Making the Most of Your Field Placement

Your Field Placement is an incredible opportunity to grow professionally, develop practical skills, and make meaningful connections in the community. Approaching it with curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to learn will help you maximize the experience. These tips are designed to guide and support you every step of the way.

1. Stay Organized 💡

• Track all deadlines for placement applications, forms, interviews, and submissions.

• Use an electronic calendar, planner, or date-book to mark important dates, including agency holidays.

• Missing a deadline can delay or prevent your placement—planning ahead prevents unnecessary stress.

Tip: Set reminders a week in advance for important submissions or meetings to avoid last-minute rushing.

2. Plan Ahead for Vulnerable Sector Checks 💡

• Submit your Vulnerable Sector Check 3–4 months before your placement start date.

• Follow instructions from the Field Placement Coordinator carefully.

• Early submission ensures your placement isn’t delayed.

Tip: Keep digital and hard copies of all submitted forms—you’ll thank yourself later.

3. Practice Positive Communication 💡

• Communicate professionally, respectfully, and clearly with your Field Placement Coordinator (CFS) and Agency Field Supervisor (AFS).

• Respond to emails and messages promptly, even in challenging situations.

• Professional communication demonstrates your readiness for the field.

Tip: Proofread emails before sending—clarity and tone reflect your professionalism.

4. Check Your Email Regularly 💡

• Use your myCentennial email as the main channel for placement updates.

• Check 2–3 times per day to stay informed about deadlines, opportunities, and communications.

Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone or computer to check emails at consistent times each day.

5. Prepare for Interviews 💡

• Treat your placement interview like a professional job interview.

• Research the agency in advance.

• Dress professionally (slightly more formal than typical agency wear).

• Bring a polished resume and tailored cover letter.

• Arrive prepared, with confidence, professionalism, and a positive, open-to-learning mindset.

Tip: Prepare 2–3 examples of how you demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and problem-solving—these are valuable during interviews.

6. Know Your Manual & Agency Policies 💡

• Read your Field Placement Manual before your first day and refer back to it regularly.

• Learn your agency’s rules, protocols, and policies to navigate your placement confidently.

Tip: Keep a quick-reference page with key contacts, agency procedures, and deadlines—it saves time and reduces stress.

7. Ask Questions & Seek Support 💡

• If you are unsure about something, ask questions.

• Communicate concerns promptly to your AFS or CFS.

• Asking for help shows professionalism and commitment to learning—it is a strength, not a weakness.

Tip: Keep a “questions log” to track things you’ve asked and learned—this also helps during evaluations and reflections.

8. Be Teachable & Engage Fully 🌱

• Be open to feedback—view it as guidance for growth rather than criticism.

• Take initiative in tasks, even small ones; every experience is valuable.

• Treat every task, big or small, as a learning opportunity.

• Keep a reflection journal to track growth, challenges, and achievements.

Tip: After receiving feedback, reflect: “What can I learn from this? How can I apply it next time?”

9. Confidence, Growth & Authenticity 🌱

• You are a professional in training—you are not expected to know everything.

• Remember your “why” and trust your strengths—you bring unique experiences, skills, and perspectives.

• Be authentic—this builds trust with staff, clients, and peers.

• Mistakes are part of learning; use challenges to refine your skills.

• Celebrate achievements, from facilitating a group to completing documentation. Every success matters.

• Stay curious—observe, ask questions, and reflect. Every moment contributes to growth.

Tip: Set small, achievable goals each week (e.g., contribute to a client session, ask a question, complete a reflection entry). Progress is built one step at a time.

10. Encouragement & Support 🌟

Your dedication, curiosity, and commitment will shine through. Confidence grows naturally as you gain experience. Embrace challenges, be teachable, and remember: this placement is a safe space to learn, practice, and grow into the professional you aspire to be.

Pro Tip: Regularly remind yourself: “I am capable, I am learning, and every experience is preparing me for my future career.”