The most frequent request made by agency supervisors of students is that the interns should ask more questions, be more assertive, and take more initiative. When students do not understand why something was or was not done, or why something was done in a particular way, they should ask; when students want to take on more responsibility, they should ask; when students are unhappy or dissatisfied about something, they should first bring it to the attention of their agency supervisor, etc. Open three-way communication is necessary among students, field instructors, and faculty supervisors. A placement that does not have some frustrations and discontent in all probability is not a challenging, learning experience.

Students are also advised not to get involved in the internal politics of an agency: for example, students should not take sides if a staff member is unhappy about his/her salary, nor should a student get involved in taking sides if internal friction between staff members arises. Agency politics are a complex and sensitive matter; student involvement only fuels the complexity and sensitivity.

Since some agencies don’t operate on an 8-5 schedule, the hours students are expected to be at the agency may vary. This schedule should be worked out between the student and the agency supervisor.

The faculty want students to be at agencies when the optimal learning experiences are likely to occur. Because of this, evening or weekend hours may well be advisable at some agencies.

The field instructor is responsible for your day-to-day activities in the field. She or he will familiarize you with the agency and its procedures, direct you to necessary resources, and oversee your work. Therefore, it is appropriate to address any questions or concerns you may have first to the field instructors. If you feel your concerns are not being heard, or if you want a second opinion, it is certainly appropriate to contact the faculty supervisor. Since the faculty supervisor cannot be abreast of day-to-day happenings within all agencies, it makes the most sense to deal with concerns or problems within the agency first, and then refer to the faculty supervisor.

It should be noted that learning occurs best when it is an enjoyable experience. If students give placement their best effort, placement is much more likely to be enjoyable. The few students who fail in placement are generally those who try to bend the expectations, exert little effort to learn and grow, or who make an otherwise lackadaisical effort.

Everyone makes mistakes. Very likely you will make some; both the agency and the faculty expect that, and will understand and work with you. (If you aren’t making mistakes, you’re not trying anything new). All we ask is that you give placement your best effort and work to correct problems and meet expectations.