Personal development talk for returnees Introduction This section will seek to give an overview of what the personal development talk is, why we do it and what to remember when conducting one. The personal development talk (now PDT) for exchange returnees is a natural method for AIESEC to wrap up the exchange experience and also to further facilitate the leadership development of the person. The PDT has two main objectives: 1. Evaluate the exchange process the EP went through 2. Welcome the EP to the LC and find ways the returnee can continue to utilize the experience the went through As we would like to introduce as many former EPs to the membership side of AIESEC the PDT is part of a process to reintegrate as many former EPs as possible. Before the actual conduction of the PDT there are a few things we need to consider:
PDT date and time needs to be sorted in advance with the EP. We will use Podio for this. The EP will choose possible dates (at the end of the exchange/when they return) and we will confirm with them. Know where the EP went and what they did. The PDT is about the EP and not about AIESEC. If the EP critiques anything during the PDT ask for improvements. Make sure you meet up with the EP in an undisturbed place. If it is not possible to meet up physically the PDT should be contacted by phone/Skype etc. The PDT happens when the EP returns to New Zealand (therefore a returnee). Know what kind of opportunities will be available within the LC.
In the following we will look at the suggested questions for the PDT. Each LC is encouraged to add questions that might be LC specific (could be specific workshops or JDs available).
Questions 1. What has been the most interesting thing about coming back? 2. Have you been able to share your experience with friends and family? 3. How prepared did you feel about going on exchange? How did you find the information sessions, workshops and outgoing preparation seminar? 4. How did you find the process of going on exchange? How did you find the review board/selection panel/group assessment centre? 5. How did you find the support while you were abroad? How was the communication with your home LC? 6. How did you develop yourself personally during your exchange? 7. How did you like the internship? 8. How are you able to utilize the exchange experience now?
9. Have you reached the goals you sat for yourself before going? 10. Has your view on AIESEC changed while you were on exchange? 11. Could you imagine being involved with AIESEC here in New Zealand? 12. If yes; if what capacity? With your experience what would you like to improve/work with? 13. We have RIS coming up 14. What was the most important thing about your exchange? 15. Any last comments/suggestion/points? Mentioned what the steps are if the person is interested in being engaged with AIESEC NZ – invitation to the reintegration seminar. Personal impression of the returnee should be added by the person conducting the PDT. After end PDT send a thank you/follow-up email to the returnee. Content is depending on whether the person is interested in being involved with AIESEC New Zealand or not.