Developing a Meaningful Student Employment Experience for Students’ Success on Campus

Cady, Jennifer; Beavers, Karen; Jiang, Amy; McCoy, Liberty

doi:10.1080/13614533.2022.2122852

Cited by 2 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…That same confidence is encouraging CFL's patrons to utilize the program more often. Clark feels this is in direct relation to the alignment to high impact practices through learning outcomes for the PRCs which provide “opportunities for building customer service, communication and project management” (Cady et al ., 2022, p. 11). As facilitators of soft skill learning, the PRCs are the model looked to by other Public Services students.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Clark has made certain to include debriefings to address this in her own library and to each student working there, regularly bringing up learning outcomes and how they tie together with their work. A key component to developing these skills is providing opportunities for peer learning, aiding in forming connections with other student consultants and with classmates (Cady et al ., 2022). Training in this manner “requires critical thinking and practice beyond the typical service encounter so the experience can create bonds between student workers that help to encourage future collaboration” (Cady et al ., 2022, p. 3).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A key component to developing these skills is providing opportunities for peer learning, aiding in forming connections with other student consultants and with classmates (Cady et al ., 2022). Training in this manner “requires critical thinking and practice beyond the typical service encounter so the experience can create bonds between student workers that help to encourage future collaboration” (Cady et al ., 2022, p. 3). This manner of student employment has been shown to have a direct correlation on leadership skills being developed (Pierard et al.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This helps build the foundation for students to see their jobs as transferable experiences rather than simply transactional circumstances (Mitola et al ., 2018). While library careers may not be the intention of most undergraduates, the development of their soft skills “will be valued in future resumes and job interviews” (Cady et al ., 2022, p. 11). Clark aids in this by meeting with students to ensure learning outcome language is included with a strong emphasis on being able to articulate how the skills apply to what they did.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Student employees that started online during the pandemic and in the two semesters of reopening found they faced different experiences in navigating the development of these professional competencies. “The pivot to remote and hybrid services changed how library supervisors worked with student employees” (Cady et al. , 2022, p. 2).…”

Section: Adjustment To Training Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

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“I want my PRC”: engagement of undergraduates with and assessment of the peer research consultant program

Clark

Breiland

2023

RSR

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PurposeThis paper describes the benefits found in undergraduate students working to provide research assistance to their peers. The discussion includes how soft skills are built, along with how the position has aided in both educational and building towards their future careers. The paper is submitted for the special issue on “The future of peer-led research services.”Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide a viewpoint from both a peer research supervisor and a student currently working as a PRC. The paper covers the requirements and implementations at the beginning of the program along with the changes that have occurred to better streamline the process of hiring and training. The viewpoint of the PRC was a key factor in the process.FindingsSoft skills are a key component of the program. The undergraduate PRCs develop confidence, leadership and communication skills through interactions with their peers. The campus community is responding to the peer model because the PRCs are currently taking the same classes or have recently taken them, and the campus is now asking for the peer mentors that assist librarians in teaching introductory classes.Practical implicationsFor libraries considering the development of their own programs, the benefits presented can lend to their proposals on real-world application beyond the college experience, as well as how it benefits the busy schedules of librarians.Social implicationsThe training the PRCs are provided by librarians provides credibility and trust, which encourages their peers to utilize the services. Soft skills are also one of the most requested needs for businesses beyond college. The PRC program is providing these skills, which the peer mentors use both in career readiness and their daily interactions.Originality/valueThis paper views a program only a few years old on how it managed through a pandemic, as well as how the supervisor adjusted training to reflect a renovation that brought about a changing desk model. With a current undergraduate PRC as the co-author, a unique perspective is brought to the writing by showing what they personally are taking away from working in the program.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%