Supervision isn’t for everyone, and not all supervision gigs are created equal. Fresh out of grad school, I landed my first full-time job as a Resident Director at Cal State LA, brimming with ideas and eager to change lives. However, my incredibly diverse RA staff, composed mostly of first-generation college students, immigrants, and those facing financial struggles, weren’t vibing with my energy and style. Gaining their trust took time, patience, and a whole lot of unlearning on my part.
But I didn’t give up. I showed up for every one-on-one and every program, showing my staff care and kindness. I coached them not just on being better RAs but also on how to conquer their own big goals. At our end-of-year banquet, an RA who had given me a particularly hard time said, “I didn’t think you’d make it. Now I hope you won’t leave us.” That moment hit me hard.
Student supervision isn’t about winning awards or accolades; it’s about the messy, beautiful process of growing together. And then they graduate, and you start all over again. This cycle can be dizzying, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Empowering Students and Supporting Supervisors
My team and I created the Supervisor Toolkit this year to aid in tackling the challenges, rewards, and nuances of student supervision on higher ed campuses. It was created as the companion to the Student Social Media Academy, and is a self-paced module. Throughout the course, expert student supervisors, who we call Guest Coaches, provide words of wisdom.
In this post, we’ll dig into the good, the bad, and the moments that make our hearts full.
The Student Supervision Struggle: Real Challenges (and How to Tackle Them)
Student supervision comes with its fair share of challenges, and I’m sure you have encountered many yourself. Here are some of the biggest hurdles we face at higher ed institutions, along with some tips.
- Balancing Act: Remember, school comes first. Your student workers are students first, employees second. Be understanding when academic demands ramp up, and encourage them to prioritize their studies. That said, they still need to be accountable for their work responsibilities.
- Communication Breakdown: Sometimes it feels like you’re speaking different languages. Students might not understand your expectations, or you might miss important details about their needs and concerns. That’s where open communication comes in. Have regular check-ins, encourage questions, and be transparent about your feedback.
- The Learning Curve: Not every student comes in with social media expertise. Some may need more guidance and training than others. Don’t get discouraged! Invest time in teaching them the ropes, providing constructive feedback, and celebrating their progress. And, when time becomes a struggle, invest in the Student Social Media Academy to aid in your student’s social strategy training.
- Accountability Issues: Deadlines missed, tasks forgotten… it happens. Don’t be afraid to address accountability issues head-on, but do it with empathy and understanding. Work together to find solutions that work for both of you.
- The Tough Love Conundrum: Giving constructive feedback can be tough. You want to help students grow, but you don’t want to crush their spirits. Focus on specific behaviors, offer suggestions for improvement, and always acknowledge their efforts.
- The Never-Ending Cycle: Just when you’ve got a great team in place, they graduate and move on. It’s a bittersweet reality of student supervision. Embrace the opportunity to mentor new students, build fresh relationships, and pass on your wisdom to the next generation.
The Student Supervision Playbook: Advice for Nurturing Social Media Strategists
Okay, so you’re ready to take on the challenge of supervising student social media strategists. Here’s some hard-won wisdom from fellow supervisors and me to help you navigate the wild world of student supervision:
- Trust the Process (and Your Students!): These students are a goldmine of knowledge. They live and breathe your campus culture, and they have a finger on the pulse of what resonates with your audience. Trust their instincts, listen to their ideas, and empower them to take ownership of their work.
- Give Them Room to Grow (and Maybe Fail a Little): Remember, we’re in the business of education. This should be a safe space for students to experiment, explore their creativity, and find their voice. Don’t be afraid to let them try new things, even if it means they might stumble along the way. Those “failures” are often the best learning experiences. Take the time to mentor them, provide feedback, and offer opportunities for professional development.
- Foster a Collaborative Culture and Empower Their Creativity: Encourage your students to share ideas, bounce concepts off each other, and support one another. A positive and inclusive team environment will lead to greater creativity and better results. Give your students the freedom to explore their own ideas and approaches, while still adhering to your brand guidelines. They might surprise you with their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
- Remember Their “Why”: Understand what motivates your students. Do they want to build their portfolio, gain experience in a specific area, or simply connect with their community? Tailor your approach to their individual goals and aspirations.
- Celebrate Their Successes: Recognize and celebrate your students’ achievements, both big and small. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence and morale.
The Student Supervision Payoff: Rewards That Make it All Worthwhile
Student supervision is so many things. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. It’s a chance to shape the future, inspire young minds, and make a real impact on your campus community. And that, my friends, is what makes it all worthwhile.
- The Lightbulb Moments: There’s nothing quite like seeing a student’s eyes light up when they grasp a new concept, nail a creative project, or witness the impact of their work. Those “aha!” moments are pure gold.
- The Professional Growth (Yours and Theirs): Mentoring students isn’t just about helping them develop their skills; it’s about growing as a professional yourself. You’ll learn new things, refine your leadership style, and gain a deeper understanding of your audience.
- The Ripple Effect: The impact you have on your student team can extend far beyond their time in your office. You’re helping them build skills, confidence, and a professional network that will serve them well in their future careers.
- The Heart of the Matter: Students are the heart and soul of any campus. By empowering them to share their stories and perspectives, you’re not just creating content, you’re amplifying the voices of your community and building a stronger sense of belonging.
- The Legacy You Leave: Every student you mentor is a part of your legacy. The skills, values and passion you instill in them will continue to make a difference long after they graduate. That’s something to be proud of.
It’s Worth It.
Supervising students is an investment in the future. It’s about nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and empowering the next generation of social media leaders. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and remember that you’re not just building a team, you’re shaping lives.
