Esther Metcalf

Discussion Posting Assignment Week August 2
Jul 28, 2024, 10:24 PM 
       My summer internship at Northwest Vista College with Dr. Janie Scott, the Interim Vice President of Student Success, offered an insightful and transformative learning experience. Attending various leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and enrollment management meetings provided a comprehensive view of the operational intricacies within higher education. Two critical lessons emerged from this experience: the importance of strategic thinking and the value of collaborative leadership.
       Firstly, strategic thinking is not just a theoretical concept but an essential tool in higher education administration. Observing Dr. Scott and the Northwest Vista Leadership team navigate complex challenges highlighted the need for proactive planning and adaptability in decision-making processes. Strategic meetings emphasized aligning institutional goals with student success, reinforcing that effective planning requires balancing visionary goals and practical implementation (Binder et al., 2014).
       Secondly, collaborative leadership emerged as a vital lesson. Participating in strategic planning and enrollment management meetings demonstrated how diverse perspectives contribute to holistic solutions. Dr. Scott and the Northwest Vista Leadership team's inclusive approach highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where all voices are essential, enhancing problem-solving and innovation.
       The E-Portfolio assignment was instrumental in reinforcing these lessons. By compiling and reflecting on my internship experiences, I was able to solidify the skills and knowledge I had acquired. The E-Portfolio serves as a dynamic tool for self-assessment, highlighting areas of growth and potential for self-improvement. It also serves as a professional showcase, emphasizing the practical impact of the internship on my career development (Binder et al., 2014).
       Overall, this internship and the accompanying E-Portfolio assignment equipped me with strategic and collaborative insights crucial for future professional endeavors, affirming the significant academic value of internships in bridging theoretical learning with practical application.
References
Binder, J. F., Baguley, T., Crook, C., & Miller, F. (2015). The academic value of internships: Benefits across disciplines and student backgrounds. Contemporary Educational Psychology, pp. 41, 73–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2014.12.001