So i'm teaching a 5-week summer course called The Business of Nonprofit Management...class has 30 students and I need a grader.

I interviewed 3 students and asked them all the same 5 questions. my interview notes are below. I've already made my decision, but I'm curious to know who you think I chose and why.

Have fun.

Student 1:

Why do you want the job?
Is currently a tutor and works w/6th and 7th graders. Would like to
gain some insight into the nonprofit field. Likes the flexibility

What skills do you possess that fit well with this role?
Good critical thinking, writes legislative research for congress
people, has worked in nyu tutors program

Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from the experience?
Had to submit questions for a hearing and ended up making them up.
Learned to always ask if you’re not sure

What do you think are the 3 most important things I need from someone in this role?
Clear communication w/professor
Ask question about the rubric
Transparency
Patience
Empathy

How do you like to be managed?
Responding in a timely manner
Give specific deadlines
Needs structure


Student 2:

Why do you want the job?
Current MPA student specializing in SIQ…has TA experience and working one on one with students in complex environments…looking for part time for the summer.

What skills do you possess that fit well with this role?
Has experience volunteering as an English teacher at a community center, taught SAT prep, has designed curriculum, structured learning plans etc…worked as a peer tutor as well. Has a keen eye for grammar and editing, as well as great research skills

Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from the experience?
Didn’t click on all the hyperlinks in a draft newsletter and some of them were not correct. Took ownership of the mistake. Learned that proactive communication is key…having a keen attention to detail…

What do you think are the 3 most important things I need from someone in this role?
Consistency with tracking editing and proofreading
Proactive communication
Good writing and critical eye

How do you like to be managed?
Having a clear idea of expectations, having a rubric
Time for questions & review of first assignment
Likes to have alot of feedback & reinforcement
Framing the relationship as constantly learning & growing


STudent 3:

Why do you want the job?
Currently Wagner MPH student. Has worked as TA/Consultant…worked as a TA for Intro to Policy course, as well as writing consultant..and grading. Really likes helping Wagner students with writing

What skills do you possess that fit well with this role?
Very flexible and can relate to people and understand them.
Good people skills and empathy for others

Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from the experience?
A staff member wasn’t performing to expectations and had a conversation with them and thought that was it. It didn’t help the situation. Felt that she should have followed up with more guidance and specific examples

What do you think are the 3 most important things I need from someone in this role?
A clear communicator
Flexibility
Experience with the Wagner structure and how assignments works

How do you like to be managed?
Wants feedback in real time
Flexibility (has a full time job and is taking 3 summer courses)

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I don't speak to provoke. I speak because I think our time is short and each moment that we are not our truest selves, and we say what we do not mean because we imagine that is what somebody wants us to say, is wasting our time on this Earth - C. Adichie