Kaitlin Heenehan completed a practicum with the Director of Career Counseling and Special Programs at Virginia Tech from January to May 2012. During her practicum, she assisted with NanoCamp preparation and planning, advised students as part of the Dean's Leadership Council, and observed various roles and functions within the office including staff meetings and supervisor meetings. She gained knowledge of VT programs and advising styles and hopes to gain more student advising experience during the summer. Her career aspirations include positions in academic advising, first-year programs, and honors programs, along with new program development utilizing her science background.

1. Spring 2012 Practicum Experience
College of Science
Kaitlin Heenehan
Supervisor:
Debbie Wilson
EDHE 5284
Director of Career Counseling
January- May 2012
and Special Programs Virginia Tech

2. Objectives and Achievements
• NanoCamp Preparation and Planning
• Students, Advising, and Learning
• Dean’s Leadership Council
• Point of contact for visitors
• Observe and learn
• Advising Matters
• Roles and Functions
• Weekly staff meetings
• Individual meetings
• Other Experiences
• Campus visitors
• Supervisor meetings
• Grant research
• Living-learning connection

3. Pre and Post
• Knowledge
▫ Living-learning and science background
▫ VT specific programs, faculty, advising styles and
opportunities, academic student services
• Skills and Experience
▫ Working with faculty, establishing relationships, and
planning
▫ New program organizing and planning, working with
secondary schools, and advising experiences
• Disposition and Personality
▫ Value of academics and holistic learning
▫ Impact on students and ethic of care

4. Future Practicum
• Opportunities this summer:
▫ More student contact:
 Advising experience through Summer Bridge and
Orientation
 Prospective student sessions
• Ask more questions and discuss applicable
higher education theory and research

5. Career Aspirations
• Academic Advising, First-Year Programs,
Honors Programs
• New program development
• Science background and faculty connections

6. Thank You!
Thank you to Debbie Wilson and to everyone in
the College of Science Dean’s office for letting me
be a member of their wonderful team (and for
letting me stay for the summer as well)!
Questions?