I have learned much from this internship here at MAG. I have been given a great amount of responsibility, and the opportunity to hold my own and be a vital part of the team. I have enjoyed working on a study that will hopefully seek to improve civil legal assistance access, information, and the process for both victims and legal professionals. It has also been the first real study I have been able to conduct, other than those simulated studies in undergrad.
The experience of understanding social issues within the region affecting those senstitive populations has had a huge impact on me. I believe I have gained more empathy and understanding of these difficult situations that anyone can find themselves in. Moreover, representing MAG at various events, being a presentable figure, and having the ability to be vocal and improve public speaking at meetings has been extremely valuable to me.
Also, I have enjoyed working with each of those within the Human Services Department. I feel as if I bonded with each person here in the department and really got to understand the person behind the professional. I think this is something that we in the professional world overlook in our workplace. The friendships I have gained, as well as contacts within the organization have been irreplaceable, and cherished by me throughout my career within the public sector. I have learned at least one or two unique things from each of the staff here, and that is something which has no price tag on it. Along with that those I worked with maintained where professionalism, yet were able to have cubicle comedy from time to time sharing laughter.
There are also little things that I will miss at MAG. For starters the parking garage, especially with every crevice within five miles of downtown being metered from 8am-8pm. Also, those lunchtime conversations, the dynamics of the office, the collaboration on projects, and yes, those full staff meetings at the end of the month. I really like the direction and the way the organization is moving, as well as its style of how it is managed. It has truly been a great experience for me and I thank MAG for giving me the opportunity to intern for them.
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As a part of your internship, do you do an exit interview? If not it is helpful to try to give your organization some notes for improvement. It is of course up to them to take or leave the advice. However, I think this gives you a last opportunity to "leave the place better than you found it".
ReplyDeleteYes there is an exit interview, as well as a mid-term interview. Both are conducted with my direct supervisor, the Human Services Planner. Then following that we meet with the Human Services Manager.
ReplyDeleteI found both very beneficial to staff and myself. We looked at methods of improvement, as well as things that went well and should be continued. With internships I think these are vital to fully understanding the experience on both ends.
Does your internship call for the same protocol?
As far as an exit interview there is not. There was initially a "probationary period", at the end of which I had a performance evaluation with a discussion as a component. For the last few places I have been (both interning and as an employee), I try to write a summary and recommendations as a short report. I do it because I get to think more freely under that circumstance. Also, it allows me to be completely clear and deliberate in a way that isn't possible in a typical exit interview.
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