Practicum Self Assessment
Statement and Assessment of Objectives
My original objectives in this internship included identifying the essential components of a study guide and the criteria used in evaluating artists performances. During my Young Audiences Internship, I researched study guides from other organizations, read materials in the archives, poked through files of curriculum materials, and created ten study guides of my own. I feel confident in stating that I successfully met my first objective.
The second objective should have been met through observation of artists' performances in schools. However, my schedule did not coincide with artists performance times, so I did not meet that expectation.
Reflection on Skills and Knowledge Gained
I am surprised at how much I learned by helping with office work. Filing, photocopying, organizing, or researching gave me access to the organization's form 990, grant proposals, non profit handbooks, executive summaries, and procedure books. I observed the logistics and administrative details involved in doing to work of this organization. I learned more from listening, watching, and looking around than I did form my specific internship project. The study guides became an excuse to be in the office and watch rather than an end in themselves.
Reflection on Progress and Areas for Improvement
In The Character of Organizations William Bridges (1992) writes, "sometimes this drive to ‘understand before you act' can slip over into ‘understand instead of act.'" I need to find a balance between taking initiative to "jump in," and my natural introverted tendency to wait, think, research, and come to a definitive conclusion before saying anything. I can not be aggressive, but I need to learn when an assertive persona becomes more advantageous to act and when reflection is beneficial.
I began this program lacking confidence in my writing and computer skills. Writing study guides and positive feedback on my writing demonstrates has raised my confidence. I am lucky enough to be in a position at Young Audiences where I will continue to gain experience and familiarity with computer programs and technology.
Personal Values and Culture
I spent four years working at a large stable, mature organization. After reading Susan Kenny Stevens book Lifecycles, I recognized start up and growing organizations as better fit for attitudes and aspirations. The Young Audiences internship, combined with the personality type information in William Bridges book The Character of Organizations affirms that my personality type and values correspond with the needs of new and growing organizations.
I also enjoy being in smaller organization. I love knowing everyone's name and (even as an intern) feeling like I am an essential part of the staff team. One of last falls assessments identified "achievement" "independence" and "variety" as my work values. Working in a growing organization, on a small team where everyone wears several hats would naturally allow me to experience variety and independence in my work duties.
Finally, I live my life as a dreamer. Little organization that dream big feel much more exciting to me that a big place that thinks small. Big mature established organization might achieve more, but it seems less exciting knowing they will succeed because they have all the resources they need to accomplish little plans. I like to be on the edge with big question marks and big plans hanging over everything. My time at Young Audiences confirmed my desire to work in small and growing places.
