By: Abolfazl F., M.S Candidate in Leadership and Organizational Development

During the period of the 120 hours internship in the International Service Center (ISC), I was trying to familiarize myself with the different aspects, levels, and activities of the noted organization. In this short period, I had been assessing the management of the daily operation of the Community Development programs. I am being provided a comprehensive description of the ISC technology assessment in a separate paper that I tried to illuminate some useful recommendations on some simple and practical appropriate application of technologies to improve the ISC technology management.

Additionally, the internship had a large number of advantages for me that I have to briefly mention some of them. First of all, it was my first professional job in the United States. I have been working at Shippensburg University as a research assistant, but it has been limited to virtual interaction with a few people and concentrated on the specific research topics. Anyhow working at ISC provides an opportunity for me to see the real working situation in the U.S.

Also, the internship was a great time for me as a new immigrant to become familiar with some of the important U.S. immigration laws, acts, and executive orders. I believe if I was not attending such an organization, never could I figure out some of the hidden parts of the immigration process such as naturalization and civic test or filling instruction, required evidence and documents, and most importantly, I learn how can I find such noted material from trusted sources. The culture of learning and motivated staff for updating their knowledge to deal with the clients was taken my attention as well.

Furthermore, close observing an organization in person and assessing different parts of it from an organizational development’s grad student point of the view was another valuable experience. I had been studying several theoretical courses at the Shippensburg University but monitoring the process of the evaluation and development of an organization in addition to the daily operation of that for survival, was exciting.

Without any doubt, the most interesting part of my internship was working under the direction of Dr. Phuong. Especially when I figure out more about the ISC’s Journey through almost 45 years of operation. Definably I believe that the leadership of Dr. Phuong is one of the main reasons why ISC today is a well-known organization in providing service to immigrants and refugees in the central region of Pennsylvania. He as a perfect leader has been permeating all levels of an organization to assure the smooth functioning of the individual teams, on their own and together. The quality of his leadership has been fostering unity and promoting an organic operation of the whole. Moreover, his leadership has been including modeling to the individual team members the qualities necessary for the overall progress of the organization. Besides, he is an inspirational leader who has enthusiasm for the mission of the organization.

To make a long story short, this sort of internship provided a fascinating opportunity for me to learn a lot of things regarding different stages of evolution and survival of an organization. I also learned about the impact of constructive and inspirational leadership on the performance and effectiveness of an organization especially for a nonprofit organization such as ISC which had to overcome severe challenges during the last two decades.

In the end, I really appreciate for allowing me to work under the direction of Dr. Phuong and with close collaboration with all of the International Service Center’s staff. I had a fantastic 120 hours an the ISC. Good luck to Dr. Phuong and all other ISC staff in their rewarding work.