Guidelines for future interns Practicum-Spring 2008 By Ximena Burgos, BS Guidelines for future interns

Advise from past students If possible, try not to have another job and work full-time in your practicum. Not all the Organizations will have hours for you to work after 5pm (time you’ll get out of work). Do a very deep search of Organizations and find the one that best suits you. Make the search with time so you don’t have to decide at the last minute and have to work for 4-5 months in something you don’t like.

Start the internship as soon as possible. Talk to the practicum supervisor as soon as you can and make the schedule arrangements so you don’t have to be wrapping things up the last day before everything need to be turned in. If possible, have a laptop Sometimes non-profit organization don’t have unlimited funds and computers might be outdated or not there at all.

Enjoy everything that you do and make this a learning and fun experience. Xavier Estala American Lung Association Practicum student- Fall 2007

Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood was an excellent place to work. Everybody was very nice and supportive to all UTEP students. I gain a lot of experience and have the opportunity to have a flexible schedule. Veronica Cobos Planned Parenthood Practicum Student- Fall 2007

I had an excellent experience at the El Paso City-County Health and Environmental Department. All the staff was very helpful and friendly. You have to be prepared for change. Be prepare to do research I did not have a computer for my use in the department and had to borrow one.

El Paso City-County Health and Environment Department Start as soon as possible. Ask as many questions as you need. I was not aware of how far the internship was, so I had to drove a lot. Search for an internship that is also close to you in case you don’t own a car or have a way of transportation. Priscilla Silvas El Paso City-County Health and Environment Department Practicum Student- Fall 2007

Planned Parenthood An Internship allows us to truly appreciate what our passion is and to observe what is really happening in the real world. Be yourself Be thankful Priscilla Garcia Planned Parenthood Practicum Student- Fall 2007

Thomason Women’s Health Center If you want to do an internship at Thomason Women’s Center they must have these clearance requirements at least a month before internship starts. You must have your CPR up to date. Liability insurance ($17) City-Wide Orientation (CWO) Background check and drug screening

Be willing to stay after hours and work on Saturdays You must have immunization up to date (PPD, T/D, Varicella titer, MMR titer and Hepatitis B (3 series) Be willing to stay after hours and work on Saturdays Nadia Martinez Thomason Women’s Health Center Practicum Student- Fall 2007

Highlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital Always be eager to learn Try to get the internship in a place where you see yourself working at. Network. “it’s not what you know, but who you know” Always offer your help. If you don’t know something, ASK! Be responsible Myriam Leyva Practicum Student- Fall 2008

El Paso City-County Health & Environment Department Observe and ask questions when you don’t know something “I recommend this place for interns who want a challenge, because this is a great opportunity to learn and enhance the knowledge in Health Education” You need to be very organize. Dress professional Marissa Rodriguez Practicum Students-Fall 2008

In general….. Be initiative Give valuable ideas Act professionally Prove that you are flexible and open Complete your hours as soon as you can Try to dedicate the semester to the practicum and don’t be taking classes the same semester. Stay positive

GOOD LUCK!!!!