What happens in the first week of practicum?

Many students picture diving straight into a project. More often, the first week is a mix of logistics, introductions, and waiting for system access. That's normal, and it doesn't mean the rest of your practicum will be slow.

What the week often includes

• Orientation. A tour, building access, a staff directory, and an overview of the organization's programs.
• Accounts and equipment. Email, shared drives, and any data systems you'll use. Access requests can take days.
• Required trainings such as confidentiality or HIPAA modules if you haven't finished them already.
• Introductions to your preceptor's team and to people you'll work with on projects.
• Background reading, such as reports, grant documents, or past evaluations related to your project.
• A planning meeting with your preceptor to confirm your projects, schedule, and how you'll check in.

How to make it count

• Take notes on people and roles. Knowing who does what saves you time for months.
• Learn the unwritten rules. Notice how people communicate, when meetings happen, and how decisions get made. Navigating office politics helps you observe without getting pulled in.
• Ask questions, and batch them. Keep a running list and bring it to your preceptor at a set time. The fear of asking questions explains why good questions help your reputation.
• Confirm expectations in writing. A short email summarizing what you agreed to prevents confusion later.
• Start your records on day one. Orientation and required trainings may count toward your hours, so check with your program.

If the week feels empty

Offer to help with a small task, read deeply on your project topic, or ask to sit in on meetings. If a second week passes without real work, raise it politely with your preceptor. For preparation before you arrive, see what to do before your practicum starts.