Reports are usually only 2-3 pages long, but in some cases, these reports may be much longer. In some cases, you may be asked to give recommendations or opinions about the site. In other cases, you will be asked only to describe the site. Ask your boss or instructor for models of other visit reports. If you can’t get a model, look up samples online.
If you visited a factory, explain what it is producing and what equipment it uses. If you visited a construction site, describe what is being constructed and how far along the construction is. You should also describe the terrain of the site and the layout. If you’re visiting a business, describe what the business does. State which department or part of the business you visited. If you’re visiting a school, identify which grades they teach. Note how many students attend the school. Name the teachers whose classes you observed.
Who did you talk to? What did they tell you? What did you see at the site? What events took place? Did you attend a seminar, Q&A session, or interview? Did you see any demonstrations of equipment or techniques?
For example, at a car factory, describe whether the cars are made by robots or humans. Describe each step of the assembly line. If you’re visiting a business, talk about different departments within the business. Describe their corporate structure and identify what programs they use to conduct their business.
Is there something you didn’t realize before that you learned while at the site? Who at the site provided helpful information? What was your favorite part of the visit and why?
For example, you might state that the factory uses the latest technology but point out that employees need more training to work with the new equipment. If there was anything important left out of the visit, state what it was. For example, maybe you were hoping to see the main factory floor or to talk to the manager.
Tailor your recommendations to the organization or institution that owns the site. What is practical and reasonable for them to do to improve their site? Be specific. Don’t just say they need to improve infrastructure. State what type of equipment they need or give advice on how to improve employee morale.
If you are following a certain style guideline, like APA or Chicago style, make sure to format the title page according to the rules of the handbook.
Don’t just say “the visit was interesting” or “I was bored. ” Be specific when describing what you learned or saw.
