Navigating the First Few Weeks of the SIRI Practicum: A Journey of Learning, Boundaries, and Teamwork

There’s always a new wave of excitement before the onset of a project—the anticipation of diving into something meaningful, collaborating with a team, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. However, what truly matters is ensuring that this initial energy remains steady, even amidst the inevitable chaos of graduate school—courses, applications, and countless competing priorities.

The SIRI Practicum has been an enriching mix of learning, adapting, and discovering—not just about the project itself but also about how we work as a team. Choosing a project from a compelling list of options was both exhilarating and daunting, pushing me to think deeply about where my skills and interests align. But as I reflect on these first few weeks, I realize this practicum isn’t just about tackling a complex problem—it’s about collaboration, navigating uncertainty, and building meaningful professional relationships.

Kick-off: The SIRI Skills Workshop 

The practicum kicked off with a workshop designed to equip us with essential skills—not just in project execution but also in interpersonal dynamics. One of the most impactful exercises was reflecting on how we each prefer to receive and give feedback. While it may seem like a small exercise, it helped me realize how different individuals process information and respond to constructive input, making it an essential tool for smoother collaboration. We also discussed boundary-setting in professional environments - a topic that is often overlooked. While many of us have previous work experience, dealing with clients who have long-standing relationships with SIRI comes with its own challenges. The conversations around how to balance professionalism, set realistic expectations, and protect our own bandwidth were incredibly insightful.

Learnings from Peers and Experiences

One of the most valuable sessions was the presentation skills workshop. The insights shared were practical and immediately actionable. What stood out to me was how each workshop was followed by an interactive exercise that allowed us to apply what we had just learned, reinforcing key skills that will be useful long after the practicum. Additionally, hearing from students from previous semesters provided valuable perspective. Their experiences helped us understand where teams typically struggle, how to navigate information gaps, and how to keep everyone aligned throughout the project.

A special shoutout to Prof. Sara, whose thoughtful and individual feedback on every activity made the entire process engaging and meaningful. Her insights challenged us to think critically, refine our approaches, and become more intentional in our communication and decision-making.

More Than Just a Project

As I reflect on these first few weeks, one thing is clear: technical skills matter, but relationship management is just as crucial. Understanding client needs, aligning our work with their expectations, and maintaining mutual respect in the process are key to making this practicum a success. Beyond structured workshops and client interactions, I’ve also realized how small things - like grabbing lunch with teammates - go a long way in building trust. As we continue forward, I’m excited to put these lessons into action, refine our approach, and contribute meaningfully to our project.

I’m eager to navigate this project and embrace the uncertainties that come with it. I believe that the shared learning, collaborative insights from my peers and professor, and the valuable perspectives from guest speakers will guide us through the challenges, making this journey both enriching and rewarding.