ALES Internship eCLASS COURSE OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT BREAKDOWN

Module Topic Assignments

1. Workplace In this module you will: Reflection: What are your expectations
Expectations and  Review common professional standards and reflect on how these standards for your work term?
Professionalism apply to your work term
 Explore ways to use your work term as a learning opportunity Due: One week before work term begins
 Establish and reflect on the expectations you have for your work
experience Word count = 250 words max

2. Communication In this module you will learn: Reflection: How was your first week?
 How effective communication plays an important role in having a positive
work experience Due: by end of Monday of the second
 Tips to have a better conversation week of your work term
 Strategies to help establish communication preferences with your
supervisor Word count = 250 words max
 How to write professional emails based on communication best practices

3. Time and Project In this module you will: No assignment

Management  Learn about time management strategies so you are better able to
effectively manage your time.
 Understand how to prioritize work tasks.
 Be able to manage projects from start to finish, understanding the basic
principles of project management.
 Identify influencers in scheduling that can affect how to best balance your
time

4. Learning Objectives In this module you will: Learning Objectives

 Develop and understanding for what an objective is and how directed
learning is important Due: by the end of the fourth week of your
 Formulate Learning Objectives relating to your work term using the SMART work term.
model (as described in module).
 Create an action plan to fulfill your Learning Objectives ** Please discuss with supervisor prior to
submitting

Word count = 250 - 400 words per

Learning Objective
5. Information Interviews In this module you will: Information Interview and Reflection
 Learn how to information interview and the value they play in your own
career planning Due: by the end of the third month of work
 Explore new roles and career options within your organization or industry term
 Reflect on information interviews to identify which factors might influence
Word count = 350 max
your career development.
 Identify which factors are currently influencing your career development.

6. Conflict Management In this module you will learn how to: No assignment
 Demonstrate effective communication skills in stressful work place
situations.
 Interpret how and why your colleagues’ perspectives may be different than
yours and how to address those differences.
 Apply active listening skills to manage conflict.
 Identify the components of difficult conversations and conflict.

7. Revisit/Revise your In this module you will: Revisit/revise your Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives  Revisit your learning objectives and evaluate if you have achieved the goals
 Revise your learning objectives as needed to account for new goals and/or Due: at the end of month six for those on
modifications to goals 8-16 month work terms (those on shorter
work terms are not required to submit this
assignment, though are encouraged to
engage in the practice of revisiting your
objectives to get the most out of your
experience)

Word count = 250 - 400 words per

Learning Objective

8. Review Your In this module you will learn how to: Favourite moment reflection
Accomplishments  Analyze what skills you have developed in your work term
 Identify the skills and knowledge required for your industry and how you can Due: One month prior to the end of your
continue to develop these skills for future opportunities internship
 Reflect on your accomplishments and what they mean to you and your
future career Word count = 250 max

9. Map Your Next Steps In this module you will: Final Report – your choice of:
 Reflect on your experience and identify the skills, knowledge and
 achievements you have gained  Written report
 Identify the areas of your work experience that you liked, areas that you  Presentation or video
would have liked to change and how those aspects play into your preferred
future
 Create a plan for next steps in your career development Due: Final report must be submitted two
 Think about ways to maintain your professional network weeks before the end of your work term in
 Identify ways in which you can address your skills and knowledge gaps to order to process your credit for the
assist with your career development. WKEXP course.

Word count = depends on chosen project

(Please see ALES IP Assignment
Breakdown for details)

Resume and Cover letter Update

Due: 1 week prior to the end of your work

term

ASSIGNMENT 1: REFLECTION
Workplace Expectations and Professionalism: What are your expectations for your work term?

Due: One week before work term begins

Estimated time commitment: 5 - 10 minutes to complete

Purpose:
Reflecting on your expectations of your work experience is important because it allows you to think more critically about the skills you hope to develop and the
knowledge you hope to gain. In this reflection you will discuss your expectations for your upcoming work experience position.

Audience
Self-directed

Format
In a maximum of 250 words reflect on the following questions. Answers can be point form if you wish. Refer to the job posting to assist in completing this
reflection.

• Provide an overview of your position.

• What do you expect your work environment to be like?
• What are some of the major responsibilities and projects you hope to contribute to?
• What are some of the skills you hope to develop and/improve upon in your position?
• What challenges do you expect from beginning your new position?
Evaluation
This assignment is self-directed. If you would like to discuss your reflection more directly, please contact your Work Experience Coordinator.

ASSIGNMENT 2: REFLECTION
How was your first week?

Due: by end of Monday of the second week of your work term

Estimated time commitment: 10 minutes to complete

Purpose:
To reflect on your first week of work experience including your overall impressions, what you have learned, the people you have met and will continue to interact
with, as well as discussing some of the things you are looking forward to in your work term.

Audience
Self-directed

Format
 Written reflection
OR
 Photo(s) with a short description of your first week

In a maximum of 250 words students will reflect on the following questions. Answers can be point form if they wish.

1. Was your first week what you expected?

2. What are some of the tasks you worked on?
3. What are your initial impressions of your work environment?
4. What are you looking forward to in your work term?

NOTE: If using photos in your submission, be sure to ask your employer for permission before taking photos in the work place.

Evaluation
This assignment is self-directed. If you would like to discuss your reflection more directly, please contact your Work Experience Coordinator.
ASSIGNMENT 3: LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learning Objectives

Due: by the end of the fourth week of your work term.

**Please discuss with supervisor prior to submitting

Estimated time: varied.

Purpose:
Writing Learning Objectives at the beginning of your work term will allow you to identify areas of significant learning that you would like to accomplish. Learning
Objectives allow you to maximize the opportunity to learn and develop both professionally and personally. By creating Learning Objectives in consultation with your
Supervisor, you will be able to set expectations and goals that will be able to work towards for the duration of your work term.

Audience
Work Experience Coordinator and your work term Supervisor.

Format
Using the attached document, fill out the table using the SMART goals as described in this module. Once complete, consult and review your Learning Objectives
with your supervisor. Your supervisor will need to sign the final version of your Learning Objectives before they are uploaded to eClass. Create a
minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 Learning Objectives.

Learning Objective 1: State your learning objective here

Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timely

What are the specific
components of this learning
objective?
How will I measure that the
objective is being achieved.
How will I know I achieved the
objective?
How will I achieve the How does the objective relate When is my targeted deadline
objective? to your internship? to achieve the objective?
List specific tasks and
activities that will help you
achieve the objective.

Barriers, and Challenges:


Investment (time, resources, etc.)

Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Your Learning Objectives will need to be complete as they will be discussed at your site visit.
SAMPLE: ALES IP LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Learning Objective 1: I will develop strong public speaking skills in conducting monthly presentations at department meetings

Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timely

What are the specific
components of this learning
objective?
How will I measure that the
objective is being achieved.
How will I know I achieved the
objective?
How will I achieve the How does the objective relate When is my targeted deadline
objective? to your internship? to achieve the objective?
List specific tasks and
activities that will help you
achieve the objective.

 To gain confidence I know I will achieve this if I Steps involved: As a business analyst I am By the end of my 2nd
with speaking in can confidently stand in front  Thoroughly required to conduct research presentation I hope to have
public of a group of individuals and understand on area redevelopment plans. made significant
 Learn how to deliver a clear, concise, and presentation material I will present my findings on a developments in confidence
effectively engaging presentation. After  Practice content in monthly basis to our entire with speaking in front of
communicate to every delivered presentation I varying contexts department. It is important diverse audiences. My goal is
diverse audiences will self-reflect and identify  Seek continual that I develop confidence in to have this objective filled by
 To effectively engage areas which have contributed feedback from delivering the material, but the beginning of the last
participants in the to increased confidence in my supervisor and also that I deliver clear, month of my work term as I
material being public speaking abilities. colleagues concise and engaging will be required to give a large
presented  Self-reflect and presentations that fosters presentation to the
identify areas for understanding of the Transportation Committee.
improvement presented material.

Barriers, and Challenges: List what barriers may prevent you from achieving the objective

 Nerves significant challenge

 Not enough presentation opportunities become available to practice my presentation skills

Investment (time, resources, etc.)

 Well before delivering a presentation I will set aside an hour a day to ensure I am familiar with the presentation content and that I practice
 I will seek out external parties to practice my presentation to receive critical feedback prior to the actual presentation
 I will access resources to better improve my presentation style and receive recommendations on how to best develop this goal
ASSIGNMENT 4: INFORMATION INTERVIEW

Due: by the end of the third month of work term

Estimated time: 5 minutes to set up the interview, 15 minutes to prepare your questions for the interview, 30 minutes to conduct the interview, and 10-15 minutes
for reflection on the interview. TOTAL: 60-65 minutes

Purpose:
To gather first-hand information and advice about career options by talking to people about their individual career paths.
• Receive first-hand, realistic information about a career or field
• See if the realities of the job fit with your interests, skills, and values
• Evaluate your academic plan
• Discuss how to deal with potential career barriers and challenges
• Practice communicating and sharing information about yourself in a low-stress situation
• Create and take advantage of hidden opportunities
• Expand your professional network

Audience
Work Experience Coordinator

Format
Conduct an information interview with someone in your organization who is working in a position that you are interested in. You can also conduct an information
interview with someone who works for a different organization. If you are completing longer work terms, (8, 12, or 16 months) we suggest conducting 1 information
interview per work term (4 month period). Reflections for Information Interviews that are conducted after the first are not required.

Provide a maximum of 350 word reflection about your information interview. Be sure to discuss what you learned. Here are some questions you can reflect on.
1. How does what you have learned about the career/job/industry/ work setting related to your own career-related values and priorities?
2. What should you do or think about as result of the information you have gathered?
3. What other roles or career options are available in your organization/industry?
4. How does the information affect your academic options? (e.g. class selection, pursuing further studies etc.)
5. How does the information affect your learning objectives?
6. Did the interview help you better understand, or identify components of your own career progression?

NOTE: Be sure to ask permission of the individual you conduct an interview to share the information you learned in the interview for this reflection.

Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Comments may be provided by the course facilitator.
ASSIGNMENT 5: REVISIT/REVISE YOUR LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Due: at the end of month two for students completing 4 month internships; due 1 month prior to the end of your internship for students doing 8-16 month
internships

Estimated Time: Varied.

Purpose:
 To check in with your learning objectives to see how you are progressing with fulfilling them. If objectives have been achieved, this assignment will allow
you to revise your objectives and create new ones.

Audience
Work Experience Coordinator

Format
Reflect on the Learning Objectives that you created at the beginning of your work term. Using the attached document, reflect on your original learning objectives by
answering the questions in point form. For every fulfilled learning objective you can create a new one. If objectives no longer apply, or you would like to revise the
original objective you can do so as well. We encourage you to revisit this activity actively throughout the remainder of your work term as much as you need to.

Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Comments may be provided by the facilitator.

Learning Objective 1: State your Learning Objective here

Have you met this learning If yes, how have you fulfilled this If not, why and how do you plan to Does your timeline still apply?
objective? Y/N, ongoing objective? fulfill this objective? When do you hope to achieve this
objective?

What are the barriers and challenges you face?

What investment do you have to make to fulfill this objective?


New learning objective: State your Learning Objective here

Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timely

What are the specific
components of this learning
objective?
How will I measure that the
objective is being achieved.
How will I know I achieved the
objective?
How will I achieve the How does the objective relate When is my targeted deadline
objective? to your internship? to achieve the objective?
List specific tasks and
activities that will help you
achieve the objective.

Barriers, and Challenges:

Investment (time, resources, etc.)

ASSIGNMENT 6: FAVOURITE MOMENT

Due: One month prior to the end of your internship

Estimated time: 5 - 10 minutes

Purpose:
Reflect on your favourite moment of your work term so far. It is a great opportunity to check in and talk about some of the cool things you have been working on
and learning in your work term so far.

Audience
Work Experience Coordinator

Format
In a maximum of 250 words reflect on the following questions. Answers can be point form if you wish.
• What has been your favourite moment in your work experience so far?
• What are some of the skills that you developed as a result of this work experience?
• How has your favourite moment helped shape some of your ideas about the type of career you would like in the future?
Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Comments may be provided by the facilitator.

ASSIGNMENT 7: FINAL REPORT

Due: Final report must be submitted two weeks before the end of your work term in order to process your credit for the WKEXP course.

Purpose
 In the final project you will have the opportunity to reflect on your work experience in a meaningful way
 It is a good idea to plan which final assignment you would like to do well before the end of your work term

Audience
Work Experience Coordinator

Format
Complete one of the following:
 Written report
 Presentation or video

Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Failure to submit your final report may result in the delay of your final WKEXP course CR.

OPTION 1: WRITTEN REPORT

Purpose
To create a written report that showcases your accomplishments and skills developed throughout your work term. Create a piece that reflects on your work
experience can help with the development of:
 Transferable and technical skills to add to your resume
 Highlight particular projects you worked on in your work experience and reflect on the skills you developed in this position
 Profile your accomplishments and what you have learned throughout your work term.

Audience
ALES IP staff, Faculty of Science Administration and other Work Experience Students.

Format
In a maximum of 1300-1500 words (approximately 5 pages double spaced) reflect on the following:
 Review your initial expectations for your work term. Did your position meet your expectations?
 Discuss your position and some of the work you completed on your work term
 Provide a section that highlights your overall learning of your work term. This could include accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned and areas for
further learning
 Discuss if you were to change anything about your work experience, or is there anything you wish you knew more about before beginning your work term
 Provide insight into what you have learned about the career management process, what this position taught you about your future career, and next steps
for you as you integrate your learning back into the classroom and beyond.
  Any additional content that would be applicable

Evaluation:
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Failure to submit your final report may result in the delay of your final WKEXP course CR or the
assignment of NC.

OPTION 2: PRESENTATION OR VIDEO:

Purpose
To create a presentation or video that reflects on your work experience can help with the development of:
 Professional presentation and communication skills
 Technical skills using various presentation formats and platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Prezi etc.

Audience
ALES IP staff, Faculty of Science Administration and other Work Experience Students.

Format
Create a presentation based on your work experience. Reflect on the following:
 Your overall learning and experience as a whole. This could include accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned and areas for further learning
 Connections you made between what you are studying and the work you completed
 Networks you developed through information interviews, colleagues, professional development events, project collaborations, stakeholder meetings, public
engagement meetings and more!
 What you learned about the career management process, what this position taught you about your future career, and next steps for you as you integrate
your learning back into the classroom and beyond.
 Any additional thoughts

Your presentation should be approximately 20 minutes in length using a technology platform such as PowerPoint, Prezi, Piktochart, Adobe Creative Suite etc. The
content should be engaging and visually appealing. Provide a 200-250 word summary of your presentation to be provided in addition to your presentation.

Evaluation:
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment. Failure to submit your final report may result in the delay of your final WKEXP course CR or the
assignment of NC.

ASSIGNMENT 8: RESUME AND COVER LETTER

Due: 1 week prior to the end of your work term

Purpose:
 Provides an opportunity for you to professionalize your documents before the end of your work term. Get industry feedback on what they are looking for in
a resume and cover letter.
 You can use this as an opportunity to have your documents reviewed for an upcoming position you would like to apply to
Audience
Your supervisor/colleagues and your Work Experience Coordinator

Format
Submit your updated resume and cover letter that includes your work experience. Use your job description or job fact sheet as if you were going to re-apply for this
position, or find another job posting for a position you would like to apply to. Before submitting, we recommend you have your supervisor or a colleague who works
in your field of interest to provide some feedback on your documents as well.

Evaluation
You will receive a complete or incomplete on this assignment.