As college students, I know we have all had those part-time jobs that we think is seemingly unimportant. Has anyone had a job, that at first glance is the complete opposite of your intended field, but has taught you any skills or knowledge that you can bring to your career one day?

-Sarah