STUDENT EMPLOYEE INSIGHTS
Student employee workshops offer professional development opportunities
The Student Employee workshop series provides monthly professional development opportunities for student employees, leaders, fellows, and interns. Grounded in the Conscious Leadership Model, these workshops focus on building communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. Participants are encouraged to select two workshops each semester to enhance their personal and professional growth.
Workshop Topics
Communicating Effectively with Your Team
(Jan 30, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Effective communication is essential for successful teamwork, yet many students encounter challenges when working in groups. Some may take on all the work to maintain control, while others may withdraw or feel unheard. This workshop introduces strategies for improving communication through Conscious Leadership principles, such as:
- Recognizing whether one is operating with an open or reactive mindset
- Establishing clear agreements within a team
- Cultivating curiosity and openness in discussions
By applying these techniques, student employees can develop stronger collaboration skills and navigate team dynamics more effectively.
Avoiding the Drama Triangle
(Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
The Drama Triangle describes three common roles people unconsciously adopt in conflict:
- The Victim – feels powerless or stuck
- The Hero – takes on responsibility for others without being asked
- The Villain – assigns blame and criticism
This workshop explores how these roles contribute to workplace tension and provides strategies for shifting to more constructive approaches. By viewing others as allies and focusing on collaborative problem-solving, participants can foster healthier interactions in professional and academic settings.
Choosing Brilliance: Identifying Strengths
(Mar 27, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Understanding personal strengths can help individuals align their work with their natural abilities and interests. This workshop guides students in identifying their ‘zones of brilliance’—the areas where they excel and feel most engaged. By becoming more aware of their strengths, student employees can make more informed decisions about their career paths and leadership styles.
Negotiation Strategies
(Apr 10, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Negotiation is a critical skill for advocating for oneself in professional settings. This workshop covers key negotiation concepts, including:
- The importance of negotiation in the workplace
- Developing a strategic approach
- Conducting research before a negotiation
- Understanding the Best Alternative to No Agreement (BATNA)
- Identifying zones of negotiation and potential agreement
- Communicating effectively during negotiations
When they participate in these workshops, student employees gain practical skills that can support their career development and workplace success all at once.
