1. Recreational Therapist Brittney Kemi Therapeutic Recreation Major Essentia Health Miller Dawn Polinsky How Is Your Current Academics & Internship Experience Helping Your Career Goals? Through my internship I was able to connect individuals to programs in their community so they could focus on their abilities rather than their disability. I hope to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and with the experience and knowledge gained from my internship, it provides me with the opportunity to do so. What Are The Benefits Of An Internship? Hands on experience Great opportunity Professional Connections Advice For Others: Always put your best foot forward! The work setting is different from the classroom, so you should focus on your strengths and why you are there. The workload may be heavy, but it will pay off in the end with the professional connections and experience you gain.” Rehabilitation Services

2. Carlissa Nyman Social Work Major St. Louis County – Initial Intervention Unit Intern St. Louis County How Is Your Current Academics & Internship Experience Helping Your Career Goals? My coursework prepared me to handle clients in a competent and nonjudgmental way. I am a stronger person because of what I have seen and heard while at my internship. I am also more competent in working with clients and writing case notes. What Are The Benefits Of An Internship? Develop skills with supervisor support Chance to prove your work ethic Possibility for employment Advice For Others: “Go for something that you are curious about but haven’t tried before. An internship helps educate you in the field by practicing and learning. You also have the opportunity to gain experience that makes you more desirable for employment.”

3. Social Work Intern Gloria Napoli Social Work Major Silver Bay Minnesota Veterans Homes How Is Your Current Academics & Internship Experience Helping Your Career Goals? My course work helped me develop interpersonal communication and interviewing skills. My internship helped groom my communication and people skills, by getting me outside my comfort zone. I had to jump right in. What Are The Benefits Of An Internship? · Gained knowledge on mental health issues · Learned how to work with elderly · Learned how to work with veterans · Developed communication skills Advice For Others: “Speak up if there is something you are not learning that you would like to know. Also, your field liaison is a great tool to use for ethical dilemmas and anything else you need.”

4. Wellness Intern Yasmin Ahmed Exercise Science Major Northwood Children Services How Is Your Current Academics & Internship Experience Helping Your Career Goals? In my major, I took nutrition and fitness classes. My minor focused on the understanding of child development and how children’s minds work. As a Wellness Intern, I started developing fitness programs for the children and employees. What Are The Benefits Of An Internship? · Learning to communicate with children and staff · Learned new software skills · Hands on experience in the field · Gained Experience Advice For Others: “It is best to find an internship that provides you with experience and that could possibly lead to a career” Early Childhood Minor