Practicum Goals

My Communication & Journalism Goals

My first goal was to gain practical experience in student affairs. I set out to immerse myself in key areas such as student leadership, diversity initiatives, and campus engagement. I completed a hands-on internship where I could work closely with Dr. Shawn Hoke and other experienced professionals who could offer guidance and mentorship. As part of my objectives, I planned to design and implement a program or event that promotes student engagement, inclusion, or well-being. I worked closely on the planning and organization of CampusFest, and I led the planning and organization for Chillin & Grillin. I sought to strengthen my understanding of programming for current students while also working with admissions staff to explore recruitment strategies for prospective students, ensuring a well-rounded experience within the field of student affairs.

Goal 1: Gain Practical experience in student affairs programs

Goal 2: Hone ability to assess and improve student affairs programs

To strengthen my ability to assess and enhance student affairs programs, I focused on developing a deeper understanding of data-driven evaluation methods. My plan included learning about various assessment tools, surveys, and data collection strategies used to measure program effectiveness. I conducted real-time assessments of student initiatives, identified areas for improvement, and offered actionable feedback. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, I worked to formulate recommendations that could inform program enhancements or inspire new initiatives. Ultimately, I sought to use assessment findings to advocate for meaningful changes in policies and practices that support student engagement and success at the institutional level.

Objective Reflection

Reflecting on these goals, it is evident that this practicum has deepened my commitment to a career in higher education. Throughout the experience, I developed valuable skills, built meaningful connections with student affairs professionals, and contributed to projects that would not have been possible in a traditional classroom setting. While some of my initial objectives evolved over time, the shifts allowed me to gain a broader and more adaptable skill set. Ultimately, this practicum not only reinforced my interest in the field but also equipped me with practical experiences that will inform and strengthen my future work in student affairs.

Goal 3: Strengthen research and data collection skills

To strengthen my research and data collection skills, I engaged in practical, project-based learning that allowed me to support the goals of student affairs initiatives with relevant evidence. I learned how to identify gaps in services and assess community needs through targeted research. This included familiarizing myself with reliable data sources and effective collection methods to demonstrate both the challenges at hand and the potential impact of proposed solutions. I also integrated evidence-based practices and compelling data into proposals to enhance their persuasiveness and clarity. By working with both qualitative and quantitative data, I was able to build strong, data-informed cases for project implementation and potential funding opportunities.

Goal 4: Create social media content to engage current and prospective students

To support institutional communication efforts, I aimed to enhance my ability to create strategic and engaging social media content tailored to both current students and prospective applicants. I learned how to design content that not only informs but also fosters a sense of connection and community. This involved understanding platform-specific best practices, incorporating university branding, and using data insights to guide content strategy. I also explored how storytelling, visuals, and student-centered messaging can influence engagement and recruitment outcomes. I had hands-on experience in managing, producing, and evaluating content by working alongside the PennWest Social Media and Marketing team.