Entering the World of Work

Chapter 2: Understanding Yourself

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
Make a list of questions to ask the adult before you interview him or her. Use the following list to help you.

1. How important is eye contact in good communication with customers? With co-workers? With supervisors?
2. How does an employee show respect to customers? To co-workers? To the supervisor?
3. How does an employee show he or she is paying attention and listening to a customer? To co-workers? To the supervisor?
4. What are three tips for clear written communication?
5. What are three tips for clear verbal communication? Make notes as you conduct the interview. Shortly after you complete the interview, go over your notes to make sure you understand everything that was said. Keep the notes handy so you can review them.

Point of View
Think about things you like to do. Make a list of five of these things. Your list might say: “being with animals, planting flowers, playing games, doing crafts, playing music.” Think about how doing something you like could help people in your community. For example, if you like being with animals, you could volunteer at an organization that helps animals. If you like to plant flowers, you could volunteer with an organization that plants flowers in your community.
         Ask friends, teachers, and other adults about organizations in your community that need volunteers. Match things on your list with those organizations in your community. Contact one of the organizations to see if they could use your volunteer time. If they do not need you, or if you do not like the type of work they have for you, contact the next organization on your list.

Making Good Choices
Think about what is fair for both people. Think about all Joo-Ri's options. Joo-Ri could tell Anne about the job. Joo-Ri could say nothing. Joo-Ri could even keep the job a secret and take down the flyer she saw. Imagine that you are Anne. Would you be upset if Joo-Ri got this job and did not tell you? Would you apply for the job if Joo-Ri wanted it first?
         Think about how friends could solve the conflict. For example, perhaps Joo-Ri could tell Anne about the job. Joo-Ri could ask Anne to let her apply for the job first. Perhaps Anne could ask the camp if they have another job for her. Perhaps Joo-Ri and Anne could share the job.