Logistical Problems
My second week at The Broad has been great as I dive into more in-depth and learning intensive projects, but I’ve begun to notice a few problems arising. To begin with, I am Ali’s first full-time intern as she opened up in February 2018 and only had a few part time interns during the spring semester. With that being said, I have the ability to take on greater tasks and I have more time to dedicate towards them. However, I think she is underestimating how efficiently I work – as she is only used to part time interns – because I finish tasks faster than she can assign. Much of the work I do requires me to do my part of a task, then she has to either overlook my work or add anything else that I do not have access to. From these two weeks, it seems as though Ali has not set up a formalized schedule for me, being her first full time intern. Once I finish everything I needed to do, she either sometimes cannot think on top of her head what else she could assign me or does not have time at that moment to meet with me personally and discuss the status of each project. I think it would be great if I proposed the idea to have a formalized schedule by having bi-weekly one on one meetings so that this issue would be fixed. In addition, as I mentioned in my previous post, at the beginning or end of each week, Ali and I could discuss each of the tasks in detail so I know exactly what is needed of me for the tasks of the week.
Another issue I have noticed is collaboration on projects with the other intern, Olivia. She is only working part time, often different hours than I am. However, there are a few projects that we need to collaborate on. It is a little difficult doing this virtually through Google Docs, posting comments and waiting a few days until the other does their part. To solve this issue, I think that I can just ask Ali if she can schedule days when both Olivia and I work at the same hours so we will have plenty of time to touch up some unfinished projects.
It is always exciting to be part of the development of something – like a new organization – but it is also (often) challenging. Your insight about having some sit-down meetings to lay out projects, get feedback (about work you’ve completed and/or are working on), etc. would not be an unreasonable suggestion; for more established organizations such meetings are routine. If the other intern is unable to work when you are working, are there more dynamic/robust technologies you can use to keep one another abreast of developments, progress, etc.? Seems you have the opportunity to really contribute to this growing organization.