Tips for Students
What makes for a great field experience student?
- Positive characteristics and collaborative working style that include: reliable, creative, communicative, energetic, people focused, empathetic, team focused, enthusiastic, flexible, curious, open, able to multi-task, motivated, organized
- Ability to take initiative with regards to implementing new ideas
- Student is technologically savvy, or is able and willing to learn new technology
- Student recognizes and communicate their limitations appropriately
What are the challenges associated with field experience work?
- Students' limited number of hours per week - not enough time to work at the site
- Syncing up with students’ schedules
- Providing enough support and time
- Matching tasks appropriate for developing student's professional development
- Providing appropriate office space for students
- Communicating expectations for the position
- Maintaining confidentiality of the office
- Maintaining students' focus and motivation
What are reasonable expectations students should have of their field experience supervisors?
- Focus on 1 or 2 projects/tasks
- Commitment to scheduling time for one-on-one meetings
- Supervisor will be respectful
- Supervisor will provide plenty of guidance, supervision, and feedback
- Appreciation of the contributions that the students provide
- Open, approachable, and willing to answer all questions
- Provide challenge to promote professional development
*Adapted from fall 2011 site supervisors feedback about the fieldwork experience.
Last updated: 7/26/22