Katherine Wagner

I am a veteran, so I'm not new to the challenges we face. I also joined at a time when one era of veteran was winding down in their careers (Desert Storm) and a new era was beginning (Iraq/Afghanistan Campaigns), so I definitely understand the differences between us intimately. The one thing that surprised me is how few women veterans there are, and how large that population is expected to grow over the next 14 years.

I've learned that having the right location is important to negotiations, but also that taking breaks can be helpful as well. I had never heard of BATNA, so that is definitely something I will keep in mind.

This module taught me how to work with the ebbs and flows in my energy to maximize productivity instead of trying to fight against it. I also like the idea of preloading my calendar for bigger projects. 

I learned the difference between coaching and directing. I also learned that there is an appropriate time for each of these to take place. 

I learned how to deconstruct constructive communication. Seeing it broken down into five steps (clarify, acknowledge/validate, express feelings, find common ground, offer solution) makes it much easier to move through the process of working through a problem with another person. I especially like the part where it said we don't want to leave the other person feeling defeated.

I took this Language, Culture, and Cognition class my final semester in college. There was a segment of the class where we were talking about how people typically describe arguments, such as "Argument is War." When we think of an argument as… >>>

I learned the underlying reasons for certain "effective questions" for the employer in an interview. I think my students could really benefit from this section. Most times, an applicant just wants to be hired without considering what's on the other side of accepting the offer. Investigating the organization they will be working for, to the best of their ability, is paramount to finding fulfillment in the workplace. Interviews are not just a time for the candidate to be investigated; they too have an opportunity to dig in, and certainly that places some of the power back in their seat. 

The section with the exercise students can do to "mine for gold" was great! Too often my students delete their previous work experience because they don't feel it is related to what they are currently pursuing. I remind them that there are transferrable skills in that history, no matter what their work experience was. This exercise seems like a really great way to help them look at previous experience and how it applies to different roles in a structured way (Previous Experience --> Duties/Responsibilities --> Qualities and/or Skills).

I learned some new avenues my tech students can explore job postings (ComputerJobs.com was my favorite new resource) and ways they can announce they are looking for a job (adding their resume or LinkedIn to their signature line) and expand their networks. 

I like that the module mentioned making the job search fun, like treasure hunting. Some of my students can get really discouraged in the process of applications and interviews. I try to give them perspective that helps them change the way they think about it, thereby changing the way they feel about it. Having a positive attitude can… >>>

I learned there is a certain balance required to keep students engaged in online discussions. You don't want to dominate their interactions by being overly involved, but you also don't want to be too far removed either. Highlighting good interactions and acknowledging students by name is a great way to encourage good behaviors to continue, and assigning students to lead discussions and online interactions is a great way to help them develop leadership skills. Essentially, how the Professor interacts in those spaces and the expectations he or she sets can really make a difference in how the students show up… >>>

I like that this module discussed the importance of understanding differences between the generations and considering the skills and maturity required for students to be successful in an online classroom. These factors do make a huge difference in how those individuals show up in online spaces. If I notice that someone is not responding well, perhaps they might need some technology assistance or some mentorship in that area that I can offer to them.