My Professional Skills:
Time Management
One of my skills that has helped me progress is time management. I work two jobs- one as a shift supervisor for Starbucks full time, and the other as a caregiver for Rent-A-Daughter part time. My days mostly consist of working 9-12 hours and then finding time to complete schoolwork. Being an online student gives me flexibility to work on homework when I can. However, I have been forced to come up with a system. I use a planner to map out my school and work hours every week. I also try to get as much of a head start on homework as possible because it is very easy to fall behind as an online student. These skills have helped me maintain a 3.5 GPA and keep up with both jobs.
Organization
Another key attribute I have refined is my ability to remain organized. With a hectic schedule and an 18 credit work load, organization is necessary. Although my concentration is Organizational Studies, I have not always been able to keep things in order. However, when I began online school at ASU I had to change. Thankfully, I have a fine-tuned system in place for my schoolwork. Usually, at the beginning of every week, I write in my planner everything that is due and when. I record any reading assignments and include notes for a big project coming up. This kind of system could also benefit me and any company I work with in the future.
Communication
Communication has been key for me in both of my jobs and in my education at ASU. My position as a caregiver has given me the unique opportunity of getting to work with elderly people from all different backgrounds. One of the elderly women I work with does not speak English, and we have been working together to improve my Romanian so that we can communicate. I found that being able to say even a few words to her has strengthened our bond and made my job easier. My other occupation as a shift supervisor at Starbucks involves communicating everyday. I communicate tasks and routines to baristas, interact with customers (angry and satisfied ones), and converse with incoming supervisors to hand over the shift. I have learned a lot about people by exploring these styles of communication. As an online student, communication is twice as difficult and ten times more imperative. I have obtained the skills to operate different apps, use Skype, and Google Hangouts in order to get a group project done.
Marketing
Throughout my classes at ASU I have acquired the tools and knowledge to market not only myself but also a product or service. I can create websites, find ways to improve search engine optimization, and grow a brand image via marketing. Online marketing is becoming more apparent and necessary for companies to stay relevant, and my abilities in this sector will create value.