Course Description
The internship allows students to integrate their academic learning with practical applications and skill development through supervised work and research in nonprofit organizations.
Athena Title
Internship in Nonprofit Org
Non-Traditional Format
Internship.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
Students will demonstrate competencies in A. Goal and action abilities: - efficiency orientation: using resources to maximize output - planning: organizing intended actions with clear directions - initiative: taking action prior to problems - attention to detail: seeking order by reducing undertainty - self-control: inhibiting own desires for organizational benefits - flexibility: adapting behavior to changing circumstances B. Interpersonal abilities - empathy: understanding and supporting others - persuasiveness: convincing others of merits of new positions - networking: leading in resolution of conflicts - selfÂ]confidence: displaying presence and decisiveness - group leadership: stimulating others to work together effectively - developing others: stimulating others to improving performance - oral communications: providing effective presentations C. Analytic reasoning abilities - use of concepts: using abstractions to explain and interpret situation systems thinking: logically ordering multiple events and influences - pattern recognition: identifying patterns in unorganized information - theory building: developing thoughtful frameworks to explain and guide actions - using technology: using computers and communications technology effectively in work - quantitative analysis: deriving meaning from use of numbers and symbols - social objectivity: accurately perceiving others' views, especially when different from one's own - written communications: effective use of writing to explain ideas to others
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to organization and staff 2. Development of learning plan 3. Identification of specific projects for focus 4. Designing and assessing approach to tasks 5. Obtaining and using resources effectively 6. Developing relationships to accomplish goals 7. Understanding and developing organizational and interorganizational relationships 8. Making effective use of supervision 9. Learning and demonstrating goal and action abilities, interpersonal abilities, and analytic reasoning abilities 10. Use of feedback to improve performance 11. Accountability