The aspects of a job that are considered
most important are satisfaction, pay and environment. Job security is a major
concern in the US and especially in these economic times.
On job security, recognition and
appreciation, Professor Jack Dempsey as quoted by Reiser and Dempsey (2012) says that much of the work of a full
professor in most universities goes unnoticed. My professional working environment could learn from
the IDT environment in areas of research and mentoring. Mentoring others helps both
the mentee and the mentor. The mentor increases on job satisfaction, social and
professional interactions and self development while the mentee learns the
tricks of the trade and gains experience.
Very little literature is available on mentorship
programs in the academic field. Most professors are busy publishing or researching
to meet the requirements of the next level of promotion, they have little or no
time for mentoring junior professors or graduate students.
One very relevant lesson for me is developing
an area of expertise and in it using a variety of sources and skills in the
production of instructional media. This aligned very well with what I have
learnt in my IDT graduate classes. Since technology is always changing, and learning demands
are increasing, it is imperative to keep up with the innovations.
The other lesson was becoming active in professional
organizations. This hit me squarely in the face. I have always viewed these
organizations as places where they grow out of membership fee (some are quite
steep) and not where I could actually take a leadership position, work and
develop others as I develop myself. Lesson well learnt, thank you.
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