Business Environment
The summer before my freshman year of college I got a job at a local bank in my hometown, so I could be introduced to the business world before I came to Mays. It was important for me to understand the basics of a business before I began college because I was pursuing a degree in business. Everyone at the bank welcomed me with open arms, and helped make my learning process smooth and effortless. I thoroughly enjoyed going to work every day, because being from a small town I was constantly being greeted by familiar faces coming through the door. Also, I was really catching on to my daily routine of using the computer systems, completing transactions, and filing various documents. Soon after, the summer came to a close and I had to say my goodbyes and head off to College Station.
It wasn’t until this past summer that I truly embraced my learning experience. I received a call early in the spring from the vice president at the bank saying they would love to have me work again this summer if I was going to be home. I told her I would love to come back and the Monday after finals were over I found myself walking into the bank for the second consecutive summer. This time, however, things were much different. The board of directors hired a new CEO during the previous year and he implemented some major changes that would take some time to get used to.
First of all, the company had a whole new computing system, a new dress code, and a completely rearranged filing system. Although all of these changes were very hard to adapt to, the most influential change to me was the loss of some of my favorite coworkers from the previous summer, and my new boss who would oversee the tellers. To me, the bank seemed to flip completely upside down in a matter of one year. I was not familiar with the people around me, I did not feel comfortable asking for help with the new computing system, and I found myself getting in trouble for things that I never would have the summer before due to a whole new set of rules. At this point I knew I had to adapt to the changing environment of the bank, in order to make it a positive work experience.
Soon after this realization, I began relying heavily on my strength of communication, to interact more with my new coworkers and learn how to work with them more efficiently. In addition to getting to know the people around me better, I began paying more attention to the new regulations and adjusting to them in order to be a valuable employee. Although it was difficult at first, the summer ended very well and I enjoyed my time I spent there just as much as the previous summer.
I did not realize it at the time, but during my experience I used my top strength of adaptability to cope with the change, which was occurring around me. From the new people to the new regulations, I observed what was going on around me and tried to mimic everyone else. Eventually, I caught on to the new process of doing things, and as did I was also learning about my new co-workers. I observed how they acted, completed their jobs, and spoke to one another, which taught me a lot more than I would have expected. Now, I use these skills when I am placed into groups in organizations or classes. First I observe and listen, and then I adapt to the team environment so that I can fulfill my role successfully.
It wasn’t until this past summer that I truly embraced my learning experience. I received a call early in the spring from the vice president at the bank saying they would love to have me work again this summer if I was going to be home. I told her I would love to come back and the Monday after finals were over I found myself walking into the bank for the second consecutive summer. This time, however, things were much different. The board of directors hired a new CEO during the previous year and he implemented some major changes that would take some time to get used to.
First of all, the company had a whole new computing system, a new dress code, and a completely rearranged filing system. Although all of these changes were very hard to adapt to, the most influential change to me was the loss of some of my favorite coworkers from the previous summer, and my new boss who would oversee the tellers. To me, the bank seemed to flip completely upside down in a matter of one year. I was not familiar with the people around me, I did not feel comfortable asking for help with the new computing system, and I found myself getting in trouble for things that I never would have the summer before due to a whole new set of rules. At this point I knew I had to adapt to the changing environment of the bank, in order to make it a positive work experience.
Soon after this realization, I began relying heavily on my strength of communication, to interact more with my new coworkers and learn how to work with them more efficiently. In addition to getting to know the people around me better, I began paying more attention to the new regulations and adjusting to them in order to be a valuable employee. Although it was difficult at first, the summer ended very well and I enjoyed my time I spent there just as much as the previous summer.
I did not realize it at the time, but during my experience I used my top strength of adaptability to cope with the change, which was occurring around me. From the new people to the new regulations, I observed what was going on around me and tried to mimic everyone else. Eventually, I caught on to the new process of doing things, and as did I was also learning about my new co-workers. I observed how they acted, completed their jobs, and spoke to one another, which taught me a lot more than I would have expected. Now, I use these skills when I am placed into groups in organizations or classes. First I observe and listen, and then I adapt to the team environment so that I can fulfill my role successfully.