Newsletters for Mental Health
Audrey Cowling, Intern Counselor, MSOE Counseling Services
November 2012
Do people tend to describe you as quiet or reserved? Are you more comfortable working by yourself or one-on-one than in a group? If so, you might be an introvert. Introverts are people who focus their energy and attention on the inner world of ideas and impressions, versus extraverts who direct their energy outward toward people and things. Extraversion and introversion exist on a continuum, meaning that most people fall somewhere between the two. If you find that you are more of an introvert than an extravert, these tips can help you be successful during your time in college and beyond.
Tips for Succeeding in College
- Understand the difference between introversion and shyness. While introversion is a personality type, shyness is a type of anxiety where an individual fears social situations. Not all introverts are shy, and not all shy people are introverts. If you find that shyness is preventing you from enjoying your college experience, Counseling Services can help you find ways to be more comfortable in social interactions.
- Be a problem-solver. Introverts prefer to think through things and carefully observe situations before acting, which makes them great problem solvers. Use this trait to your advantage in classes, internships, jobs, and your personal life.
- Learn to adapt to different situations. Introverts can learn to function well in environments run by extraverts while still staying true to themselves. To do so, practice using certain behaviors and actions that are valued by extraverts and use them when the situation calls for it.
- Find ways to recharge. Introverts need time alone to recharge after a long day of being surrounded by people. Figure out what you need to reenergize yourself; it might be taking a walk, finding a quiet room, or listening to music.
Tips for the College Classroom
- Meet with your professor one-on-one. Most likely, you feel more comfortable talking to people one-on-one rather than in front of a group. So take advantage of your professors’ office hours to talk to them about your preferred learning style and method of communication. Also, let your professors know if you are concerned about class participation or any other aspect of your courses. They can’t help you if you don’t let them know that there is a concern.
- Find a quiet place on campus to study. Introverts tend to prefer a quiet environment with few distractions when they study. Seek out a spot on campus that fits your needs.
- Make an effort to participate in class discussions. Start out small and try to increase your participation as you feel more comfortable in the class. For example, at the beginning of class, you could reflect on something that was discussed in the previous class period. This gives you time between classes to think about what you want to say and shows the professor that you are engaged in the material.
- Take a class that is outside of your comfort zone. If you have elective options, try taking a class that is just outside of your comfort level. This can be a good way to boost your confidence by showing yourself that you can adapt and succeed in new situations.
Tips for Dealing with Roommates and Friends
- Talk to your roommate(s) about issues that concern you. Discuss things such as quiet hours, study time, and sleeping habits to make sure that you and your roommate(s) are on the same page. If you find that there are issues that can’t be resolved by talking to the person, seek outside help from an RA, friend, family member, or counselor.
- Be willing to compromise. If you have roommates and/or friends who are extraverts, you may find that you need to compromise on some areas in order to avoid conflict. Try to understand the other person’s point of view and come up with a solution that is fair for everyone involved.
- Seek out people who are similar to you. If you feel like you aren’t fitting in on campus, look for students who have similar interests or personalities. Try joining a group or strike up a conversation with someone you would like to get to know better.
- Push yourself to try new things. You don’t have to go completely outside of your comfort zone, but trying new things can help you meet people and learn more about yourself.
Tips for Job/Internship Interviews
- Practice, practice, practice. Brainstorm common questions that are asked at interviews and practice your responses. Better yet, recruit someone to act as the interviewer and practice the entire interview process, from greeting the interviewer to asking and answering questions. The more you practice, the better prepared and less nervous you will feel.
- Do your research. Research the company, and if possible, the people you will encounter at the interview. Not only will your knowledge impress the interviewer, but your preparation will make you feel more confident.
- Be ready to make small talk. Most introverts prefer to avoid small talk, but it will inevitably happen during the interview. Practice making small talk with a friend or relative beforehand so you feel more comfortable.
- Bring notes. If you have questions that you want to ask the interviewer or things about yourself that you want to bring up, write them down and bring the list with you. When you are nervous, it is easy to forget what you wanted to say, so having your notes with you can keep you on track.
Resources for Introverts
- MSOE Counseling Services
- (414) 277-7590, K-230
- https://inside.msoe.edu/counseling
- Want to learn to how to use introversion to your advantage in school, work, and personal settings? Or just want to learn more about personality in general? Counseling Services can give you information and help you to get the most out of your college experience.
- Susan Cain
- Susan Cain is the author of the nonfiction book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. This book explores the value of introverts in a society that views extraversion as the ideal personality trait.
- You can also access a short talk by Susan Cain on the power of introverts at:
http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html
MSOE Counseling Services creates monthly newsletters on mental health concerns and psychological issues. You can view the complete list of downloadable Counseling Services Newsletters.
MSOE Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Kern Center (K-230). To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (414) 277-7590 or visit the Counseling Services homepage.