Workplace Challenges

Address problems early, document, communicate directly, seek clarification, and escalate appropriately if needed.

Small frustrations often become larger conflicts when left unspoken. If appropriate, speak directly with the person involved rather than discussing the issue with others first.

Sometimes misunderstaning or communication at the start can lead to larger conflicts in the future.

If you believe a miscommunication has occured, speak with the supervisor promptly:

“I want to make sure we’re on the same page. My understanding was that I was scheduled until 5 PM. Can we clarify the schedule going forward?”

Ask for changes to be communicated in writing over email when possible. Keep records of emails or messages indicating important clarifications.

Trust your gut and talk with a Career Advisor if you need help navigating a conflict or miscommunication.

Conflicts will happen in your personal, professional, or academic life. It’s not always easy to understand other people’s contrasting ethical, cultural, personal viewpoints, and motivations.

How to handle a conflict:

• Identify specific behaviors rather than general feelings.
• Consider whether there may be a misunderstanding before assuming intent.
• If appropriate, speak directly: “When I was interrupted several times during the meeting, I felt my input wasn’t being heard. I’d appreciate the opportunity to finish my thoughts.”
• If the behavior is repeated or serious, document dates, what was said or done, witnesses, and impacts.
• If the treatment involves harassment, discrimination, retaliation, threats, or bullying, report it through the appropriate workplace channels, such as HR or higher management.

When discussing any workplace conflict you can use this conflict resolution model:

1. State the facts “The schedule I received listed me until 5 PM.”
2. Explain the impact “As a result, I made commitments after work.”
3. Ask for clarification “Can you help me understand the expectation?”
4. Suggest a solution “Could future schedule changes be sent by email?”

Avoid:

• Responding in anger.
• Accusing (“You never answer me.”)
• Gossiping with coworkers instead of addressing the issue.
• Making assumptions about motives.
• Waiting months before raising concerns.

Instead, be calm, concise, factual, and solution-oriented. Know when to involve upper level management or Human Resources.

Boundaries are the rules and limits we set for ourselves based on our values and what is most important to us.

Setting and knowing your own boundaries beforehand will make you feel more confident and less likely to do something you aren’t comfortable with

At a new job or internship, it is normal to want to make a good first impression and new hires are usually eager to please.

It is great to be open and willing to accept new projects or tasks but do not feel obligated to always say “yes”.

It is ok to say “no” if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed or someone who you don’t report to is asking.

When saying “no” it is important to use confidence, speak at a steady tone, make eye contact and make it clear.

Avoid yelling, be aware of your tone of voice and remain respectful.

Appropriate ways to say “no”:

• “Sorry my priority right now is…”
• “Thank you for thinking of me but I can’t take anymore on at the moment…”
• “This sounds great but maybe it would be better suited if/for…”
• “Given my current workload I am unable to give this the attention it would need”
• “Unfortunately, I have to pass at this time”
• “Unfortunately, I cannot do that at this time”
• “I am really buckling down on my priorities right now and I just can’t take one more thing”
• “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment, can we schedule something down the road?”

SAMPLE 1: You are not doing much or you are bored.

Solution: If you want to learn more about a certain area offer to collaborate with another department or come up with a project, ask for new projects and show initiative as well as help with small tasks that contribute to the larger picture. You’ll stand out and normally it helps someone save a lot of time while you gain more experience.

Example: Your supervisor has mentioned that he never has time to read industry journals. Offer to read them and write up brief summaries. Or maybe there are many old and outdated resources at your company so you figure out a system to streamline and update them in an easy way.

SAMPLE 2: You are feeling overwhelmed or confused.

Solution: There are no wrong questions, if you are unsure of something ask! This is a learning experience and you are not expected to know everything or to be a pro yet. Do not wait until its too late to ask. Feel free to clarify with others who may have been in the same email or meeting and don’t be afraid to directly ask your supervisor for clarification. Everyone will feel a lot better knowing you are all on the same page. Take initiative to set up a weekly meeting if you’d like and check in just to stay on the same page.

Example: First prioritize what you can, use a planner, to do lists, a calendar, alarms – whatever might help to keep you feeling organized. Then if you are still feeling like there is too much on your plate talk to your supervisor regarding hours, remote vs. in person work and projects in general. Typically, employers understand you are a full-time student first and will likely be flexible.

SAMPLE 3: You are unsure if you’re doing your role well.

Solution: Ask for feedback! Usually at the beginning of an opportunity you’ll set some goals or expectations and at the end you usually meet to discuss what was accomplished, what wasn’t, how to improve or continue being successful. Take initiative to set up a weekly meeting not only to check in but to get any feedback on current projects.

Example: Ask “What are some things I can work on?” and be prepared for constructive feedback. A good leader will be honest and if you can handle their feedback professionally it will make you a better worker in the long term.

SAMPLE 4: You realize you don’t want to be in this industry or have this job in the future.

Solution: Sometimes the best thing to learn is that you do not like something, this is helping you narrow down your career path believe it or not! It has been valuable if it is helped you decide to pursue or not to pursue this line of work. Now see if you can get another internship experience in another topic of interest or chat with your Career Advisor to figure out where to go from here.

Example: Maybe you realize you hate working in a law office, consider other departments or types of work that you do not like in your current role and read some descriptions of internships to see if there are any you might like.

Resigning professionally helps you leave on good terms and makes future references more likely. Below are a few general tips to follow when you feel it is time to resign from an organization;

Review your employment agreement

• Check your required notice period if there is one (commonly two weeks).
• Review any policies about unused vacation, benefits, or company property.

Prepare a resignation letter

• Keep it brief and professional.

Tell your manager first

• Schedule a private meeting to inform them of your decision before announcing it to coworkers.
• Be respectful and avoid criticizing the company.

If you are an undergrad we strongly suggest you make an appointment with your Career Advisor to discuss this topic more.