CAREER COACH

At the end of my internship this summer my boss said that I should stay in touch if I’m interested in a full-time job when I graduate. What is the best way to do that and how often?

Great question! You don’t want to be a stalker, yet you don’t want so much time to pass by that they have to remind themselves who you are. How frequently and in what manner you stay in touch depends on the relationship you had with your boss. Was it friendly and familiar, or professional and formal? Their hiring process will also be a factor, since some companies make offers to seniors months before graduation. Generally, I think sending a note (e-mail is fine) during this semester remarking on how your re-entry to college is going and reflecting on the great summer work experience is appropriate. At year-end, wish your former boss happy holidays, and during your last semester, ask specifically about the prospects of returning to the company after graduation.

Despite all the news about inappropriate conduct in the workplace, I have a new boss who is a male chauvinist pig. He makes jokes about how you can’t compliment a woman without being accused of harassment, as if he doesn’t take it seriously but has no choice. My female colleagues say he is harmless. Am I being too sensitive?

Here’s the reality: Many men now think twice before making comments to women or meeting with women in private enclosed offices because of the harassment that has been widely reported. And it isn’t necessarily a bad thing that we all pause and reflect on how we communicate and how we are perceived, regardless if in our hearts we mean no harm. Unconscious bias and inappropriate comments without ill intent are real and need to be addressed. I can’t (and wouldn’t) judge whether or not you are being too sensitive. No one should feel uncomfortable at work, so if you are then you should say something. Start with HR and talk it through with them. Anyone who comments on the changing norms and sensitivities as if they are an inconvenience still has a long way to go, even if they don’t mistreat anyone.