QUESTIONS? JUST ASK
A minister friend once commented on a conflict between a fellow clergyman and his congregation. The upshot of the matter was that while the preacher excelled in the pulpit, he experienced individual relational difficulties with a number of his parishioners. In essence, the pastor was called upon to be the shepherd of his flock, but, as it turned out, didn’t particularly care for the smell of the sheep. Rest assured that we in Student Employment Services have an earnest and abiding interest in assisting Midlands Tech students and alumni in starting or changing careers. My colleagues and I have a sincere desire in meeting, talking with and offering considered advice and counsel to those actively and seriously seeking our services. You may have come across the French term “raison d’être.” It means “ . . reason or justification for existence.” Simply put, you are the very reason we are here. Perhaps you’ve perused our website or seen other promotional material from this department. We cover interviewing tips, resume critiques, job opportunities and keep abreast of special events as they relate to employment. Our backgrounds include careers in the public and private sectors. We hail from the likes of North and South Carolina, West Virginia and New York. Formal degrees, academic credentials and specialized training aside, our team members have something else to offer – experience. I’m speaking here of experience as it applies to the sometime rough and tumble world of work. We don’t necessarily hold ourselves out as smarter than the next person, but there is much we’ve seen and experienced over decades in the workforce. I will cite one specific experience.
After finishing my college education, I entered military service. In the first week we privates took orientation instructions on adjustment to life in the United States Army. One class featured our veteran drill sergeant along with a junior-grade officer. Both men stood before the room and informed us of the importance of our serial numbers, the proper wearing of the uniform and the making up of our bunks. Also presented was the subject of military protocol to include how, when and to whom we were to salute. The 23-year-old second lieutenant explained that a snappy salute should be accorded all officers with a verbal address using the word sir. Further, whenever an officer entered an enclosure the nearest enlisted man was to call out ten-hut and we were to snap to attention. The newly-minted officer with single gold bars on his collars then left the classroom and turned the proceedings over to our grizzled drill sergeant. One timorous private noted the veteran’s combat decorations from two wars. Our fellow trainee piped up his opinion. “When the bullets start flying and I’ve got a choice as to which one of you I’m gonna follow, I’ll be right at your belt buckle, sarge!” This youngster made a convincing case.
We welcome questions and would be more than glad to pass on any nuggets of real-world information.
Bob Bailey
Student Employment Services
