WEEK 3

Workplace Environment & Interpersonal skills observed and/or used

Homestead is a multicultural working environment which has been working for the development and integrity of the Roxburgh Park Community. Recently on March 25, 2010 it has completed its successful 11^th anniversary.  It offers wide verity of adult learning programs like English learning, painting, yoga, dancing and many more. Homestead got a computer lab in order to train the adults in basic computing skills. Most of the times it provides the courses which are useful in developing workplace skills need to get a job. Homestead always welcomes the community to make full use of its facilities, programs and activities.

In any organization interpersonal skills are the key for effective communication. Homestead got a small team of 7 members. I found this internship very useful as I have been improving my communication skills. Even though I worked in an environment where I had to deal with the customers face to face, here I am learning the professional aspects of the communication. Other important thing I have been learning is telephone manner. It is always very different to communicate on the phone and conveying the message in contrast to face-to-face communication where we use voice as well as gestures. I feel telephone communication is bit hard compared to face-to-face.

WEEK 2

I have completed second week of my internship. This week Donna was back from holidays and she gave me the brief description about why she wants to do the Technology Audit and what she is expecting from it. She also explained me the code of conduct and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).

Homestead Code of Conduct

The adult learning environment at Homestead Community Centre encourages and supports the participation of people from diverse backgrounds. Homestead considers the following as important:

Equal Rights: Equal rights for all regardless of gender, race, religion, culture, abilities and age.

Punctuality: At homestead following the time schedule is very important factor.

Clean and safe: Follow the hygienic procedures all the time.

Respect: Understand and respect others’ needs and enhance the opportunity of all participants.

OH & S

For any organization occupational health and safety programs enhances the safety of the work environment. This may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities, and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment.

Homestead implemented safe working practices for employees to avoid any hazards and First-Aid kits and protective equipments are always available.  And also in case of any incident that is related to hazard, there is incident report to be filed and then, incident management procedures carry out to find the causes of hazards and avoid any future mishap.

WEEK 1

Week1

I started my internship at Homestead Community and Learning Centre (Hume City Council) as Business Analyst on 29th of March. I was bit nervous in the beginning as it was my first job in ICT environment. My mentor is Donna Mantello who is the co-coordinator of Homestead. Donna was on holiday on my first day so I had to report to Priya Paul. She gave me brief description of the Homestead Community Centre goals and vision. She also explained me policies and procedures. All this week I mostly concentrated on understanding the business process of the organization.

All the staff in the homestead are very cooperative and friendly that made me to feel relaxed. Homestead is bit far away from the public transportation. Every day after finishing the job one of the staff used to drop me in railway station. Overall this week was fine and I think its too early to adjust to new work environment.

Regards,
Raju Vemula