Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on February 7, 2018 at the 12th Annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon. Though the event is over and the winners have been announced, we are continuing to celebrate the nomineesâ successes.
These are their stories.
Jie Chen graduated from Indiana State University in August of 2017. She majored in health science and concentrated in public health. Last year, Jie interned with Meaningful Days Service.
Indiana INTERNnet: Describe your internship experience at Meaningful Days Service. What were your favorite aspects?
Jie Chen: My internship was at Meaningful Days Service. I was shadowing the Nurse Keren Lessel. She was my supervisor. When I started it, I was a wellness coordinator intern. I created a health program for clients to increase their daily physical activities. I also educated clients about healthy eating and some tips of portion control. I liked to engage with clients because it helped me to gain better communication skills. I learned how to do admin works such as plan daily activities, schedule staffs shifts and update clients files.
IIN: Describe how you helped the team develop. Did you encounter any obstacles?
JC: I was helping the team to update clientsâ files and planning the daily activity for clients. The obstacle for me was language. I am international student. When I started the internship, I was nervous about everything. Sometimes I was afraid of to talk to my colleagues because I worried they could not understand me. However, they encouraged me to talk to them. They taught me how to solve issues and how to face clientsâ behaviors.
IIN:What are your future plans and career goals?
JC: This internship really changed my career goals. Right now, I am working at another company who serves residential and day services and developmental disability too. I really like it.
IIN: Has your nomination for IMPACT Awards impacted your life?
JC: It was an honor to be nominated for the IMPACT Awards. It definitely impacted my life. It encouraged me to pursue my career because it gives me more power to help more people in the future.
IIN: Why are internships important?
JC: An internship is the first step for students who are stepping into a job environment. It is a good opportunity to let students gain more hands-on experiences. It also provides chances to let students fail in a good way because students can learn and grow from their failures. It is a good time to learn from mistakes. Also, internships can provide job opportunities for students. Students can build relationships with the company in order to get more chances. Finally, it helps students to open their eyes to see the real world.
