Journal Entry #1

Days: 1/9/17 8:30am-12:30pm, 1/11/17 8:30am-12:30pm

A. Analysis of your experiences as an intern using reflective processing techniques.

In reflecting on week number one, the most important technique that I am able to
reflect on is the process of communication. It was interesting to experience first hand on
how to effectively and appropriately communicate when organizing an event. There was one
situation that really opened my eyes as to the proper and most respectful way to
communicate. One of the staff members had asked if she could just attain the information
that they needed from their marketing technology staff member. Jamee Boone had stated
that she did not want to get the incorrect information due to it not being directly from the
main person who was organizing the event. She stated that she meant no offense, but she
could be delivered incorrect information due to the marketing staff members different
perception of the event.

B. Analysis of your strengths and needs related to the performance of the duties of a
Human Services administrator.
This week I was instructed to take the Gallup Clifton Strengths assessment by my
field instructor. I was able to identify that my top five strengths as follows; includer,
achiever, relator, responsibility, and discipline. In analyzing these strengths related to an
efficient human service administer, I find these strengths very helpful in fulfilling the duties
of a human services administrator.
In fulfilling my first week of my internship placement, I was also able to reflect on
my strength of creativity. I was able to voice my ideas and opinions on visual aides that
were being constructed. The team praised me on my ideas, and was thankful that I added
ideas to their conversation.
I noticed that I was a little bit uncomfortable when being asked to complete a project
of a spreadsheet for the event. I had not practiced with spreadsheets in quite some time and
the task I was asked to complete was also time sensitive so I only had about one hour to
complete it. I played around with the spreadsheet tool and was able to finish the project
successfully, but it was not a task that I was comfortable in doing. This gave me insight into
a tool that I need to be more familiar with.

C. A clearly articulated self-improvement plan based on your analysis.

You may also include any miscellaneous information that you believe is pertinent.
In order to improve in my areas of weakness, I plan on becoming more familiar with
tools that the United Way agency utilizes such as their spreadsheet tool. I also plan to ask
more questions when I do not understand a concept in order to complete the task correctly.
Normally I am embarrassed when asking questions and I rely on myself to figure things out
but I realize that asking questions is beneficial. I also plan on continuing to learn more about
correct and proper ways to communicate. Prior to this week, I never realized how
misconstrued information could be relayed in the workplace setting. I am excited to learn
more bits of information regarding effective ways to communicate.

MOST IMPORTANT LESSON OF THE WEEK GATHER INFORMATION DIRECTLY

FROM THE SOURCE.