Professors offer options
By Matt Poston
Staff
Writer
For seniors graduating in May, getting and keeping
a job is most likely their top priority. After their years of college,
the last thing graduating students would like to think about is getting
terminated from their jobs. But being fired or laid off is always a
possibility one must consider in the real world.
John E. Lillich, professor emeritus of organizational
leadership and supervision, said there are things one could do to deal
with, and maybe even prevent, being laid off.
Lillich said the first thing students should look
for is a company with a good managerial staff.
"A good managerial staff will have open communication,"
Lillich said. "People will want to talk to you and be honest. A
good organization will also help you as much as they can in the event
you are laid off."
This help, called outplacement, can include helping
a worker update their resume or writing a letter of recommendation,
said Al Crispo, assistant professor of organizational leadership and
supervision.
Crispo said that becoming familiar with the company
culture before joining the company is a good way to know if you will
work well within a company.
"Be aware of changes within the company, and
get on board with those changes early," Crispo said. "The
young and flexible will be retained," he said.
Crispo also said students could help their situation
before even becoming an employee by asking questions during the interview
process.
"Talk to people who work there and find out
how they’re treated," Crispo said.
Lillich said there are many things students could
do to help their situation in the event they are laid off.
Lillich advised keeping six month’s salary
to fall back on in case you lose your job.
"Ask for severance pay, even though you may
not get it," Lillich said. He said that typically employees would
receive one week’s worth of pay for every year of service at the
company.
Lillich also said that after being laid off, students
might want to think about more schooling.
"That period of time might be an excellent
opportunity to go back to get their master’s degree or get another
credential," Lillich said. "It’s a way to get yourself
updated and make you more marketable," he said.
Students will also have to deal with difficult
situations when they become the leaders of their companies.
Crispo said it’s important to make a plan
to help outgoing employees and increase honesty with employees by giving
them a picture of what’s going on within the company and why it’s
happening.
"Manage and lead your employees like you would
want to be led," Crispo said. "Earn their respect by being
honest. Once you lie to them once, it will take a long time for them
to respect you again."
Lillich said, "Put a human face on what is
happening to your employees." He said that it’s important to be
honest to your employees and treat the matter with fairness.
"Do unto others as you would have done unto
you," Lillich said.
|
