Practicum week. When you hear this you think about 5 long days filled with PowerPoint slides and lectures. While this is true, it is way more than that.

We are required to attend four of five practicum sessions, which originally seemed like a lot but in reality, it was worth the trip.

I started on Tuesday, learning about Management in Social Enterprises. The lecturer for the day is the CFO of a small company, which is very successful. We discussed social sectors, which are nonprofit organizations and private sectors, meaning for profits.

My favorite part was when we broke down into small groups and discussed a specific nonprofit in Mexico that concentrates on health care for the less fortunate. We had to decide whether or not this company should stay a social sector or change to a private one, and the pros and cons that come along with each.

Day two was on Multiple Perspectives of Organizational Change. The lecturer talked about three lenses that exist, strategic design, political and cultural. How we achieve our goal, who has the power to influence, and the belief system and values we each have.

My favorite part was discussing Lulumelon. The company started out well and was very successful. Then they ran into controversial issues, and have been accused that their pants are see-through. The founder made a statement about heavyset customers wearing their clothing.

Check back and see how the next two sessions go.