Rita Carla Bron, a 2008-2009 JSET Fellow, wrote about some of the lessons she learned this year through JSET’s internship program. She initially had a miscommunication on the goals of the project, after discussing the situation at a JSET session, a document was drafted to ensure clear expectations are set at the beginning of any engagement, whether for a job, internship, volunteer work, consulting or planning a new project. Below is a quote from the Article.

You can find the worksheet on our site under "project planning form".

“From the bumps in the experience, I am able to suggest initial precautions and things to do that would insure proper communication and worthwhile usage of manpower. First: request a clear explanation of the task at hand, preferably with a written proposal. Second: develop a timetable to submit initial drafts of the product. This step ensures consistent communication and minimizes the chance of spending too much time working in the wrong direction. Although not essential, meeting in person face to face with the project manager "puts a face to the name," allowing the team members to work on the task with a goal in mind while establishing a personal relationship and concrete guidance.”