Shelby Knotts
Wilmington University
Learning Plan Learning Contract
Internship Semester: August 2017 through December 2017
Knowledge Goals
Goal 1
Single Integrated Business Model
Learn about the agency management operation
system, mission, vision, goals of UWDE
Goal 2
How The Work Gets Done Partnerships
Learn how nonprofits collaborate on initiatives,
with common agendas and collective, strategic
impact
Goal 3
Resources Available within Human Services
Learn about the various tools that the UWDE
staff utilizes within their initiatives and projects
Skill Goals
Goal 1
Effective Communications
Increase knowledge around communications
styles (my own, others, challenges,
opportunities) to increase my personal
effectiveness in communicating
Goal 2
Strategic Planning
Learn how to research and build out a white
paper proposal reflective of organizations
strategic position and SWOT analysis of initiative
opportunity
Goal 3
Project Management/Coordination
Utilize various project management tools needed
to effectively execute
initiatives/programs/activities
Personal Development Goals
Goal 1
Role of an Administrator
Increase insight and understanding of the key
roles/functions performed by an administrator
within a human service environment
Goal 2
Relationship Building
Identify and develop strategies needed for
effective interactions with a diverse population of
individuals, key stakeholders, customers.
Goal 3
Core Competencies
Increase knowledge of elements critical to
leadership success
Student:_____________Shelby Knotts_______________________________________ Date:______09/23/17_______________________
Field Supervisor:______Jamee Boone, MS_____________________________________ Date:______09/23/17______________________
Title: _______________Chief of Staff_________________________________________ Signature:
Address:_United Way of Delaware, 625 N. Orange Street, Wilmington______________
Strategies
Associate with all departments in
coordination of agency operations.
Attend meetings with various department
staff present in order to learn about
collaborative operations.
Meet with lead team of key initiatives (e.g.:
Community Impact, MVOL, Ballards
Reading Buddies, Reading Angels) in
order to discuss and coordinate current
and future events.
Attend relevant meetings
Meet with site supervisor and/or team in
order to attain information on tools utilized
for various projects.
Attend divisional meetings in order to gain
insight into various tools used for project
management across UWDE.
Strategies
Access tools (e.g.: Strength Finder, DiSC)
and gain insight into my style, strengths
and opportunities.
Meet with individuals with styles different
from me.
Recognize environmental factors that play
a role within communication styles
Work with team to research existing and/or
best practice initiatives, programming,
activities, events, event coordination
components and tools relating to divisions
(e.g.: Marketing) in a human services
environment
Research and work with various tools
needed to effectively manage complex
projects (e.g.: In-house, Microsoft, Excel,
Data analysis tools, Andar, Time Trade
etc.)
Strategies
Working through various departments
(e.g.: Marketing, Community Engagement
and Community Impact, leverage
opportunities to meet with, interview and
shadow individuals serving in
administrative roles.
Complete assessment tools and
continuously reflect on results.
Read books on relationship building.
Interview workers about how they
strengthen their core competencies
Research UWDE core competencies in
context of human services
Practice skills daily in both personal and
professional life
Methods of Measurement
Discuss acquired knowledge with site supervisor
as well as questions and insights.
Include and encapsulate overall knowledge and
perception gained from internship in final
presentation for class.
Discuss acquired knowledge with site supervisor
as well as questions and insights.
Write weekly journals in order to reflect on my
perception and insights as an intern. Articulate
how knowledge gained can be applied.
Discuss acquired knowledge with site supervisor
as well as questions and insights.
Write weekly journals in order to reflect on gained
knowledge about tools used by the agency.
Articulate how knowledge gained can be applied
Methods of Measurement
Discuss acquired knowledge with site supervisor.
Prepare a personal action plan of my findings and
observations and make recommendations of how
I can/will implement to become a more effective
communicator.
Result of research, attend planning meetings, and
provide valuable input to the creation of a final
proposal, standard operating manual, and related
event-management tools. Discuss with site
supervisor. Articulate transferrable knowledge
and skills gained and how they apply to Human
Services.
Test out various tools utilized within the agency
and connect appropriate tools with the various
projects. Be able to make recommendations
based on utilization, experience and research.
Methods of Measurement
Meet with site supervisor to discuss key learnings.
Prepare a white paper that includes observations,
projects, skills, and recommendations.
Complete Clifton Strengths Finder assessment
Discuss findings with site supervisor
Discuss acquired knowledge within journal entries
for personal and professional development.
Discuss in supervision my observations of staff
skills and behaviors.
Collect, chronical and
track best practices and resources
Maintain journal entries that reflect on each days
interactions/self-assessments