Nothing is quite so demoralizing to a college student as slack time with no work assignments. Even though periods do occur when the work load is low, every effort should be made to keep the student occupied. Students rarely complain of overwork, but they do complain if they are not well utilized. Since the first few weeks are more or less an orientation period, students will be satisfied with light tasks while learning company policy and organization. During the latter part of the term and in all other subsequent work periods, the student should be given an ever-increasing amount of responsibility in work assignments.
Many employers underestimate what the student can do.
An increasing amount of responsibility and challenge is necessary to give the student a meaningful work assignment. In later work terms, supervisors should provide a variety of learning experiences and, if possible, some choice in tasks not yet attempted. Employers can help students to develop professionally. Particular attention should be given to help students improve human relation skills, personal appearance and the ability to make decisions. They should be encouraged to use their initiative, to be creative, to be enthusiastic and diligent, and to improve the overall quality of their work performance.