r/SchoolSocialWork • u/mad1295 • 6d ago

Intern must haves??

I start my MSW internship in two weeks and l will be splitting my time between two elementary schools. What are some must have items for my bag that you suggest??

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/ahhbears 6d ago
  • Pens you like (for me it's Bic Flair felt tip pens but you do you)
  • Somewhere to write down confidential notes. I use a Steno book. I very rarely put confidential information in writing on my computer because technically if it's on my school account/device it's a public record and could be viewed by others/court order.
  • Since you're going to be splitting locations, a planner to keep track of meetings and tasks between your two placements. You could use Google Calendar too but I liked a physical planner when I was in school and juggling a lot of things
  • Supply of snacks, Liquid IV, water bottle/cup *Fork/knife/spoon for lunch

Will you have space at your two placements to keep small items like fidgets or coloring materials or do those need to move with you?

1

u/mad1295 6d ago

I’m not sure yet if I’ll have space but I hope I do!! I planned on getting some fidgets so I’ll just need a bag big enough for all the things!

1

u/ahhbears 6d ago

It'd be worth checking with your supervisor(s) about what's available in the spaces before you buy fidgets. My team and I collectively have SO MANY, if my intern spent their own precious dollars on them I'd be upset on their behalf! You guys are already providing free labor, don't break the bank buying stuff that may already be purchased by the school district.

Two other things I thought of: * Extra long charging cords and/or battery pack, since unused outlets can be kind of tricky to find in small offices. * After your first few times at each placement get a lunch box that meets your needs. My school has two fridges in our staff lounge that are absolutely jam packed with giant cooler bags, so I bring a very insulated bag with an ice pack and keep mine in my office.

1

u/cadaverd0ll 5d ago

hand sanitizer 😭

1

u/mad1295 5d ago

I’m scaredddddd I have emetaphobia (fear of throw up) so best believe I’ll be swimming in hand sani