New role - new field -

[officepa]

In a new temp role for next 6 months - still no luck on finding a permanent position, well, not unless I want to work for a salary that wouldn't feed a goldfish .

Question is, now working in a University environment which I have never worked in before - enjoying the atmosphere, very lively but struggling to find my way.  Evryone so busy it is hard for them to 'train' me in the University ways - is anyone out there who works/has worked in this environment and can give me some pointers please?

So many faces, faculties - quite hard to follow. Thank you

[gee4]

Hi Cathy,

Glad to know you are working even if it's not ideal for now.

Yes I have worked in 2 local universities and loved both.  What do you want to know?

[geminigirl]

Hi Cathy

Good to know you're working.

I work in a College within a University so we're quite self-sufficient per se, but still part of the University.  It can be quite strange and antiquated (yes, it is OxBridge) but I love it.  What are you particularly concerned with?

[gee4]

Gem,

Back me up here but I think the best thing Cathy can do is listen and learn.  I found the environment varied, it had a buzz about it, every department was different and I got to meet so many people....mmm should have stayed shouldn't I?

Don't beat yourself up about it Cathy.  Use the 6 months wisely and you might get lucky enough to land yourself a permanent job.  A university environment is probably one of the most stable and I know because the 2 I worked in have grown immensely over the years.

Feel free to ask questions though.

[Katie G]

I've been in a University or University-related office for the past 10 years.  The energy is great, the bureaucracy -- not so much!  I have three thoughts off the top of my head from my own experience:

1.  You can't be shy about asking questions and clarifying things. 
2.  With the sheer number of individuals in that environment, systems and procedures are essential, so get them down in writing. 
3.  Make "friends", if you can, with other admins in other departments that you work with -- they can be a terrific resource.  Make it clear that you WANT to learn, which, in turn, makes their jobs easier....

[geminigirl]

Gee - consider yourself backed up!  I agree with everything there.  Definitely listen and learn, and, as Katie G says, don't be shy with the questions.

It's a fantastic opportunity - a great network with the other PAs within the collegiate system whom I have always found extremely helpful.

[officepa]

Thanks for your notes.  Not able to log on to reply very often so feel a little out of touch.  Not sure if I like it here or not.  I suppose I feel like an outsider even tho I try to join in - I think it is a mindset of 'oh, she's just the temp' - no nastiness but just not being treated as one of the team.  Having said that, I think i would like it if I was 'employed' and was 'one of them' as the work is quite enjoyable. Rambled a bit there but hopefully you will see where I am coming from!?

I am asking lots of questions and trying to teach myself how the Uni system works so quite enjoying learning something new.

Must not moan - grateful to have a job.

[gee4]

Cathy,

I know how you feel as over the years I have had to temp when faced with unemployment or when permanent jobs didn't work out.  Here's a few things to remember...

Whatever your reasons for temping, don't let others put you down.  You are not stupid or unemployable because you are in a temporary role.  People judge others all to quickly and assume temps haven't got two brain cells to rub together - quite the opposite  in fact which is why a lot of temps get offered permanent work.

Always show willing while in a temp role - not always possible if you are unhappy but, if you do a good job for a particular individual or team, believe me, they will call upon you again.  So if you can help out in any way, do so.

If your colleagues ask why you are temping, don't be afraid to share this information.  You can always turn this to your advantage.....you can say you fancy a change in career, that you are trying out a different working environment, or that you are looking for stability.  Never let it be known you "have" to temp.  Make it known you are happy to be there.  Don't be afraid to ask questions, it's the only way you will learn.

For those of us who have temped and know what it's like, I would say treat this role as if it's a permanent job.   It's still early days so chin up and like me, keep telling yourself you are thankful to have a job.

[countrigal]

Cathy,
Something to keep in mind is what their experience might be with other temps.  Do you know if they have had a temp in this position, or others around them, previously?  They might have had a bad, or just not real positive, experience with a temp previously and are waiting to see if this will hold true with you.  Or, they may have gotten close to a previous temp and then that person left, making them feel negative/hurt emotions.  You may have to give them some time to warm up to you and to learn "you".

I'd definitely keep giving them a chance and learn all you can.  Continue to put yourself out there.  Sooner or later, I'm sure you will all settle into a routine and you won't be feeling like such an outsider and they'll be including you more naturally.  In some situations, just being the new person can cause this affect, even if you're permanent and this may just be the issue here, and you're feeling like it's because you're temporary because of your insecurity at the label.  Just ideas... but hopefully it may give another view and grant you a little more patience with the situation and assist you in being grateful for the job.

Good luck... keep positive.