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Journal Week One

Already I feel far behind in this internship experience. This sense of being behind the
eight ball began during the first day of class when students shared current and past employment.
Many of my classmates already acquired positions as human service directors or
project/department leaders. Secondly, many students have met with their direct advisors,
obtained schedules, and have had an orientation of the agency.
As I reflect on the above paragraph, written two days ago and prior to completing the
assigned readings for week one, I realize I am indeed on track. This is my personal practicum
experience and not a contest or comparison to any of my fellow classmates. Comparing me to
others is counterproductive. However, it wasnt until I finished chapter one of our assigned
reading that I truly felt on track.
After reading The Initial Meeting with Your Prospective Counselor(Kiser, 2015, p. 1718) my initial concerns dissipated. I initiated contact to express my desire with the prospective
supervisor and collaborated to determine a suitable interview date. Next, I reviewed the agencys
website, making notes of the mission statement, the goals, and achievements within the
department I desired. I listed why I felt a strong affiliation with this agencys organization. In
short, prior to reading this section I proceeded appropriately.
For week one I met with my direct supervisor and organization supervisor. Ms. Boone is
the organization supervisor in which I met with for the internship position last fall. This week I
met with both her and the chair of the council I will be interning under. The one hour meeting
was to meet Ms. Brown and discuss planning for my internship experience. I prepared by listing
why I felt a connection with this area of the organization by sharing knowledge and experience

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that relates to the program mission tools. In addition, I prepared questions regarding the
orientation stage.
This thought lead to my next realization- my work and life experiences are just as those
who have worked as a manager in the human service organization. I prepared a SWOT analysis
for myself bellow to identify my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the
practicum experience.
STRENGTHS

Registered Nurse- Board Certified in Medical Surgical

Nursing
Volunteer experience in various human service

organizations
Knowledgeable from both personal and professional
experience of LGBTQ+ community, local and natural

resources
Analytical skills- access, identify, plan, implement, and

evaluate- in emergent or time sensitive situations

Excellent interdisciplinary and interpersonal communication

Over analyze when not in a time crunch

Not interested in office, state or federal po
Procrastination
Prefer to work in small groups (3 or less p
Developing spreadsheets or statistical

information (Excel)
Computer skills
Setting up conference calls, video chatting
I dont take photographs of myself; especi
for publication

skills with diverse cultural populations as well as research

WEAKNESSES

skills
Responsible, timely, sociable, and inquisitive
Competent in MS Word and PowerPoint

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OPPORTUNITIES

Knowledge of how office, state, and federal politics

affects the agency

Time management skills as a human service

administrator
Interactive with other department heads both inside and

outside of the agency

Take part on a team work project

THREATS

Time (ensuring adequate hours weekly

meet min. 120hr requirement, employm

parent, personal)
Lack of productive internship experien
Not being viewed by management staf

qualified, thereby limiting potential lea

opportunities

I have now reached the final aspect of this journal entry- a plan of self-improvement.
First, weekly, I will recognize my strengths and limitations as a growth process. By journaling I
will be able to visualize the increasing experiences and strengths while noting the decrease of
limitations from my initial list. Providing positive and honest assessments will decrease anxiety
and feelings of inadequacy.
Secondly, I will prioritize my goals as I tend to want to succeed in all areas at once. This
lofty goal can only result in failure. Again, the time to learn and practice management skills is
required. I will list priorities weekly based on previous week experiences. For example, after
meeting with the council chair for the program I will be interning with, I had many questions and
ideas such as;

Who will ultimately be my on-site supervisor

Suggestions to finding answers in regards to 2016 objectives

How does she manage multiple multistep projects

What programming systems are frequently used, how she acquired those skills,
and suggestions on how I can utilize or become acquainted with them

My initial thoughts would have been to answer and master them all within 7 days.
However, I recognize that goal is impossible in a one week time frame. By prioritizing the list I
can tackle the most solvable and time sensitive issues, such as clarifying my on-site supervisor
and presenting my suggestions for the initial stages of the 2016 objective fact finding task. There
isnt a feasible way in which I will learn in one week how the administrator balances multistep
projects and regular duties. I will naturally list is goal over several weeks, noting that response to
practicum experience and assigned readings and classroom discussions will provide more
insights.
Journal Week Two
This week I was at my internship site twice. In advance, I made notes as to what areas of
the job duties and responsibilities I was unclear on. In addition, I prepared a list of ideas as to
some of the duties I could participate in and information needed to formulate a learning contract.
The main experience I wish to focus on is organization and management of time as this is
stressor for me.
Specific experiences of this week were my task to review and propose any ideas for an
upcoming presentation and obtaining a list of possible resources for which a proposal could be
made. Being a methodical person, I set out to first review the existing information, then making
notes on areas I felt could be updated and clarified better. I started off using a notepad and then
stick notes. Before long I had a disorganized mess on my desk and felt time slipping by. I then
decided to utilize the computer word document to make my notes and adjustments. Another

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stressor was the overwhelming amount of information that was in the presentation. Updating and
adding to statistics was going to be a time consuming project. This lead to the stress of not
knowing a time frame to work in as well as a fear that my plate would be too full if I was to
tackle this entire presentation.
While communication with my site manager would have greatly decreased some stress, I
feel that first it would have been helpful if I took in account my preferred learning style. After
reading Kolbs theory of learning styles (Kiser, 2016), I completed the exercise to assess my own
style of learning. The results suggested that the assimilating style may be my preferred learning
style. This style of learning tends to analyze their experiences, taking disparate observations and
conceptualizing them into abstract conclusions or a theoretical model and places value on logic
and precision of ideas (Kiser, 2016). Initially, I learn better by observing and then performing.
Once I have the task and have a firm understanding of how the pieces come together, I then
begin to expand my thoughts to allow for creativity and brainstorming to improve the outcome.
What I am not is a trial and error performer or learner. This however is how I initially
approached the task. Not knowing how the manager would have gone about it and the rationale
behind I was left to do what I initially thought of as a simple and straight forwarded task.
However without knowing some key information and methods of proceeding I was left with
many paths and no idea of the outcome or the time frame to complete it.
In addition to continuing to plan in advance my weekly goals and objectives and set dates
to ensure I stay within the time confines, I am adding to this sharing my learning preference with
my site supervisor. I will discuss what I have written in this journal and provide a plan of action
to improve my performance. I need some framework to proceed. For example, how does she
allot her time amongst all of the job duties? What is her process of determining the priorities of

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her day? I then will utilize this method to work on the assigned task and projects I am a part of.
Finally, I will note that what skills and knowledge I lack and then make plans to acquire them.
Reference:
Kiser, P.M. (2016). The human services internship: Getting the most from your
experience. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Journal week 3
This week I spent one day at my internship site. It was a day filled with researching
information, brainstorming ideas and horning in on specific information needed to achieve the
task assigned. In other words, it was a day that required organizational skills.
There is a greater organizational skill set needed to be an effective human service
administrator compared to a front line service professional. For example, my supervisor oversees
three subdivisions of a council. Each has a specific focus area and paths to achieving their goals.
One is assisting with an upcoming educational event, deciding on the goals for 2016, and
updating presentations and community links. The other is assisting with presentation
preparations and training for their focus area, coordinates an ongoing community event for the
winter season and working on streamlining the many subcommittees. Although the third division
is less active, their focus for the year requires plans to expand and renew its objectives. Last
week, I spent time noting how the day is spend by my site supervisor. This week, my goal was to
tie in her organizational methods.
Before I go into that, let me discuss what I did this week as it pertains to the topic of
organizational skills. I spent time reviewing and preparing a proposal for any revisions. In

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addition, I realized the need for a survey to gauge the quality and usefulness of the presentation;
as well, as to make revisions based on the survey results from participants. Since I will be
assisting in an upcoming health education conference, I spent time updating myself with the
other committee members status and that of my site supervisor. This task also included updating
questions regarding information missing. Finally, I spent time with my supervisor discussing all
of the above. How successful was my organizational skills? Upon reflection of my observation of
her methods and my own, what did I realize about myself?
I spent my time wisely and effectively evident by the completion of presentation review,
proposals and rational for revisions, obtaining information needed to begin the process of
drafting a survey for attendees of presentations among other completed tasks. I have thought that
perhaps I could have done more. In my mind, I consider a task completed when all aspects are
done. However, in this administrative role, many tasks are ongoing. For example, the next
council meeting is when we will discuss the presentation and its applications. Therefore, I cant
say that the presentation itself is completely done. It is ready for discussion for the meeting.
Another example is the development of the survey. The thought of a tool to gauge the
effectiveness and usefulness of the presentation itself to the audience was an idea I came up with,
therefore, I cannot expect to have the survey proposal and draft of an example ready on the same
day. This does not mean that I did not organize or use my time wisely. A final example was my
thoughts areas that needed to be followed up on were still pending completion. This did not mean
that others did not organize and utilize their time productively.
What these examples have shown me is that I am organized in my approach to handling
multiple tasks. I observed my site manager and discussed her methods of organizing her work
day as well as my thoughts on how I did for the day. We both agreed that the measurement of

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being organized cannot be the completion of any project as they often cannot be done in one day
and relies on many factors. There organization of my work also was illustrated in my ability to
switch from one task to the other without becoming confused or neglecting other work.
It is important to not assume any defect in my work based on incorrect criteria. This week
I will continue to make note of my organization skills, adjust as needed and recognize the work
performed.
Journal Week Four
My experience thus far has been observing the many job duties and responsibilities my
site manager has. In this capacity I have observed and learned:

How to send out meeting invitations using Outlook calendar

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - the purpose, process and rationale for

Initiated contact and established a shadow opportunity with an agency partner

Learned about the agencys organizational chart

Learned about funding for the agency and program under which I am interning

Understand the purpose of a task force formation within the agency

Understand the importance of organization skills

Introduced to the concept of collaboration of the volunteers, the various councils

and how it ties in with the agency mission and vision

Introduced to the methods in which my supervisor is evaluated

In addition, I am assisting with upcoming events on two of the three councils she is
responsible for. In this capacity I have:

Reviewed a training presentation and submitted proposal for revision

Prepared giveaway package for upcoming event

Begun research into the process of expanding cultural competency training to

state and private long-term care facilities

Shared information both verbally and written to supervisor for consideration of

upcoming meeting for two councils

Have researched and provided updated links and inquires as to collaboration

opportunities with other organizations

Identified the need for post event survey to collect data on presentation strengths

and weaknesses as well as proposal for delivery and drafted survey sample
As I reflect on my experiences, I feel confident that I understand the processes of several
of the job responsibilities. I feel I have been utilizing my time effectively and have contributed
valuable information and insight at the level of a human service administrator. What I am not
confident in is the time management. I mean, I am doing some lower level administrative task
while my supervisor has been in various meetings; making following contacts regarding the
various projects within her department, reviewing request for funding and that is just to name a
few. She is required to shift her focus from one project due to many factors. The point of
dissonance is the feeling that I have been doing lower level management task; however, these

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would have to be done by my site supervisor. In addition, I am aware that for some of these
projects to move forward, much preliminary work is needed. This is where the collaboration
piece comes into play. The human service administrator is not a one person job despite my
supervisor not having any assistive staff.
I have learned, from previous courses in administration and leadership roles in human
service organizations, the importance of collaboration both within and outside of the agency. One
important requirement in managing a collaborative team, as one professor stated, is getting the
right people on the right bus at the right time. The second most memorable requirement as a
manager is making that shift from being a doer to being a supporter. However, when the manager
is the sole employee they must listen and engage the volunteers. When you listen and engage
volunteers they feel that their time is valued and well utilized. Furthermore, the manager is
relieved of some of the stress and risk of burnout having assistance from the collaborative team.
I need to further my knowledge of managing multiple projects and collaborative teams. It
is for this reason that I expanded my internship experiences from one of the three councils my
site supervisor manages (along with her other job responsibilities) to two. I am developing,
accessing and revising my own management of the tasks related to both areas. Within the next
week, I will seek an evaluation of my organizational management for both areas.
Of specific concern is the question as to whether I am thinking of the big picture or if my
actions are task oriented. While I am gaining knowledge and skills in project management, the
same cannot be said in regards to the other job responsibilities. This week I will address this with
my site supervisor to incorporate this area during my internship experience.
Journal Week Five

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This week was met filled with personal medical setbacks. After a month of being
ill, I returned to my primary work place, only to have another medical problem occur leaving me
limping and in pain. As a result, I was not able to attend my two scheduled days at my internship
site. Besides feeling frustrated that a lengthy recovery time was needed for something that started
off being so minor, I was stressed about the missed hours and opportunities. However, I have to
admit that these feelings did not linger as long as they would of at the start of this semester.
First, I was ill. There wasnt much I could have done to prevent it and I took the
time to recover from every setback. Secondly, I had a productive 4th week and established goals
and projects for my site supervisor to review and critique. What this means is that it will be done
this upcoming week. All is not wasted. If this was to happen the first week of class, I am sure my
action plan would have been to drop the course. So what has changed and why?
Perhaps this journaling process is showing me in writing that I am valuable
despite my imperfections. When you look at the errors made from early years and hold on to
them in order to remind yourself not to return to that period of time, perhaps you preventing
yourself from seeing the progress made. I have some concerns about meeting my required hours;
yet, I am working on a schedule for March that will allow me to complete 60 hours. The
concerns I have about my written communication skills hasnt ballooned in size during this last
week. The action plans developed are still the same and the discussion simply moved to this
week.
As a human service administrator, mistakes and set backs are to be expected.
Therefore, instead of holding on to them, a more productive path is to learn from them and share

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that knowledge with others. By doing so you are motivating yourself and those you supervise as
well as continue the roles and responsibilities of the job.

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