Journal Response: Weeks 3-7 Directed To Keep ✓ Solved
Journal response. In Weeks 3-7 you were directed to keep
Now you will review your work journal entries and arrange some of them into an essay. The essay will reflect upon those five weeks of experiences recorded in your journal and what you have learned. Include how they may have furthered your career or caused you to rethink your career goals.
Your essay should include your experiences, observations, and the key concepts based on the internship and business course experience. The CLA1 assignment will be a Turnitin paper of 4 to 6 pages. Your paper should be formatted in APA style. Include at least two (2) peer-reviewed sources related to course material taken in your academic program. Reminder About Journaling: Whether you want to be able to look back at where you started, set a future course for yourself and seek a new path, or just deal with present issues, journaling helps you do that in a reflective way.
You need not write every day. Journaling gives you a place to better understand yourself, to plan your goals, and to follow-up on goals. One pitfall of journaling is that it can become part of a log of your feelings for any one day and you want to avoid these types of emotional responses.
Paper For Above Instructions
The journey through my professional work experience during the internship has been both enlightening and transformative. Through my journal entries from Weeks 3 to 7, I documented various experiences and observations that significantly shaped my understanding of my career path, personal growth, and the relevance of academic concepts in real-world applications. This essay will explore these reflections, focusing on key learning moments, career insights, and how they have prompted a re-evaluation of my career aspirations.
Week 3: The Onboarding Experience
In Week 3, I experienced the onboarding process at my internship. This phase introduced me to various organizational protocols and expectations. I observed how a structured onboarding process can set the tone for new employees, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their roles. In my journal, I reflected on the importance of effective communication during onboarding and noted that clear expectations help alleviate anxiety and promote engagement among new hires.
This experience has reinforced my belief in the value of strong organizational culture. The onboarding process not only familiarized me with the company’s mission and values but also highlighted the importance of employee integration and support systems. Studies show that effective onboarding can enhance employee retention and job satisfaction (Bauer, 2010). This knowledge has influenced my desire to pursue a career in human resources, where I can contribute to creating welcoming environments for newcomers.
Week 4: Project Management and Team Collaboration
By Week 4, I had the opportunity to participate in a team project, where I witnessed first-hand the dynamics of collaboration and project management. I recorded my experiences of brainstorming sessions, role assignments, and the collaborative tools we utilized. Notably, I noted the significance of adaptive leadership in ensuring that all team members felt valued and heard. The project manager's ability to navigate conflicting ideas and foster a spirit of cooperation was pivotal to our success.
This collaboration underscored the relevance of team dynamics and communication theories learned in my business courses. In particular, Tuckman's stages of group development (Tuckman, 1965) became evident as we moved from forming to performing. This experience has sparked an interest in pursuing roles that involve team leadership and project coordination, aligning with my newfound passion for facilitating group success.
Week 5: Problem-Solving in Real Time
In Week 5, I faced a significant challenge when a project deadline was moved up unexpectedly. I documented my stress and initial panic in my journal, but I quickly recognized the need to pivot and think critically. I participated in a solution-focused brainstorming session with my colleagues, which proved to be a rich learning experience. We collaboratively developed contingency plans and prioritized tasks, ultimately successfully meeting the new deadline.
This event tested my ability to cope under pressure and highlighted the importance of adaptability in the workplace. It also crystallized my understanding of the problem-solving techniques I had studied during my courses, particularly the importance of collaboration and creative thinking in overcoming obstacles (Dewey, 1910). This realization has led me to reconsider my career goals, recognizing that I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can apply analytical skills to solve problems creatively.
Week 6: Networking and Professional Relationships
Week 6 was focused on networking, and I had the chance to attend a professional development seminar hosted by my organization. I noted my feelings of intimidation when interacting with seasoned professionals but pushed myself to initiate discussions with several attendees. Through these conversations, I learned about various career paths and gathered insights into industry trends. These experiences highlighted the importance of networking for career advancement.
Reflecting on this week, I realized that my academic coursework had not fully prepared me for the nuances of professional interactions. I understood that building professional relationships is crucial to career growth and development (Granovetter, 1973). I now aim to enhance my networking skills and take a more proactive approach to engage with industry professionals to expand my career opportunities.
Week 7: Reflection and Future Goals
As I entered Week 7, I dedicated time to review my journal entries and reflect on my overall experience. I noted significant growth in my professional confidence and clarity around my career aspirations. Through journaling, I tracked my evolving ideas about my desired career trajectory and the skills I wanted to develop further. I recognized that the internship experience was not merely about performing tasks but about learning how particular skills and concepts apply in practical scenarios.
This reflection was crucial. It allowed me to synthesize my experiences and articulate how they have contributed to my career development. I now find myself more determined to pursue a career in human resources, focusing on employee engagement and development strategies that foster inclusive workplace environments. My journal has served as a valuable tool for self-discovery and goal-setting, enabling me to chart a path forward that aligns with my values and ambitions.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my experiences from Weeks 3 to 7 has illuminated the profound impact that practical experiences can have on shaping career aspirations and facilitating personal growth. Through my recorded reflections, I have developed a clearer understanding of my interests and goals within the professional sphere. I now recognize the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and networking in advancing my career. As I move forward, I am committed to leveraging the insights gained from my internship, continuing to refine my professional identity, and seeking out new opportunities for growth.
References
- Bauer, T. N. (2010). Onboarding: The power of socialization. Organizational Dynamics, 39(3), 183-190.
- Dewey, J. (1910). How We Think. Boston: D.C. Heath & Co.
- Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380.
- Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399.
- Bauer, T. N., & Erdogan, B. (2011). Organizational socialization: The role of long-term relationships. Journal of Management, 37(4), 1242-1267.
- Personnel Psychology, 63(3), 645-671.
- Schwarz, M., & Haines, V. Y. (2015). Employee retention and organizational culture. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(5), 681-703.
- Kahn, W. A. (1990). Psychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work. Academy of Management Journal, 33(4), 692-724.
- Brunet, L. (2002). Lessons Learned from a Multiyear Project. Project Management Journal, 33(3), 21-29.
- Meyer, J. P., & Allen, N. J. (1997). Commitment in the Workplace: Theory, Research, and Application. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.