Maria R

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

This is an important question which is also a great interview question to ask a future employer: what does a typical day look like at the office or place of work (i.e. residence, shared working space, etc...)? Also, how much written communication is involved? I heard once that lawyers do more writing than English teachers do, so that's an insight into communication demands and expectations. As a former English teacher, the most writing I did was for emails. ;) I'll share what happens during the week. As a college counselor, there is usually a staff meeting beginning of the week where the Executive Director discusses important events and issues. Then each person shares out what he/she/they are doing currently and if they need any additional support i.e. financially, volunteers, signage, etc... Then after an hour everyone goes back to their offices and prepares for the day: answering emails, getting coffee, checking in with colleagues. The rest of the week is filled with meeting students every hour and listening to what they need/curious about and setting intentional goals if needed; creating powerpoint/Canva slides to show during skills-based & career-related workshops with small and large groups of students either from a class or at night; returning/making phone calls with community partners about coming to campus to share career advice; preparing for large events i.e. Career Fairs; researching career trends online and sharing ideas with colleagues in impromptu conversations; reaching out to college departments on future collaboration ideas and what their students need as far as career development. The majority of work is inside a building and sitting behind a desk, so it is very easy to silo oneself and only interact with a few people a week. But on college campuses, most staff members like working with students so building rapport with student workers in the office is important as well. At the end of the day, I try to answer all my emails if possible so as not to open my laptop at home. TRY. It's possible on some days, but maintaining that work-life balance is important to me so I always tell myself "there's always going to be more work to do" so to find what works for me. I remember as a teacher, I would take a packet of papers to grade in my workbag and I would have every intention of actually grading, but they ended up staying in the bag all throughout the night until morning :| So I stopped that.