By now, you have all spent two or three full days at your internships, getting to know the "lay of the land." Comment on this post no later than July 7.
Write a short summary of your first impressions of your internship. React to the work environment, your mentor, you co-workers, the tasks assigned to you so far and any plans you and your mentor have made for the rest of your time together. Discuss ways in which the internship has - and has not - met your expectations. How do you think this will change in the weeks ahead?
Don't forget to come back and read your fellow interns' comments throughout the coming week and react to at least two of them. Keep your comments positive and supportive. (Problems and concern should be discussed with me by phone or email.) Be sure to check back alter to answer questions others may have left for you. ReflectingonPRIME is an interactive forum.
I have mostly been observing the different types of physical therapy that happen in the clinics, and learning about different exercises/equipment that the clinicians use during the sessions. There isn't a whole lot of hands on stuff for me to do, but I expected that because it is a medical office and there are liability issues. However, I did get to work on the plan for one of the patients. My mentor and all the other people in the clinic are so helpful and always ready to answer any questions I have.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with Jeana on the topic of observation. With some of the animals being more aggressive than others, Dr.Villar is quick to look out for my safety, while allowing me to learn. I think the power of observation has helped me though as I take notes throughout the day. I've also been able to learn the different equipment/procedures we use in the clinic during and after appointments. I'm glad your internship is going well and excited to hear more about it! :)
DeleteSounds as though you have a good, realistic grasp of possibilities at your internship, Jeana. Have you considered keeping a notebook/journal to track all the new info you are learning?
DeleteI have started to keep a notebook, but it is more on the way they handle themselves in the clinic and with patients, but I think this week I will definitely start to keep track of other new information.
DeleteDo they allow you to go to the talks with patients where some of the information may be confidential even if the patient is ok with it? How many people do you see a day.
DeleteI have been able to be exposed to a lot of hands on experience in the veterinary medicine field. The day is always busy with clients and in between clients asking questions about the cases. My mentor, Dr.Villar, has been an amazing teacher and is always open to answering questions and using clients as a way to teach me on the spot. His tech assistant is also very welcoming, patient, and willing to spend extra time with me teaching. The internship has exceeds my expectations in the sense that I am learning more in the first two days than I could in the years I've studied clinical sciences in school. I've been exposed to cases that I wouldn't be able to experience in the classroom and the people I have met along the way make the internship that much more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Sophia! My experience with Dr. Villar and his tech is that they will let you try just about anything you demonstrate interest in doing.
DeleteYour internship sounds so interesting! It's great that you are able to do so much hands-on work.
DeleteI've been working at the Arlington Courthouse, and I was surprised by the amount of paperwork that they had! I have been filing and scanning a lot, but I have also learned a lot about the different cases that our court deals with. I spent a whole day watching court cases and trials, and I was surprised at how flexible the court system actually is. Media and entertainment tends to portray the court system as very harsh, but the reality is that the system is meant to help the people who are serving. My coworkers have been really nice and welcoming to me. I've been rotating between the different parts of the court, so I have been learning from multiple people at once. Mr. Spurr told me that I would be able to have a one-on-one conversation with the chief judge, so I'm excited for that. The internship met my expectations in the work that I have been expected to do. However it exceeds my expectations in the amount that I have already learned in only three days of working.
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Ankita! Take advantage of all each person has to offer. I'm glad you're figuring out a way to learn even from routine paperwork.
DeleteI know paperwork isn't the most exciting thing to do, but it seems like you are being exposed to a lot of different aspects of this line of work, which seems really interesting. I hope the rest of your internship continues to live up to your expectations.
DeleteYour internship sounds really interesting so far; I'm interested in seeing what the courthouse is like when we visit there as a group soon.
DeleteIt is so interesting that you have gotten an inside look at our court system - that is so cool! I hope that your talk with the chief judge goes well and that you continue to have fun!
Deleteit seems like you're really making the most of the environment you're in, and i hope you continue to learn new stuff (while making it through all the paperwork :) )
DeleteMy first few days at the APS design and construction division have been pretty fantastic. Everyone there is very friendly and supportive and are always eager to answer my questions. Though I don't get to do much hands on work because they would leave their schools in the hands of a 17 year old, this has been a great experience so far because I'm exposed to all types of engineering. On Monday, it was about mechanical engineering while checking out the HVAC systems at Gunston. Tuesday was about project managing while at the staff meetings. Wednesday was about civil engineering while looking at the filtration systems at Abingdon. As Aji, my mentor told me, though a month is not enough to master one type of engineering, this internship will expose me to all types of engineering and show me how projects are managed and executed. I look forward to these next few weeks and to learning new things every day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Hugo! You might want to consider keeping a journal/notebook to manage all the new information coming your way.
DeleteI think it's so great that you get to work within APS and get a new perspective on our schools.
DeleteAji did in fact tell me to get a journal, and I'm also going to write journal entries for senior project.
DeleteIts cool that you get to see what was going on behind the scenes of the construction of our schools.
DeleteI like that you get to be a part of APS planning, even if it is only being able to see it. I got to watch someone fix the fridge at my internship so... overlap?
DeleteThat is impressive! As someone who always wanted to know the design and construction process behind schools, you no doubt got to see the behind the scenes look of APS.
DeleteI have been interning at the school-community relations department and I am enjoying my time there. My mentor and co-workers are really nice and helpful. The office is always busy with either phone calls, meetings or projects. My mentor is awesome and offers me both professional and personal advice. My mentor and co workers work towards creating opportunities to get me more involved in projects. This week I attend a few meetings with my mentor and translated some documents. The following week we have a few more meetings planned one in where my mentor will be discussing my role in upcoming projects. My internship definitely exceeded my expectations and I am learning a lot and having fun
ReplyDeleteYour internship sounds really interesting! It's awesome that your mentor is giving you lots of advice. I have found it helpful to take notes on what my coworkers tell me. They have given me so many suggestions for things to research that it can be hard to remember!
DeleteTerrific, Gillian! I love that your internship will become more project-based. Are you using a notebook to keep track of all that advice?
ReplyDeleteCurrently all the information and advice I have been getting from my internship is on a google doc
DeleteI have been interning at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. So far, I have been doing some research on graduate entrepreneurship courses at different universities. I am keeping the information that I collect in a Google spreadsheet and in a notebook. This has not been the most exciting task, but I know my whole internship will not consist of this task; it is just what I have been asked to start with. My mentor is very nice and all of the other people in the office are, too. I am especially excited for this coming Tuesday because someone is bringing two puppies into the office! I am looking forward to the rest of my internship!
ReplyDeletePuppies!!! at my internship site we have Zumba every Tuesday, so I guess we are both looking forward to Tuesday this week. I am excited to hear more about your internship and see how it will develop!
DeleteYou demonstrate good ability to look ahead and to see individual -- not so exciting -- tasks in the context of the whole. This is an important skill for you future - in college and at work.
DeleteWow, your internship sounds very interesting! You must be very excited for the puppies.
DeleteI have also been working at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. My mentor is very helpful and supportive. So far, I have been tasked with researching material and providing a student perspective on an online hybrid course that includes skills from both foreign affairs and business. I've been reading a lot of articles and examples of real life situations that the philosophical ethical decisions discussed can be applicable to and I have been figuring out which ones would be the best suited for the course. The work environment is welcoming and I'm excited to continue helping with this project.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a project that will have implications for future students; how exciting! The decision-making skills you are learning/ applying will also benefit you in the future.
DeleteI have been working at CPRO and it has been very different than I expected. It is kind of a laid back work environment, especially since hours are only from 1-5. I've been doing lots of organizational stuff thus far. I also got to be present at a board meeting so I could see how those types of things would be run. I've started research/planning for their upcoming event: Paws on the Pike. I think in the weeks ahead I will be doing stuff more planning and office work. My mentors are really nice and always give me something to do!
ReplyDelete-Jessica Layton
This sounds very cool! One question: what is Paws on the Pike?
DeleteI'm glad you're staying busy and applying your skills to actual upcoming events. Have you worked out a way to get in more hours?
DeleteThat is pretty cool that you are in a laid back work environment in which it seems like you are essentially making your own schedule. Good luck for your upcoming event.
DeleteThat seems like a fun place to work. will you get enough time with only 4 hours a day.
DeleteInterning at the health clinic at Fort Myer has been really great so far. Everyone has been extremely helpful and welcoming, regardless of whether they are mentoring the interns or not. While I was in the physical therapy part of my rotation, I learned so much about muscular injuries and the different treatments available to people through observations of patient evaluations and hands-on work. I was also able to observe alternative medical procedures, such as acupuncture, while in the PT department. Working in the laboratory has been interesting, too; I got to assist with blood analysis and urine analysis testing, and I was able to draw someone's blood myself. So far, the internship has exceeded my expectations and I am excited for everything else I will learn in the next three weeks.
ReplyDeleteYour internship sounds very interesting and I'm glad you're enjoying it!
DeleteThis is so cool! I am also in a PT Clinic and it's pretty cool how they can use acupuncture or other things like it to help patients feel better.
DeleteWow! - Actual hands-on patient work! You must have impressed them with your competence. Were you nervous about the blood draw?
DeleteI think it's so cool that you got to draw blood even though you're an intern. It's great that you feel like you're learning a lot through this
DeleteA pretty busy and productive week. A time well spent. I am interning at an architecture firm named Stantec, and it has been quite delightful working there! For the duration of this internship, I have my own desk space and computer with all the software needed to render and sketch. I have also been freehand sketching, which I really enjoy! My accommodating mentors have been guiding and adjusting me to the nuts and bolts of the job. I am looking forward to next week and onward.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have an "idea board" at the office that counts as my journal/notebook.
DeleteOh wow it seems like you've been exposed to a lot of software in the field already, which is exciting! I don't know much about architecture, but hopefully you'll get to see the specifics about designing and building. Good luck for next week!
DeleteTerrific, Ankita! I like the thought of an "idea board."
DeleteIt's pretty cool that you get to have your own space to work and use the same software the architects use. It gives you an idea of the kind of environment architects work in.
DeleteHaving your own office sounds really nice. It is cool that you get to freehand sketch. I do a lot of that in engineering, so it is cool to see that in real life.
DeleteI have been interning at a bakery. It has been a very good experience so far and the people have been very nice and supportive. I have been able to help with a lot of different recipes and jobs from scones, pie fillings, pie crusts, and anything else that needed to be done. I cant wait to learn more about baking and learn how to make new pastries. It has been hard waking up at 5 but I think that will become more normal as I get used to it. I am very excited for the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I love baking in my spare time, and though it must be more stressful at a bakery, I am sure it is still a lot of fun. I also have to wake up really early for my internship, but not quite as early as you! It has been difficult to get up, but I like being able to spend the whole day experiencing work in the clinic.
DeleteBakers do keep early hours, so the rest of us can have fresh scones on our way to work! The trade-off is free late afternoons. I'm glad to hear you're already up to your elbows in the work!
DeleteWow, 5 in the morning is quite the commitment. I'm glad the baking is fun and rewarding enough to make up for it.
DeleteIt is really cool that you get to actually bake pies and pastries. Waking up that early must be hard, but your right that you'll get used to it.
DeleteThat's really cool that you got the internship at a bakery. I personally am not really good at baking or waking up early but it sounds like a fun environment.
DeleteThat sounds so much fun! I agree that waking up early is super hard, but it's worth it if you truly enjoy what you're doing.
DeleteWow, 5 is rough. I have trouble waking up at 6:40. I'm sure working in a bakery must be cool. Is interacting with people something you find easy about the job or is it a harder part?
DeleteThat sounds amazing! It is really a treat to see how bakers make all of the pastries we eat everyday.
DeleteNice to hear, Caden! Must be pleasant experiencing all the fragrant scents when going to work.
ReplyDeleteI have been interning at Rader Clinic, and it has been an awesome experience so far! My first rotation at the clinic was in the laboratory, and I really enjoyed my time there. I sorted blood samples for shipping, counted multiple platelets, learned how to use a microscope with both eyes, analyzed urine samples, and even got to take blood from some of the soldiers at Rader (with their consent, of course!). The people in the lab were exceptionally nice and helpful, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with them. I started my second rotation today in the pharmacy, and I learned how difficult it is to be a pharmacist! I have a lot more respect for what they do now; however, I did not like it as much as I liked the laboratory since the people there were not as welcoming.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I did not know what it would be like to work with soldiers in the Army. Now, after meeting and talking to a bunch of them, I realize that they bring a unique perspective to the workplace that is really interesting, especially when they are from other parts of the country. Unfortunately, because I loved working in the lab so much, I'm not sure that the rest of the rotations will completely live up to my expectations, especially if I am not really interested in working in the field my rotation is in. However, I am excited to see if any other field sparks my interest in the weeks to come.
Madeleine, you sound like you've been really busy doing a lot of new things. Sorry to hear that you're unsure about the other rotations because of the lab, but regardless of what you do I'm sure you will enjoy and learn from it. Good luck for next week!
DeleteIt is really interesting that you were able to draw blood from a real person! I have done it from a fake arm before, and it was really hard. Did you have to get a certification or something to do that?
DeleteI'm glad you're keeping an open mind as you move through your rotations, Madeleine. I think it's interesting that you focused on the soldiers/ patients - certainly an excellent mind-set for anyone in the medical field.
DeleteI definitely agree with your perspective on working with the soldiers. I have also found through the week that they are so helpful and learning about military healthcare has been so interesting.
DeleteI'm happy that your internship is going well! It's great that you have so many hands on opportunities and your rotations sound really interesting.
DeleteI have been interning at the Thinkabit Lab and I have had an awesome experience so far! I have been learning how to code with C++, have done a personality test, and have helped around the lab with various projects. Everyone at the lab is super nice and I am looking forward to the rest of my internship. The rest of my time there will most likely be spent working on environmental sensors. I am excited for the next couple of weeks!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you might have a head start for the trip to the thinkabit lab on Wednesday!
DeleteI know Dr. Egenrieder is aware that your passion is the environment. I'm looking forward to hearing about your projects in that area. (BTW - the group will be visiting ThinkaBit on Wednesday.)
ReplyDeleteI have been interning at the Cowen Design Group, and my first few days have been a little odd. While my co-workers create a great work environment, my mentor was out this first week and didn't leave me anything to do. The rest of the office was busy, so I was instructed to find Youtube tutorials on a free program called Sketchup. However, my mentor returns on Monday, where I'm looking forward to learning some new things.
ReplyDeleteEven though your mentor wasn't there it still sounds like you found ways to keep busy! Hope that you'll have more to do in the future, but it's great that you got the lay of the land
DeleteGoodness - that was odd. I'm glad you have a space, and I'm sure you're fired up to get going for real this week.
DeleteThat sounds like a great exercise in learning by yourself and taking command of your work. I am glad you have a great work environment to work in as well.
DeleteI have been interning at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home. This first week I have been mostly shadowing and helping out with smaller jobs. On Monday I got to help with a service and I got to pick up a few bodies from the morgue later in the week. I also got to help wash a body and watched the beginning of an embalming. The work environment is very organized and clean. The prep room can be dangerous so one must wear proper shoes and protection. Even though the work environment is something to get used to, I really like the small group of people I work with. In many ways a lot of things were as I expected but I didn't realize how much happens behind the scenes. I think I will be allowed to do more in the coming weeks and am looking forward to the rest of my internship!
ReplyDeleteAlessandra, this sounds really neat! It'll be interesting to see what other sorts of things you'll be doing as the internship progresses
DeleteBehind the scenes at a funeral home is where the really important work happens. I'm glad you feel comfortable and are looking forward to an increased role.
Deleteyour internship sounds really interesting, I never really thought about what goes on behind the scenes at a funeral home. Excited to hear more about your internship in the following weeks!
DeleteI respect the fact that you are able to commit to that because I know its hard to do what you are doing but that is what makes it special.
DeleteYour internship sounds really fascinating and enlightening. The work that you are doing reminds me of one of my favorite mantras: doing the work that needs doing. For all of the people who pass away and for their families a mortician is required and I feel that their job is highly underappreciated. I'm excited to hear more about the work that you are doing!
DeleteI have been interning at the Rader Clinic in Fort Myer. I have been doing a rotation between different parts of the clinic along with the other interns at the clinic. My first rotation was in the business operations section which was much more interesting than I was expecting. My next assignment was with the dietician, which was very interesting and I learned lots of important information. Friday I was with the family medicine provider and that was one of my favorite days. It was great to see all of the different patients and learn about new conditions, treatments, and medications. I am really excited for the rest of my time at the Clinic and I feel that me and the other interns have found a nice routine at our internship.
ReplyDeleteYou are clearly open to learning new things, no matter where you are; this will be ever more important as you advance in your education and career. You are spending less time in each spot on your rotation than I expected. Will you come back to some?
DeleteWorking at the Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic has had its ups and downs but all in all, has been an incredible learning experience. The work environment can be hectic but it is incredibly supportive- both my mentor and co-workers were happy to explain or lend a hand if I didn't understand something. I have learned a lot about inventory, animals, and the work that it takes to feed, walk, and care for multiple animals at the same time. As I expected, every day brings something new, and I have really enjoyed that. I have to say I am incredibly stoked for the next few weeks! Working at my internship has been very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - I'm glad this internship is fulfilling your expectations, since you have been looking forward to it for so long!
DeleteIt's interesting to hear that your work environment is hectic in general, but supportive. From what I've seen and heard, it sounds like the first few days in a new situation are always the most hectic, so it's a good sign that you've already learned a lot, and I'm glad your co-workers are friendly!
DeleteI am glad to hear that even though you have been pretty busy, you have support from the people around you. It seems like you will be able to gain a lot from this internship and I hope you have fun doing it.
DeleteThe environment at Thinkabit labs has been very welcoming and open. There are many other interns working there, both from prime and other programs, and all of the interns who had been there previously were quick to show us newbies the ropes. I've mostly been coding Arduino units, learning C++, and coding key cards for people who work at the lab. I'll be working on making an environmental sensor (with Abi) in the next few weeks. So far, working at Thinkabit has definitely fulfilled my expectations for learning about the workplace in a fun and dynamic environment.
ReplyDeleteSounds great, Isabella. I'm looking forward to seeing your work when we visit on Wednesday.
DeleteMy first week at the Rader Health Clinic has been great. I have met many people with interesting careers. This week I spent most of my time in Primary Care. It was very cool to see patients and real life problems. I learned a lot talking with the doctors after each patient. I also spent a day with the Dietician. I learned more about eating healthy and how to eat before and after athletic events. Overall, this week has shown me a lot about what it means to be a doctor.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you are open to learning wherever you are, Andrew. Also great that your mentors are taking time to talk with you, and you are a receptive listener.
DeleteMy internship consists of apprenticing with a professional studio artist, and working on art pieces assigned by him. I am working at The Yellow Barn Studio in Maryland. This week, my mentor was out of town so he gave me an assignment to be completed while he was gone. I have been working daily on a observational drawing (still life) of my dads old antiques. This particular assignment has been challenging for me to draw because I am using charcoal (I am not that comfortable with using) and it is very geometric (Geometrics rarely show up in my work). This assignment is teaching me that being a studio artist is a journey; The process will not always be enjoyable, but rigor is necessary to grow. This week I will meet with my mentor in his studio class. He will critique my work and let me know of any corrections I should do to my piece. I will learn from him as well as assist when needed. This internship is definitely meeting my expectations and I am excited for this week!
ReplyDeleteI;m glad your internship is "stretching" you Dominick, and forcing you out of your comfort zone. That's when some of the greatest growth occurs!
DeleteI have been working with the technical director for Catholic University's Hartke Theater. So far we have been working on building a new wall for the orchestra pit, as well as a handful of other random tasks that need to get done. Through this, I have been able to learn and use several tools in the shop. My mentor, Mark, is very supportive and willing to teach me and fuel my interests. Although the theater is not very busy over the summer, I think this internship will be a great learning experience and I am excited to see what else is in store.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to hear that you're actually learning about the theater when it isn't at its busiest- that could definitely effect what you learn, and it could give you a more nuanced view of the industry.
DeleteIt's possible that the less-busy time lets your mentor assign tasks to you he would otherwise have to do himself, under the gun of production timelines. Happy to hear you're learning and experiencing.
DeleteI really love my internship. Working with the Clerk staff and the Arlington Circuit Court has been such an amazing experience for me. I get to experience real life and live court cases as well as discuss with lawyers and talk with Judges. I have taken down a lot of notes. My mentor Mr.Falcoln is very friendly and he cares a lot for me. I am not just assigned to one work station. I get sent to scan marriage licenses, print court documents, and pick up the mail. If there is ever an interesting court case going on my mentor will let me go down and watch it. So far my first week has been great. For the next couple of weeks I hope to do more things.
ReplyDeleteI find it very cool that you get to watch interesting court cases. Seems like you are learning a lot!
DeleteI love hearing that you've figured out how to learn from all your tasks, even the mundane. Be sure to "pick" those legal brains while they are available to you!
DeleteI am interning at Stantec, an international architecture firm. At first, things at the office were really slow. The first day was boring as it took most of the morning just to get us signed onto their server. After that, things started to speed up. I was given a task to photoshop students for one of the pictures they will submit to their clients and I also was able to sit in when a materials expert came and talked about some different building materials. Next week, I will begin a design project that I will eventually show to the team. Overall, the internship has met my expectations. You can usually expect your first day to go slow but things have been picking up.
ReplyDeleteGood insight into the trials of the first day, Charlie. Especially in a place with many "moving parts," it can take a while for everything to align.
DeleteThat is very interesting that you are creating your own design project. Sounds very fun and interactive for you and the workers.
DeleteI am interning at NOVA Web Development, and I go to the library everyday and log onto IRC so we can stay connected with the others even if they are in a different country. I learned the basics of HTML and CSS this week as well as began to design my own web page. So far, the internship has met my expectations since I am actually doing valuable things for the company, like making a QR code using code and having it available for customers. At first, I was a little intimidated by the 8 hour workday, but it goes by fast since I like the people I work with and what I'm doing while I'm at the library. I hope I continue to do valuable things for the company, as long as the tasks are not too far out of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that you're enjoying your internship! I think it is really cool how much space they have given you to work on your own on a project—the organizational skills and time management and creative thinking that comes with woking independently are really valuable. I look forward to hearing more about your internship this coming Wednesday!
DeleteDohn't be afraid to venture out of that comfort zone, at least a little! I'm sure your mentors won't ask you to do anything way beyond your capabilities. Great that all your work is "real."
DeleteSarah - good points about time-management, etc.
I am very much enjoying my internship at the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic thus far. I love the unique perspective that I am getting of both the field of healthcare and that of the military, as I work with both civilian and active-duty personnel during the workday. So far, I have worked in the clinic's nutrition, pharmaceutical, and primary care physical therapy departments. In the pharmacy, I filled prescriptions, notified patients about the status of their medications, restocked shelves, and filed away prescriptions that had been called in. When it comes to interacting with patients (as in physical therapy and primary care), however, I mainly take the backseat and observe the physician that I am shadowing. While I would rather be doing more hands-on work in these departments than I am currently, I have learned a lot just by observing, taking notes, and researching things I didn't understand during a consult or appointment throughout the day. I really like the people that I'm working with, especially the way in which working for the military seems to unite all of the staff and give them pride in their work and the people that they serve.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have been pretty busy! It's interesting how you have had a lot of different jobs, and gotten to explore various aspects of the health clinic. Do you think you will get a chance to interact with patients in the next few weeks?
DeleteYou seem to be "floating" more than I imagined you would. Will you rotate back through a favorite department? I loved hearing that you are researching things you don't understand. It's easy just to say "Oh, Well - I didn't get that," but you are expanding your knowledge.
DeleteI've been interning at NOVA Web Development, which, as the name suggests, is a Web Development Co-op. The work environment and my co-workers have both been very positive so far. I had initially been applying for the internship as a graphic designer, and, while that is still technically what I am doing, working with their other graphic designer overseas, it seems that I'll be focusing more on the web design aspect than designing posters or logos. While that isn't something I have any experience with, I'm excited to try it out. As such, I've been working on learning HTML and CSS all week. I have had very little experience with coding before now, but from what I've tried at least, it's actually been pretty fun. Right now, I'm trying to build a basic website to demonstrate what I've learned so far, and after that, I'll likely start working for real, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you are open to new things. I'd think a graphic designer could make a gorgeous website!
DeleteI have been working at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. My mentor, Ms. McKay, has been out for the initial week, but she left me tasks to do. Two of my coworkers took me out to lunch my first day, and have been very helpful in showing me around. I have done pretty basic tasks for the most part such as organizing and mailing, but I also began creating a presentation on Friday. I have also sat in on meetings. I am enjoying it so far and hope to do more advanced tasks in the future.
ReplyDeleteIt's really neat that you've been working more independently for your internship. I was wondering: What is the purpose of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce?
DeleteGlad you've moved on to creating a presentation. Who is the audience?
DeleteGood question. Evelyn.
I have been working at the Thinkabit lab, along with four other PRIME interns. The experience so far has been very interesting and fun. During our first week, we learned how to program traffic lights and a small robotic car. The internship is very different from what I expected but I am not disappointed. Moving forward, I am very excited to learn more about programming and also getting to work on environmental sensors.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear about your open mind! I know your first love - and interest - is things connected to improving the environment. I'll be anxious to hear about your sensor project.
DeleteI'm interning at the Arlington County Board's office, and I have already learned a lot. So far I have been mostly been either entering data about the county commissions into a website or creating a spreadsheet of all the old files in a closet, but I've also had the opportunity to meet all the County Board members, some people from the county managers office and others from the County attorney's office. Additionally, I got to sit in on a couple meetings with the Board members and people there to inform them. Everyone here has been welcoming , including my mentor, the board members, and their aides. One thing that I have learned so far is that a lot of the local government entities are in this one building, which is something interesting to me, because you can't really tell just from looking at it. In the future, I hope I'll get more opportunities to shadow the board members.
ReplyDeleteYou have the open mind required to learn wherever you are working. Wonderful! Sounds as though you especially will be polishing your people skills.
DeleteWorking at a Tiny Chefs summer camp has been entertaining and lively. Since I mainly work with the younger children, they’re a much more energetic group, which has taught me the art of patience and mindfulness. My mentors have been very helpful, by showing and teaching me the different ways to lead a group, while maintaining fair standards. By now, I’ve been in charge of a couple of recipes that I’ve taught and realized with a group of kids. The first few days were a bit slow on my part, as I was mostly walking around watching the instructors and offering help when needed; but after I learned the teaching process, I was able to be a more active leader in the tiny kitchen. In the next few weeks, I hope to better employ my leadership skills, and to take advantage of the ability to ask questions, while keeping an open, curious mind.
ReplyDeleteSounds as though you are making the most of this opportunity, Evelyn. What recipes are you teaching?
DeleteEvery week the camp has a different cooking theme. So far, I've taught recipes for cupcakes and donuts. This week the theme is "Cooking around the world," so I have also taught recipes for Indian and Central American food.
DeleteIm really bad at cooking but this sounds like fun
DeleteMy internship at the VT Thinkabit lab has so far been an excellent experience. Along with Dr. Egenrieder, the other interns have been very welcoming and have helped create an open environment by either helping me with various projects or making conversation. Currently, I am learning more about C++ and I have built an RFID card reader and remote control sized car using Arduino. I am looking forward to investing my time over the next few weeks in completing other projects using Arduino and possibly environmental sensors as I become better at it. The next few weeks will continue to be great and will be filled with countless wonderful experiences.
ReplyDeleteThe more open your mind is the more you will learn, and the more people you will attract who can teach you even more. You are off to a great start!
DeleteMy first impression for the Thinkabit lab is great. I love the work environment. The surrounding is very welcoming and my coworkers are very helpful. So far me and mentor talked about projects that I might do and he gave me options to choose what project I am interested in. We also worked on programming traffic light and programming a motor. I am looking forward to working here.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - I'm glad to hear you have input into your projects.
Deletesounds really exiting
DeleteOh cool! you programmed a traffic light? That sounds really interesting.
Deletemy first impression of Stantec was that it was innovative. Even the offices are nice, every employee has a duel monitor computer. The employees are laid back but keep a level of professionalism that is healthy for the office. For the first week we weren't really assigned a big project. we were tasked with interviewing many of the employees. Charlie and I learned about Entrepreneurship as a job. we talked to one of the lead designers and we got to look at all the projects he has worked on and it was really fascinating. Next week We are going to get a project, which is really exiting.
ReplyDeleteSounds as though you got a comprehensive introduction to your work site. I look forward to hearing about your project.
DeleteI have been interning at Andrew Rader Health Clinic at Ft. Myer. I have truly been enjoying my time here. My first week was spent in physical therapy in the primary care section (PCC-PT). The doctor who I observed was very kind and informative. It's really interesting to see the clinic from an intern's perspective since we work with both active duty soldiers and civilians. I look forward to the rotations, we will be rotating through another section of physical therapy which is just for active duty, so it will be interesting to see the differences and similarities between the sections. The people I work with are very nice and I am glad to be working with them. There's six of us there, so we all usually meet up for lunch together and discuss our days.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all have a chance to debrief and compare notes. That should increase your learning - and make it more enjoyable.
DeleteI am interning with the math program for the Arlington Summer School program at the middle school level, and potentially high school level, which will take place at Kenmore middle school as well as interning at Syphax, which is the center for Arlington Public Schools in the math department. For the first few days of the internship, I was at Syphax helping to prepare the teachers for summer school. At Kenmore, I was mostly running around to help the teachers set up their classrooms as summer school has not begun yet. I had very little expectations going into this internship as I am not very familiar with summer school nor did I really know what role I would be playing at either Syphax or Kenmore. I have two “mentors” at Kenmore and two “mentors” at Syphax. All of whom are very welcoming and helpful. The plan is for me to help the teachers in anyway that I can, mostly with the HILT classes, at Kenmore and help out at the office/shadow one of the administrators there at Syphax. I am excited to see how my internship will develop in the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteFlexibility is definitely an asset in your internship, and will continue to be as you move into your professional life, especially if you do anything in education!
DeleteI am interning at a camp with kids with disabilities and it is called LCF kids. I have been enjoying it so much. I walked in and I was treated by one of my co-workers named Judy. I have already meet Judy before by doing some volunteering there. She was really nice and helped me learn how to use the equipment. I had tasks like helping kids with an obstacle course, help decide what activity we should do next, closing up the building, wiping up the mats, putting activities away, setting up games, taking campers to the bathroom, and having a group of my own to do activities with. I have already got a key to open the doors after being there for a few days because they thought I was responsible. This week, I was the only one working at camp with 2 kids and they trusted me to do that. I think that the internship has meet my expectations.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - you;re definitely being offered an excellent experience and it sounds as though you are making the most of it!
DeleteI am interning for Arlington Education Television (AETV), to help produce videos for the school system. We help provide informative videos to show parents and students the various things going on at APS. My first day was quite impressive as I helped record and lifestream a school board meeting. This has far surpassed my expectations by seeing how important video is to school and community relations work. All the equipment is state of the art and I have had the opportunity to work with professional equipment and software such as Premiere. My mentor and coworkers are all nice and relaxed, and the work environment is casual and easy going. So far I have helped edit and sequence videos for publication. I helped shoot a video we are working on as well. I think that my goal is to improve my editing and camera skills so that I could create my own professional video. I expect my goals will change as I learn more about video production and how it works.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an excellent goal for these four weeks in July and one you should be able to meet at AETV!
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