Choose eight (8) assignments from the list of topics below. Each of the assignments must be completed and returned to your instructor.

Summarize your findings in a 2 page, 12 pt font, double-spaced report form. Provide stories as examples whenever possible.

Understanding Your Workplace

What is the corporate culture of your workplace? Describe the environment of the company as a whole. Who are its customers? What is its purpose? How is day-to-day business conducted?

What are some of the policies of your employer? Are there dress codes? Housing rules? Scheduled hours of working? Include other topics, too.

How do the policies relate to the corporate culture of your workplace?

• What is your job description? In addition to the job title, describe your responsibilities and the department/division where you are employed.
• What are other jobs within your company like? Describe two to three other positions; i.e., your supervisor, or someone with whom you work whose job differs from yours.
• How do all jobs relate to the common goal or mission of the company?

• In working with customers or co-workers, what cultural differences have you experienced?
• Have cultural differences resulted in communication problems? Describe the kinds of problems and why you think they occurred.
• What kind of training does your company provide for assisting employees with multi-cultural understanding?

What are some problems that you have experienced in working with customers? Co-workers? Your supervisor?

Why do you feel these problems have occurred?

How did you handle the situation(s)?

Are there opportunities for advancement within your company? Describe a career path for someone with your background.

Who are the key people in making advancement decisions?

If you were seeking advancement within this company, how would you begin the process? Map out a job search/career path for your "ideal" job. This may take more than one step.

What have you discovered are your strengths and weaknesses by participating in this internship?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of your sponsoring company/organization?

Based on this knowledge, would you consider pursuing a career with this company? Why or why not?

Have you experienced a situation at work which affected your personal or professional values?

How does the corporation deal with people (employees or customers) who conflict with the values of the organization?

Is there a way to compromise or professionally handle ethical conflicts without sacrificing your personal values?

Based on your prior business coursework, have you seen evidence of what you learned in the classroom applied in your work situation? Give examples.

How are the basic principles of economics evident at your corporation?

What types of technology are you exposed to at work? How does this relate to the knowledge you obtained in your computer technology classes?

Does your organization reward/recognize employees who perform beyond their job description? What does it take to earn this recognition?

What personal characteristics are required to be a top performer at your organization/company?

How can you put your own personal touch to your job? Give examples.

Are there ways to show your individuality and express your ideas to the decision-makers?

Have you been able to have an idea implemented?

Have you been able to gain a better self-understanding and to learn self-reliance? Describe how.

Has your internship provided opportunities for you to gain self-confidence? Give examples.

Every internship has peaks and valleys. Describe these stages of your internship and what steps you took to motivate yourself to move through them.

Often in a workplace there are people who are negative about their jobs. If applicable, how have you handled this outside negativity? Describe how you motivated yourself to remain upbeat/positive. If no negativity exists, what are the positive forces that prevent negativity?

Are you in a position to motivate others at work? Explain how.

• What kinds of activities have you observed your company doing to conserve/protect the environment?
• Are there state or federal environmental regulations which the company must follow in its business practices? Describe.
• As an intern, do you play a part in the conservation efforts of the company? Explain how.

Have you been exposed to new technologies (computer or other) at your workplace? Describe.

What kinds of technological advancements does your organization/company see in its future? How will these advancements impact productivity, labor, new product development, etc.?

Is there adequate training provided by your company on using the new technologies? If not, where do employees obtain the needed training?

• Select a topic that is unique to your internship experience. Develop two to three questions pertaining to your topic. Then look for answers and insights from yourself, your roomates, your co-workers, managers, etc.