During my internship at Lincoln Property Company, working in the finance section, I have encountered several challenges, each serving as an invaluable learning experience both professionally and culturally. Among these challenges, one significant incident stands out, exemplifying the uncertainty and ambiguity that can arise in the workplace and how I navigated through it.

Last week, I faced my most daunting task so far. It was a complex assignment, one I had no prior experience with. I was tasked to look at a financial model on excel and figure out all the formulas for each section. I felt that this required advanced skills in excel and maybe some finance classes to be able to  do this task which as a Economics major I haven’t taken any. The difficulty was also compounded by a language barrier with the coworker who was explaining the task. He spoke very quickly and covered a lot of information in a short amount of time, leaving me overwhelmed and unclear about what was expected. Following our meeting, I found myself completely at a loss, unsure of how to proceed with the assignment.

Initially, the stress was almost paralyzing and I didnt want to say right away I didn’t understand what my tasks were. I didn’t want to admit my confusion as I was really embarrassed or I didn’t want to ask for help again as I also have had to for many other things. However, after struggling on my own for a while, I realized that not seeking clarification would likely result in completing the task incorrectly, which would be far worse than admitting I needed further explanation.

When I approached my coworker for help a second time, I did so with a more strategic approach. Instead of asking him to go over everything again, which might have resulted in the same overwhelming rush of information, I asked him to break the task down into three specific sections. This made it more manageable and easier to understand. Additionally, I requested that he show me how to complete each section rather than just telling me, which proved to be extremely helpful. Visual learning helped me grasp the processes much more effectively.

This approach paid off. Not only was I able to complete the task successfully, but the interaction also improved my working relationship with my coworker. By breaking down the task and asking for a demonstration, I communicated my needs more effectively and showed my willingness to learn, which he appreciated. This experience taught me several important lessons:

Admitting that you don’t understand something is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it shows a willingness to learn and a commitment to doing the job correctly. People are generally more understanding and willing to help than you might expect.When faced with a language barrier or a fast-talking coworker, it’s crucial to communicate your needs clearly. Asking for information in smaller, manageable chunks and requesting demonstrations can significantly enhance understanding. Feeling stressed and uncertain is natural, especially when encountering new and challenging tasks. The key is to address these feelings constructively. Seeking clarification and breaking tasks down into smaller steps can make even the most daunting assignments more approachable.By showing my coworker that I was dedicated to understanding the task and learning from him, I built a strong working relationship. This not only helped me complete the task at hand but also made future collaborations smoother and more productive.

Navigating uncertainty and ambiguity in the workplace often requires a combination of humility, clear communication, and strategic problem-solving. This experience at Lincoln Property Company has reinforced these skills and highlighted the importance of asking for help when needed, communicating effectively, and remaining calm under pressure.

Throughout my internship, I’ve had to deal with various forms of ambiguity, whether it’s unclear directions, unfamiliar tasks, or cultural and communication barriers. Each instance has taught me to approach problems methodically, seek clarification proactively, and not shy away from asking for help. These are skills that will undoubtedly serve me well in my future career.

To conclude my lesson for the week, while the challenges I’ve faced during my internship have at times been stressful, they have also been profoundly educational. I’ve learned that ambiguity and uncertainty are inevitable in any job but especially even more so in an unfamiliar country, but with the right strategies and mindset, they can be navigated successfully. This experience has made me more confident in my abilities and better prepared to handle similar situations in the future.