Help with social anxiety while having to do an internship at an office.
I have no idea how to write this post. I'm looking for help, ideas, support, resources, anything really.
I'm studying business management (1st year) and one of this semester's topics is customer service. I was hoping I could do it in a small library a good friend of mine had done a short apprenticeship at, but they couldn't take me in. Now I'm looking at potentially having to do my internship at some type of an office, and whoop. A part of that job would include answering phones, no doubt.
Phone calls, which are the bane of my existence. I can't exactly ask them to take it off my roster since answering phones is a part of working in an office.
I really need and appreciate any help anyone could give me with this, because this is a massive issue for me and as such: a massive roadblock in my current studies.
Ps. Before you get to even ask: I only picked business management, because I couldn't get anywhere else. I'm fully planning on applying to new schools next spring again.
@FoundFootageLife
I understand the situation you're in, you must be feeling very anxious over this.
When I was forced to do direct customer service at one job and constant phone answering at my old library job I started using what my coworkers began calling 'my little cheat sheet'. Basically if you can't get around the calls write up a transcript of how to answer the phone, what to say during the call, and how to hang up To build the transcript you'll have to either observe others answering the phone and/or ask your supervisor and coworkers for suggestions. The first week or so you'll adjust it by putting it into practice but after that you should be golden. I started doing it for my coworker who had visual impairments and would get very anxious on the phone. Just keep that paper always within arm's reach and/or printed in large and posted near the phone. I laminated mine and my coworkers always would ask if they could borrow it when I went on breaks.
Let me know if you'd like some help getting started :)
Hope this helps a bit.
For me, I answer business phone calls under my business persona. I put on on my competent, nice person mask and act as if this is a game. The goal of the game is to make the phone call as pleasant as possible.
I dont let out my real personality, so weirdly I can relax more. In my personal life I hate phone calls lol
The idea of a cheat sheet is excellent.
i would discuss it with your boss and let them know it's a genuine thing. They should be supportive of helping you feel comfortable if they are a good boss.