How to Answer: What was the most difficult aspect of your post-secondary education?
2. What was the most difficult aspect of your post-secondary education?
How to Answer
Share a challenge you experienced in one of your classes or training courses. Maybe the class was challenging because the subject was not related to any of your strengths. Math and science courses might be tricky for you, or perhaps the professor was a real challenge. Focus on what you did to overcome the situation, rather than placing your attention on the issue.
Answer Example
"During my clinical rotations, I had a complicated patient. Her condition was stable, but she was very demanding and needed a lot of attention. I had not yet learned how to correctly divide my time between patients, giving each one the attention and care they needed, while drawing a professional line with my time. Unfortunately, the charge nurse seemed to enjoy watching me struggle versus helping me. This situation was eye-opening and toughened me up a bit when it comes to being firm with patients who are unreasonable with their needs."
Admin
"While earning my Administration Professionals Certificate, I struggled the most with the module on accounting software. I have never taken any finance courses which meant that learning accounting jargon was the first hurdle for me. I did well in the end; however, that section took the most brain power!"
Manager
"I have worked in smaller organizations but did not have a lot of knowledge of large corporations and their structure. I found my organizational development course to be challenging, and mind-opening as well. Lessons and projects surrounding retention approaches such as stress reduction programs, and wellness initiatives were much more in-depth than I expected. I learned a great deal!"
Marketing
"To be completely honest, I always thought marketing was fun and creative. I pictured a bunch of creative types working in the Facebook office, wearing plaid and laughing over expensive lattes. I was in for a rude awakening in my first semester! Learning the foundations of advertising, social media algorithms, and buyer behavior was a lot more technical than I expected. With that said, I loved it and graduated top of my program."
Retail
"The most difficult thing for me was the level of homework and study time required while also balancing my job at Best Buy. I had always worked while going to high school, but College was a different beast to tackle. I had to reduce my hours to make time for my studies."
Sales
"The most difficult part of my education was my Statistics course. I am a numbers person when it comes to certain things, but my strength is not in formulas, for example. I overcame this challenge by hiring a tutor. I ended up with an A, but it was the result of a lot of work and studying."
Teacher
"The biggest challenge I faced while completing my Bachelor's in Education was finding an appropriate placement for my internship. I lived in a small town at the time and had to relocate to a nearby city temporarily due to lack of opportunity in my community. I am thankful that I leaped to move for an opportunity because I met some amazing teachers who are more than willing to give me a reference for my first full-time teaching job."
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