I Want To Be The Next Summer Intern!

This summer, I interned at the Center for Total Health through the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Summer Internship Program. I am currently a senior at James Madison University majoring in Health Science and with minor in Health Communications.  After graduation in May 2017, I plan on attending graduate school to obtain a Master’s in Public Health.  My future career goal is to educate disadvantaged populations in the United States about various health topics to help eliminate current health disparities in our country.  The Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Summer Internship Program has tremendously prepared me for success in the future and in an industry-leading healthcare company.

I was given various projects this summer that have honed my skills and knowledge of health.  One project I was given was to provide informative tours of the Center for Total Health to guests.  The tour consists of content exploring topics including Kaiser Permanente’s history, different aspects of total health, and advancements in telemedicine.  Not only have my presentation skills improved, I am now equipped with conversation starters to engage in meaningful dialogues with professionals in health related fields. Another project I was given, also my personal favorite, was the honor to design a display showcasing African-American history throughout Kaiser Permanente.  It will be displayed at a VIP luncheon hosted for top employers and partners of Kaiser Permanente Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, held in September.  Kaiser Permanente Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals demonstrates and embraces diversity in the workplace, therefore the company is a proud financial contributor to the new African-American History Smithsonian in Washington, DC.  To complete the project, I researched the content, contacted Kaiser Permanente diversity committees, and wrote a creative brief for the display.  This project allowed me to take the initiative and utilize the leadership skills I have learned throughout college.

As a participant of the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Summer Internship Program, I also attended weekly professional development forums organized by current Kaiser Permanente employees. The forums were interactive, informative and a key to my professional growth this summer. We discussed resume writing, networking skills, interview tips, professional dress and much more.  In addition to the professional development forums, we attended a Nationals’ baseball game in July and spent an afternoon volunteering with SOME (So Others Might Eat), a community based organization in DC to help poor and homeless residents.

The ten-week program has placed me a step ahead of my peers entering the workforce after graduation in May.  At the conclusion of the program, I have taken away valuable items to place into a portfolio, strong communication skills, confidence in my work ability and strengthened my soft skills in professional office setting.  I am very thankful for this opportunity and appreciate the Center for Total staff for welcoming me on board this summer.  In the future, I would love to work for Kaiser Permanente after completing my education.

If you are interested in being an undergrad intern through the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Summer Internship Program next summer, please visit www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org to learn more!