Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Major: Public Health
Minor: n/a
Internship placement: American Heart Association (AHA)
Why did you decide to do Michigan in Washington?
I wanted to gain real work experience outside of an academic institution. I was really
interested in engaging in public health work in the public and non-profit
sector in the MIW program. I saw MIW as a great opportunity to help me grow
personally and professionally. Also living in DC is a huge plus!
What do you do during a typical day at your internship?
Generally, I start my day with an internal team meeting, followed by a one-on-one meeting
with my supervisor to report my deliverables. After that I get to work on my
tasks for the day. By the afternoon I will sometimes have client meetings with
external organizations who want to partner with the American Heart Association
for a speaking engagement during Heart Month (February). My day will usually
finish with wrapping up my tasks and checking my calendar for the next day.
What’s something that you’re proud of that you’ve done at your internship so far?
Currently, I am charged with working on our organizations nutrition security project. I am learning so much about the intersections of community partners and local health departments.
Through the AHA’s Greater Washington Region department, I have been
connected with local food pantries and providers to conduct an internal
review of their resource distribution amongst the local county. So far, I am
incredibly proud of this project as I have been the lead developer on our
community outreach communications and data collection analysis. A key take away
that I love about my work is that I am actively identifying what resources
these organizations need and advocating through the AHA to provide appropriate
support.
How has your skillset evolved or changed since you began working on this internship? Is your internship in person? How do you think it has changed ever since the pandemic began?
My internship is hybrid. I complete most of my work virtually and conduct all my
external client meetings over Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Luckily, my office likes
to go in once a week to do our team meetings and team bonding activities for
more comradery amongst each other. I love my team - everyone has been
incredibly gracious and supportive during and after my transition to Washington
DC. My internship has taught me something new every day. Whether that is within
my technical skillset in organizing out data collection or professional
networking skills in working on new partnerships in the DMV.
What advice would you give to a student interested in Michigan in Washington?
Utilize this experience for all that it has to give! There is so much to engage with in DC
from the museums, theaters, and restaurants. This program offers a unique
opportunity for you to explore a new city and all that it has to offer. Every
weekend, try to do something different and new with your fellow MIWers. This
experience is once in a lifetime - soak every bit in!
