By Marianne Kajy, MHSA, Region V Public Health Training Center
According to a 2022 NACE Student Survey, approximately 78.6% of students seek out experiential learning opportunities such as internships to build their understanding of their chosen career path. Throughout this time, it is important to be engaged and demonstrate a willingness to learn. By being proactive and seeking new experiences, students will not only thrive professionally but also be exposed to different areas of their organization they were not originally familiar with. However, to truly make the most out of your internship experience, it is important to set goals in the beginning, build professional relationships with your colleagues, and reflect on your experiences throughout the internship.
Establish Clear Goals
When starting your internship, it is helpful to sit down with your preceptor to learn more about your role and how you can add value. Once there is an understanding of the expectations, use this time to ask questions and set goals. Ask yourself, “What do you hope to achieve through this experience?” (Rein Zipf, 2021). Whether it is gaining experience by working on different projects or shadowing various leaders, alignment on these goals will ensure that both parties are in agreement, so progress can be tracked more effectively.
Building Professional Relationships
One of my favorite parts of my internship was networking with different industry leaders in the healthcare space because it gave me the opportunity to connect with my colleagues on a personal and professional level while also learning more about different projects that they were working on. Networking opens the doors for potential career advancements and mentoring opportunities. For any new intern, I suggest attending events, team outings, or workshops to meet new people. However, if that is not accessible to you, I would suggest asking your preceptor for a list of ten individuals in the organization that you should reach out to and connect with during your downtime. During these conversations, make sure you ask questions, display your curiosity, and show genuine interest in their work. An informal, networking session is a good opportunity to learn more about a colleague’s professional journey, seek advice, or learn about other job opportunities within the organization. Depending on the direction of the conversation, they may also introduce you to others in the field, further expanding your network. Once the session is over, follow up with a personalized message expressing your gratitude for their time and demonstrate your interest in remaining connected (Kanu, 2023).
Reflection
When I reached the end of my internship, I could not believe how fast time flew by. I realized that I had grown immensely throughout the summer and each day was a valuable contribution to my professional development and my understanding of health services administration. For students who are currently in the middle of their internships, I encourage you to take this time to reflect on where you are in your professional journey and consider initiatives within the organization you want to continue to pursue. Remember to stay curious, seek feedback, and continue to network. This is your internship, so make the most out of it.
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