FIND THOUSANDS JOB

General guidelines for success:

Carefully read all orientation materials.
Set goals/priorities; be prepared; meet all deadlines.
Ask questions when unsure; take notes.
Always address full-time employees as Mr. or Ms._______until they ask you to address them by first name.
Dress appropriately--don't be reluctant to ask what is considered appropriate.
Always be tactful and diplomatic to hourly workers as well as management. Anyone who has worked for the organization for a while, in any capacity, has a lot to teach you.

Be a "team player"

Do not compete with co-workers.
Do routine jobs without complaining.
Show initiative: if you run out of work, look for things to do and ask your supervisor how you can be most productive.
Develop work relationships slowly after you know office politics.
Always inform your supervisor of your whereabouts. Forward your phone when you're away from your desk.

The following may be interpreted as irresponsibility and/or immaturity:

Personal phone calls. (Ask your supervisor first if you must make a long-distance call from work.)
Sloppy desk/work space.
Talking about non-business matters during work hours.
Sitting idle at your desk. (Note: if you sleep at work, you will probably be fired.)
Asking for time off. (Work is a "no-cut" class.)
Using office supplies for non-office use.
Having visitors (friends or family) at work.
Using foul or poor language.

Observe your supervisor's priorities about:

Neatness of your work area.
Confidentiality of materials.
Coming in early or staying late.
Lunch hour routine.
Telephone etiquette.
General office demeanor.

Observe your supervisor's management style:

Does he/she prefer oral or written reports? What format and style?
Does he/she supervise closely or from afar?
Does he/she provide immediate responses to questions and problems or need time to think about them?

With respect to feedback and reviews:

If you have not received feedback on your performance after the first month, ask for it. ("How am I doing? How can I improve?")
Accept criticism without being defensive.
Do not interpret performance reviews as personal criticism. Remember, people want you to succeed.

Take advantage of every opportunity to learn:

If you have time, read any available materials about the company, products, or the industry in general.
Ask questions and observe people's behavior.
Network whenever possible; attend social functions through work.
Identify career tracks and their prerequisites.
Ask for letters of recommendation at the end of your assignment.

STUDENT-EMPLOYER RELATIONSHIP

If you become dissatisfied with your work assignment, it is up to you to discuss this dissatisfaction with your immediate supervisor and/or the employer's human resources contact. If, after talking with these two persons, you are still experiencing dissatisfaction, you should contact the ECIP Program Manager (Katy Arenschield, arenschield.4@osu.edu) for assistance.
While on campus, it is your responsibility to keep in contact with your employer to assure your return for subsequent work periods and the dates the subsequent work assignments will begin and end. Your employer counts on you to keep your commitment. You must complete an Account Reactivation Request form [online] [pdf] and meet with the ECIP Director before reducing or terminating a work rotation.