an investigative analysis of the psychological characteristics and job ...

An optimistic CEL will influence his students positively and inspire them to achieve their goals in
the work place. Being optimistic about the academic institution can also have a positive influence
on the image that the student employers have of the academic institution.
2.3.25 Patient
The ability to endure or tolerate delay or confusion can be very important for the CEl to complete
his duties effectively. It often happens that the CEl must patiently wait for responses from the
different role players in the co-operative education process. Circumstances that can't be controlled
by the CEl often cause delays when it comes to the effective final placement of astudent in awork
station.
The CEl should also have patience with his students. especially when the CEl teaches them new
skills during the orientation phase of the co-operative education process. Some students will have
trouble understanding and applying the skills taught to them and then the CEL should exhibit
patience and help the students to the best of his ability.
2.3.26 Personable
A personable person is pleasant in appearance and personality. The CEL should be personable
because he must make a good impression with current and prospective employers. The CEl is a
representative of the academic institution and should therefore make the best impression he can.
The students will also feel that the CEL is more approachable if he is pleasant in appearance and
personality. The CEl must be someone that they trust and ca, relate to.
2.3.27 Persuasive
According to Robbins and Hunsaker (1989:110) persuasion preserves others' freedom to do
whatever they want after one has tried to convince them to choose a certain course of action.
42