Panther Volleyball, Summer Research Produce Valuable Workplace Skills

Published: April 13, 2021

Drilling the ball over the net, acing a serve, stretching, diving and drilling againtheres no doubt that Lady Panthers cultivate multitasking capabilities on thevolleyballcourt. But where do all those skills lead after graduation?

To success in the workplace says former Lady Panther Jenna (Marcotte 11) Wolff, coordinator of clinical research at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.

Each day, Jenna kicks into multi-tasker mode managing recruitment, project collaborators, case conferences, tests, data analyses and more.

The things that helped me the most when transitioning from college to career were the ability to work on a team and the ability to communicate, she says.

As a student, Jenna embraced a double dose of teamwork and communication: one, on the volleyball courtand two, as a student researcher participating in GUsSummer Research Experience.

I worked on a project with Shani Golovay where we developed a genetics lab and course curriculum utilizing a device called the 4300 DNA Analyzer, says Jenna.

In retrospect, these opportunities to move forward together toward a shared goal proved golden. I found that my experience in teamwork, both from playing volleyball and group projects, actually played to my advantage," says Jenna.

As a student, Jenna saw value in expanding her knowledge. She has since come to see the added value of engaging others applying that knowledge. Nearly every job, she points out, demands interaction.

In school, we often focus on whether or not we know the material. Though college gives a great foundation for individuals as they move into their prospective careers, the most important thing is being able to apply that in your workplace.

Good volleyball players dont let communication flag during play. Moment by moment, play by play, they make decisions, communicate those decisions to teammates and commit their actions accordingly. Jenna acknowledges a parallel in the workplace.

When you can identify strengths in your co-workers, delegate tasks appropriately and fulfill your own obligations, the workplace moves much smoother. Communication goes hand in hand with that. Open discussion allows work processes to move much quicker and provides opportunity to learn and grow as you go.

In reality, true know-it-alls are rare in the workplace. Jenna believes students transitioning into career need to know its not only okay, but good to acknowledge what you dont know.

Though our knowledge base from school may be extensive, you will learn so much more from those around you if you can learn to say, I don't know how to do that, and, in turn, share your knowledge and ideas with your co-workers who are saying I don't know as well.

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When you fund a scholarship at GU, you help a student cultivate character, faith and skills valued in the workplace.Thank you for giving.