AAUW Internship By: Danielle Spinner AHS 8100 – Guided Practicum Wilmington University – Spring Semester 2015

Getting Started Frustration and Confusion Relief and Apprehension Not being able to find placement Relief and Apprehension Finding Placement The Unknown Excited and Eager Meeting Site Supervisors Getting to Work

Getting Acquainted Understanding Public Policy Internship Gathering Information Researching Statistics Analyzing Data Learning About the Organization Getting acquainted with the organization’s history structure, and political platform My View of the Organization Very involved in politics Very organized Smaller and Less diverse in Delaware

Developing Ethical Competence No real ethical dilemmas No contact with clients Contact with site supervisors only

Utilizing Supervision Free-Range Management Independent Deadline and Time Constricted Helpful and Useful Supervisor Input Supervisors are always accessible and ready to assist Constructive Criticism

Communication With Clients Working with Individuals No Brick and Mortar Building Most of internship work and communication was done virtually Worked exclusively with site supervisors Very limited interactions with the public and other AAUW members Meetings One-on-One

Developing Cultural Competence AAUW Branches in Delaware Less Diverse Moderately Politically Active More Community Driven Focused on helping all women Members focus on diversity when recruiting and organizing community events

Writing and Reporting within your Field Agency Intern Position Mostly research driven Administrative work Notes, Summaries, Outlines, etc. Completed briefings, synopsizes, and reports Composed documents such as logs, attendance sheets, and announcements Reviewed current events related to political climate Created presentations

Taking Care of Yourself Stressors Internal Personal Stress Overwhelmed and Worried Family Member Death Prior Commitments External Issues with Employment Floating Deadlines Physical Health Issues Hospitalization Recovery Time Additional Class Computer Program Issues Prior Commitments

Ending Your Internship Enhanced Political Policy abilities Expanded knowledge of composing political documents Increased computer skills Renewed excitement about policy and political process Had a front row seat to policy being made in Delaware Acquired additional research skills Will help with current position and future position Obtained knowledge of current climate and its affect Overall Bittersweet feeling of internship ending

Planning Your Career Short Term Goals Long Term Goals Expand job search using research skills acquired Networking with Intern obtained connections Begin incorporating and using newly acquired skills into everyday life Make decision about pursuing Doctoral degree Long Term Goals Obtaining Administrative employment with the State or Federal sectors Obtain a Directorial position incorporating Criminal Justice and Human Services

Questions????