Online support and help

When you are struggling to establish and maintain a good working relationship with your mentor, it can present challenges to your progress on placement. As with any professional relationship, it is important to communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure that both parties are able to work effectively. Remember:

• your mentor or supervisor is a professional in their own right with numerous responsibilities, only one of which is supporting you
• to be mindful of their time and be clear about what you need from them to make progress on your placement
• to be proactive and helpful when working alongside them
• to ensure that you are giving back to the professional environment as well as learning from them. 

Seek guidance from your University support team if you need additional help in managing this relationship. 

Each individual likes to work differently and this can sometimes cause conflict in the workplace. As an emerging professional, you will need to develop the skills to address and resolve conflict in the workplace. If conflict arises, you may wish to consider the following responses.

• Take action quickly. When conflict arises it's important to seek a resolution as soon as possible before it grows into a larger issue or involves more members of the team. Remember that simple discussions can help with miscommunications.
• Try to maintain a positive approach. Use positive language to suggest a conversation or catch up to make it feel supportive rather than accusatory. Use this approach in your discussion as well; avoid using blaming language and focus on moving forwards.
• Do not focus on individual characteristics or behaviours. Try to talk generally and express how you feel rather than telling them what they are doing. It is more likely that this will create a problem-solving dynamic and help you to avoid conflict in the future.

Please consult your University support team if you do not feel able to manage this alone. You do not need to handle these situations without support. 

When there is a sudden or continuous lack of communication with your placement supervisor, things can quickly start to lack clarity, which can hinder your progress of your work placement and own development. It is important that you approach such difficulty with a proactive approach to restore effective communication as quickly as possible. In addition, you should:

• ask to schedule a meeting to address concerns politely
• document queries and actions taken to help you streamline discussions
• try to use alternative communication channels, like emails or phone calls, fostering clearer interaction
• remember to treat your placement supervisor with the same respect and kindness that you would expect from them when it comes to communication. 

A proactive approach fosters improved communication. In addition to this, it shows your initiative and willingness to do well on placement.  

Please consult your University support team if you do not feel able to manage this alone. You do not need to handle these situations without support.  

Occasionally, students on placement find that working in their setting is not as they anticipated. This can be for a variety of reasons and can impact your enjoyment of experience in a workplace. The most important thing is not to worry, this is completely normal and it is essential to discuss with those around you. You may wish to:

• be proactive in identifying which aspects of placement are not enjoyable and be clear about your aspirations for the work placement
• consider whether it is the placement setting that is not the right fit, rather than the industry itself
• contact your personal tutor, Placement Officer or other members of the University team to discuss your concerns
• arrange a conversation with your placement supervisor to explore other options and responsibilities that you may be able to fulfil.

Please consult your University support team if you do not feel able to manage this alone. You do not need to handle these situations without support.  

One of the most important things in any relationship, especially in a professional setting are boundaries. Boundaries help to set the right expectations and to provide a safe environment for both working parties (student and provider). If boundaries are not established at the start, it can often lead to unclear expectations and discomfort. To address such issues or to establish boundaries at the beginning, you should:  

• respect and adhere to professional boundaries and conduct set by your provider
• request a meeting to discuss roles and responsibilities openly and respectfully
• communicate your concerns diplomatically, seeking mutual understanding. 

Addressing the boundary matter constructively helps to foster a clearer working dynamic. In addition, defined expectations alleviate discomfort and promote professional atmosphere.  

Please consult your University support team if you do not feel able to manage this alone. You do not need to handle these situations without support.  

Life can be unpredictable sometimes and some unforeseen personal issues may arise, which can affect your attendance and commitment at your work placement. To manage such uncertain times, it is very important that you:  

• immediately inform both my Placement Provider and Academic Supervisor/Placement Officer about the situation to maintain transparency and confidentiality
• if you can, try and offer potential solutions, such as making up missed hours or adjusting schedules
• prioritise communication by sharing relevant updates and ensured completion of pending responsibilities upon your return (if you can).

Open communication and proactive problem-solving helps to enable understanding from both parties. Flexibility and dedication to complete outstanding tasks upon your return compensated for unavoidable absences. This approach upheld professionalism, mitigating the impact of personal issues on your work placement commitment. 

Please consult your University support team if you do not feel able to manage this alone. You do not need to handle these situations without support.