By Keegan Hange and Denise Rotavera-Krain
The Student Employment Experience (SEE) is an OSU program designed to assist supervisors of student employees to create a positive work environment while also providing opportunities for student employees to take part in professional development and reflection of the work they do. Based on the University of Iowa Guided Reflection on Work (GROWs) model, the SEE program follows a three-pillar structure: Employment, Reflection, and Development.
Supervisors work with their student employees to identify the transferrable skills such as customer service, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, etc., they are utilizing and perfecting while on the job. This helps student employees articulate these valuable skills within cover letters, resumes, and interviews. Student employees, guided by their supervisors, meet once per semester to reflect on how their on-campus job, academics, and future career connect. Finally, the SEE program provides opportunities for student employees to engage in professional development across four learning areas: Embrace Self-Discovery, Cultivating Community, Foster Health and Well-Being, and Think Critically.
Since the implementation of the SEE program at OSU, a 2018 Student Life Survey showed an increased sense of belonginess for SEE participants increase by 13.8% compared to student employees who did not participate in SEE. (For more information please see the SEE GROW Aggregate Report.)
SEE continues to grow across all OSU campuses and due to its success has just been included in a mental health grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Funded through June 2025, this grant will help SEE focus and expand their programming on health and well-being.
Keegan Hange, who is supervising students in the Student Resource Center, was trained as a SEE supervisor in autumn ‘23 and began implementing the program with the SRC student assistants in spring ‘24. SEE offers many resources for supervisors to prepare them to be intentional participants in student employee learning. Keegan’s favorite one was “Tackling Difficult Conversations.”
SEE also provides an opportunity for supervisors to connect to each other during the SEE supervisor monthly meetings. These help supervisors learn about resources within the university, get ideas from other supervisors about techniques and tools they use with their students, and help each other with problem solving. One recent conversation revolved around dress code expectations for student employees in different departments.
SEE workshops for students cover a wide range of topics, including career and job search skills, self-exploration, and leadership. They are available via Zoom or in-person in Columbus. SRC student assistants pursued workshops in topics like utilizing Handshake, emotional intelligence, and time management.
Two key components of the program are the SEE Learning Assessment (SEELA) and Guided Reflection on Work (GROW) conversations. Halfway through the semester, student employees take the SEELA, which asks questions about six different skill areas regarding how often they use those skills in their job and how confident they feel with each skill. SEE offers several guides for directing GROW conversations, depending on what the supervisor wants to focus on with each student.
During the GROW conversations Keegan enjoyed learning about what skills the SRC student assistants are building at work, such as problem-solving, confidence in initiating communication, and being flexible when unexpected events happen. She found that there were some surprises, such as developing their concept of professionalism. They also pointed to areas where their class learning and growth at work overlap, like strengthening leadership skills. Each student assistant also shared unique areas in which they want to continue to grow, for example, communication and software skills, in order to excel in their careers, and discussed with Keegan ways that they can work on those skills in their current position.
SEE has benefitted the SRC student assistants and many others across OSU. Keegan and Denise encourage supervisors of student employees to check out the SEE program and consider if they would like to implement it with their students. They welcome any questions you might have. For more information, you can also contact Taylor Koon (koon.33@osu.edu), the Career Development Specialist who supports the SEE program.