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A Letter to My Supervisor as we begin Corporate Work Study

Dear Corporate Work Study Supervisor,

As I complete my first few days of work, there’s a few things I want you to know.

Walking into a professional work environment as a teenager for the first time can be terrifying. As a first year student, I remember feeling scared because I was not sure what to expect. I was afraid of making mistakes, afraid you would not like me, and afraid you would only see me as a kid. This is the first job I have ever had, please be patient with me as I learn and grow.

Before you jump right into work for the year, please take the time to get to know me first. I am more than your student associate, I’m a person too. A person with real goals, dreams, problems and more. I have felt most comfortable at work in the times my supervisor was intentional about getting to know me, asking my likes and dislikes, and introducing me to all the people I would be working with. Building a relationship with me is important as it helps me to build trust with you.

When it’s time for tasks to begin, please ensure you are clear in your directions. Be descriptive, take the time to check in with me to ensure I am doing it correctly, and be open to whatever questions I may have. When you are descriptive in what you are asking me to do and provide the ‘why’ behind what I am doing, I feel more comfortable and empowered to ask follow up questions to be sure I understand. Feel free to map out a schedule for me so I know the expectations of the day, or be clear in how long you want me to work on a project. The more information you can give me, the better.

Some students received job placements they wanted that align with their career goals but some of us did not. We may not be open minded at first, but help us to understand why your job is important and the impact you make on the world. I see the value in experiening new things even if they weren’t what I anticipated. After all, you could open my eyes to a new career or industry that I have never considered before.

Most importantly, I hope you will give me a chance to show you that I belong at your company just as much as you do. I may be a teenager, but I am excited to have the opportunity to act like an adult alongside you, even if it scares me sometimes. Be patient with me when I fail and help me to grow from my mistakes.

This is going to be a lifechanging experience for the both of us.

Sincerely,

Fathia, Class of 2025