Reflections
LEAD Reflections
Reflections of Internship
#1
SMART goal 1: In the span of this internship, 4 months, I would like to increase our foothold in the US by implementing new marketing techniques via social media platforms and on the website of Sant'Anna.
SMART goal 2: Also, I would like to reshape and increase following through an engaging and fun, creative social media platform that also focuses on the students' needs and incorporates the mission statement of the institute (in a fun way). Having more helpful tools and links accessible for students about the school, life in Sorrento, the Italian culture, and language.
What: promote Sant'Anna to more students and schools and
Who: prospective students and parents, admin of colleges/universities
Why: increase enrollment
How: social media and target marketing
Approach: using SEO and re-branding of the school via social media to promote what is going on at the school and to encourage more students to attend/alumni to give back
Stakeholders: staff and donors, current students, prospective students and parents, universities, partnering businesses
Anticipated Challenges: reaching other schools outside of NJ, slow or little increases in followings
Desired Results: helping promote the school to expand attendance and their digital footprint
#2
Communication
My test results revealed that I fall into the tell, people, or "expressive" category of communication. An example of this within my internship is how vocal I am about my opinions and am always eager to share my ideas.
I think I exhibit an extroverted and relationship-based communication style that focuses on human connection and interaction more than factual and scientific reasoning. I have always been a listener, but not afraid to voice my opinions.
I think Cristiana is more of a tell, task communicator because she is very goal-oriented and never strays from the topic of discussion in any interactions I have had with her thus far. She is firm in what hse says and also expressive in action as well as tone.
#3
Listening
Throughout my internship, I am sure to listen to the needs of the school, the students, and of myself and hear the concerns of others during meetings. I am hearing the desire to increase the awareness of Sant'Anna among other students across the United States and to offer these unique experiences to more people. I am listening to the needs of my supervisors and of the volunteers as well as Quinn, my intern partner. Together, we are both open to taking on new tasks and learning more about how to market and brand a school as well as ourselves. I think I am an attentive listener who is attuned to the feelings of others, possibly even to a fault because I like to make sure everyone feels comfortable and positive about any decisions being made. I am also good about asking for help and clarification but lack the strength of asking probing and open-ended questions, I am more of a direct questioner. I could also pay more attention to what people mean to say versus what they are actually saying and the difference between reading through the lines or being broad/direct.
#4
Flexibility
I have had to change my perception of receiving things in a timely manner, for Italy has a lower focus on instant gratification and taking their time to make sure things are correct and ready to be shared with. I have also had to alter my way of communication primarily through messaging instead of in-person communication. I think I am a pretty flexible person, willing to take on activities and challenges even if they are not my strong suits. It is difficult to be flexible and do tasks you are not fully comfortable with, but rewarding when you gain confidence and knowledge in the areas you struggle with. My mentality has always leaned towards flexibility and finding compromises with what I want, can do, and what I am being asked to do.
#5
Professionalism and Integrity
I view Cristiana as a particular role model for myself because she embodies a successful business, and career woman, but also a family and balanced person. She is extremely professional and always makes everyone feel comfortable and noticed. Her presence is strong and her work is always organized as well as well-thought.
#6
Johari Adjectives
Open Self: able, accepting, caring, cheerful, complex, dependable, extroverted, friendly, giving, independent, intelligent, knowledgeable, loving, organized, self-assertive, sympathetic, trustworthy, warm, silly
Blind Self: dependable, cheerful, kind, giving, friendly, trustworthy, sympathetic, witty, accepting, intelligent
Hidden Self: strong, witty, spontaneous, self-conscious, searching, quiet, nervous, powerful, capable
Unknown Self: independent, encouraging, valuable, intimidating, pure, joyous
#7
Challenges and Change
I think the cultural work ethic differences have presented to be a challenge for me and adjusting to the demands of an internship differs so much from my previous experience. I have learned to manage my time better and to ask questions more often when I am unsure of something. It's challenging to work in an environment where the expectations of an assignment change constantly but it has helped me grow and be able to work with more flexibility and fluidity. I think the challenge of time management has helped me to be more accountable for my time and to work more efficiently while maintaining a work-life balance that is healthier than it used to be. Learning how business is conducted in a different country has shown me that culture and lifestyle have a major role in business customs and expectations.
#8
Cultural Awareness
The 3 values I have discovered include patience, work-life balance, and tenacity. I take great pride in my works I have completed so far and I have noticed the same in Italian culture; there is an overwhelming sense of pride from people doing any job or having any career. I think that is an important value to have because we should always be proud of how far we have come and what we do to improve ourselves and society. My level of patience has also grown being here and dealing with the diversity of two cultures. Work-life balance is one of the things I have learned and had to grow in patience and tenacity to uphold and stick by.
#9
STAR Review
While studying abroad, I have been expected to produce video content for the school using students' videos of the program. Being a study abroad progam, these videos I used were not to include alcohol which was challenging. Being that everyone attends American universities and the courses are mostly pass/fail, encouraging student engagement was a challenge. The way I managed to get students to be responsive was asking specific students for help and reaching out individually as well as following up. It was really challenging to get students willing to help me out, but eventually it got easier to seek helpers. My takeaway from this experience is to get results it may be easier to directly communicate to specific people instead of a general statement to the masses.
#10
THANK YOU FOR READING