When I thought I knew better

My track and field coach once told me that I would have a difficult time in the work force. Having no job experience at the point, I dismissed what he said. Fast forward a couple of years -- and I’m working my first job at a ticket office as a customer service representative/administrative assistant. It was at this point where I started slowly (albeit grudgingly), to accept that there was some truth in what my coach had said…

If you asked some of the people I worked with at my first job, I’m pretty sure they would say I struggled with the “customer service” aspect of the position. Honestly, it was difficult for me to generate enthusiasm and passion for something I had no interest in, and many times, it was blatantly obvious to my coworkers (and probably the customers). Undoubtedly, I did struggle during my first year in the work force. I found the interpersonal aspect of the job to be the most challenging. When you’re working with others, there will be personalities you’re not going to mesh well with. You would think my years on sports teams would have given me a better grasp on handling conflicting personalities, but it has continued to be a weak spot for me. I realize now, that this was the part of my identity my coach was basing his statement on.

Reflection and Preparing for Next Time

Everyone will struggle with different things in the work environment. No matter where you are in your career, it is important to take time and reflect on the things you’ve struggled with, why you struggled with them, and how to better deal with those things the next time.

Grateful for the Opportunity - Self-awareness

In the time between working at the ticket office and now, I’ve done a lot of self-reflection. I’ve consciously thought about my strengths, weaknesses, and work preferences. In the end, I ultimately developed a stronger self-awareness and I think this will benefit me as I start my new job. My time at the ticket office taught me a lot about myself and I am incredibly grateful towards the people who gave me the opportunity. Simply by knowing them, each person I worked with taught me a valuable lesson. Now, I am eager to take those things I learned and put them to use. There is no doubt in my mind, some of the issues I grappled with previously will appear in my new environment as well – the difference now is that I will be better equipped to deal with them.

Go Ducks!

Chizoba Okodogbe '14