ABSTRACT
Interns begin in an observer role and then progress to a role that includes some limited participation in the activities of the agency along with continued observation. Eventually the intern becomes a participant-observer. Whether an intern moves to the more responsible role of participant-observer depends on several factors, including student skills, the needs of the agency, the level of agency staffing, and the number of hours per week as well as the number of weeks for the placement. The role changes as the intern progresses through a series of stages. The issues that arise at each stage are different and must be dealt with as they occur. As an intern becomes more involved in the actual operations of the agency, he or she should take care to examine the experience objectively. Seeking the support of supervisors and peers is helpful.
