Making the most of your experience

Please note: Once you are accepted to the program, you may access the CSWS Student Handbook here. Your hard copy will be available at the CSWS orientation.

A good Community Service Work-Study opportunity should provide an enriching learning experience while allowing you to enhance the work of your host organization.

When you start working, request a time to meet with your supervisor and get formally oriented to the organization, the community and to the people you will be working with and serving. Be sure to clarify expectations in regard to your role, responsibilities and time commitment.

Intentionally build in time to reflect on your experience and to expand and synthesize your learning. Seek out people in the organization or community or even other student interns/Work-Study participants to dialog with, to ask questions, to share stories, and to help you process your experience and learning.

All Community Service Work-Study students are encouraged to develop a Service-Learning Plan to enhance their placement experience. (Copies of Creating a Service-Learning Plan are available at the Haas Center.) Structured opportunities will also be provided for you to receive feedback from your supervisor on your work performance. This type of feedback can help you grow professionally and personally and may be helpful in developing references for future opportunities or jobs.