Leadership Activity Plan
The objectives of the Leadership Activity Plan are unique to the intern’s area of specialization, the specific learning goals of the intern, and the organizational context in which the intern will be working. It is very important that the intern create the plan in consultation with the Field Supervisor to ensure that the objectives outlined are consistent with the goals of the organization. Interns should focus on aspects they want to learn about at their internship site, and on skills that they have not yet developed. It is not a good use of anyone’s time to work on skills or competencies that the intern already possesses. Instead, the intern should plan to develop areas that he/she considers to be areas of growth, or those areas that he/she has little exposure or experience with. This will help create a stimulating and beneficial experience for the intern and the organization where the intern will be working.
Specific learning outcomes (measurable objectives) in each of the following areas:
- Technical skills or competencies specific to the intern’s organization
- General interpersonal skills (i.e., communication, working with groups, management style)
It is likely that that some of the objectives overlap categories. It is up to the intern to describe the activity, and then to identify “how” the objective will be 1) accomplished, and 2) measured (ie: how will the intern know if she/he accomplished each objective. The intern will need to be very clear about the objectives they hope to accomplish during the internship. This clarity will aid the intern, the field supervisor, and the university supervisor in keeping the intern focused on his/her specific goals for the internship experience.
Generally, interns have 5-7 learning outcomes in the first category of technical skills, and 3-5 learning outcomes in the second category of general interpersonal skills. The Leadership Activity Planning Instrument (LAPI) should be used to complete the plan. Interns should bring their plan to the first seminar class meeting of the semester.
The syllabus for the internship course will outline the activities for the seminar portion of the internship, days and times the seminar will meet, dates when assignments are due, and other requirements for the course. Each semester, the seminar is adjusted as a result of feedback from students, and the instructor’s own learning outcomes for the students registered for the course. It is important that interns use the syllabus as a guide throughout the semester so they do not miss any important instructions or deadlines.
All interns will create a culminating portfolio of the internship experience. The portfolio will include artifacts and other evidence of work experiences that document the intern’s potential as a manager and leader in their chosen field. We encourage (not require) interns to create an electronic portfolio that could be used by the intern when seeking prospective employment opportunities.
The final portfolio should, at a minimum, include most of the following elements. Other artifacts chosen by the intern can also be included in the portfolio. (The intern needs to communicate with the university supervisor to make changes/additions to what is included in the portfolio).
- Updated resume: Interns should have an updated resume that includes the internship experience and is ready for submission to potential employers. The resume should be professional and edited prior to including it in the portfolio.
- Statement of philosophy about the leadership position examined: It is not uncommon for an intern to change the way he/she views a leadership position after the experience is over. This statement should reflect the interns previous views of the position, and any new insights gained from the internship experience. This is generally a 1-2 page summary statement.
- Copy of the Leadership Activity plan: The Leadership Activity Plan should be included in the portfolio as a reminder to the intern of his/her accomplishments.
- Narrative description of the internship (goals