Reflection On My First Job
Over the summer, I started my first job at Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Group. ECMC Group is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to help students pursue higher education. I work as an intern in the Records Management branch doing administrative duties.
My main responsibility is to make sure that company records, such as student records, are maintained properly. For instance, with student records I make sure that files no longer needed by the company are destroyed in a secure manner. I also make sure that files to be kept permanently by the company are retained accordingly. In addition to sorting the records into these categories, I am also now working with the Imaging branch on digitizing the files that have to be kept permanently.
The purpose of this task is to make sure permanent student records, such as transcripts for graduate students, are available when they request them. Prior students request their records for transferring completed courses or credits to another college. Sometimes, we also receive requests for records as a requirement for their employment. For these reasons, my job is important and it is critical that I do it correctly. Students wanting to continue their education as well as other individuals entering the workforce depend on the records that we manage and maintain. If our company did not do a good job managing such records, it could mean a student not having any document to prove completion of classes. It could also mean an individual not having any document to show potential employer that they received education in certain fields.
For these reasons, my job has shaped me into who I am today, and that is being a responsible and dependable employee that contributes to the success of the company. In the beginning, my supervisors would check in with me to make sure I was doing things correctly and efficiently, or if I needed help. After a month into the job, my supervisors have kind of let me work on my own. This shaped me into becoming more independent and being able to complete work with little or sometimes no supervision. This shows that I am a trustworthy employee. I have also learned professionalism at this job. When speaking with my supervisors or co-workers, I am polite and professional. This has taught me how to communicate with others effectively. This is my first work experience, but it has already prepared me for future jobs. With what I do now at ECMC Group, I am applying great work skills and excellent work ethics, which I can take with me as I explore future job opportunities outside this company.
In addition to learning work skills and work ethics, I have also learned how to manage my income and become more financially savvy. With the income I receive from work, I have learned how to save and budget money. I have also received scholarships from work, which I have added to my income savings. With this, I am learning how to plan for my financial future. For instance, I have already saved a good amount of money, which I plan on using to pay for my tuition fees wherever I end up transferring after graduating from Cosumnes River College (CRC).
Overall, working at my first job has been a great opportunity that allowed me to gain skills and acquire knowledge I need for the future.
