Internships: A Real Experience

By Larisa Reznik '98

This summer, while the rest of the country baked in the scorching sun, GA students could be found in hospitals, political offices, pharmaceutical companies, and universities. More than 45 students invested their summer time to gain a hands-on experience in a career of their choice. The internship program, described in the Patriot as the "brainchild of Dr. Susanne Johnston," provided an opportunity for sophomores and juniors to work with professionals in their intended area of study. Only in its first year, the program has been successful for many students.

Rewarding Experience
Becky Osborn felt that her rewarding experience at the National Youth Leadership Forum in Babson College came from being in a group of people with common goals who were considering a career in medicine. The numerous speakers that visited from medical schools, natural disaster facilities, and even AIDS patients, gave a wide range of choices for a future career.

A large group of interns participated in research at Jefferson Medical School, Fox Chase Cancer Institute, and Children's Hospital. Lisa Liao worked at Thomas Jefferson Medical School with college and graduate students, and physicians on developing a vaccine type treatment for hepatitis B called "oral tolerance," where a small amount of the virus is ingested so that the immune system doesn't attack the liver as happens with hepatitis patients. Lisa worked with high tech equipment such as centrifuges and micro-pipettes, and learned laboratory techniques like autoclaving (sterilization) and mixing solutions. Overall, the experience was a positive one, and Lisa says that this "hands-on" experience definitely taught her a lot about research.

Computer enthusiasts found work in the computer labs of Drexel U niversity and private businesses. Adam Benjamin worked with small business owners and GA alums Matthew and Jason Olim, helping them run their on-line CD purchasing service. The company, called "CD Now" gives people a chance to shop at home for their favorite CDs.

Alumni Participants
Alumni have been active supporters of GA's internship program. Mrs. Hyde, publisher of The Patriot and mother of Matt Hyde '99, explained that alumni are glad GA is providing the opportunity for students to taste the real world. Many of the alumni chose a career close to their senior project, this is just an earlier opportunity for students to "work and grow". Alumni have offered their services to the internship program as well. Physicians, scientists, politicians, and other GA graduates have opened spaces in their work places for GA students. The internship program is also important to GA's image, because with the amount of competitiveness out there, "anything GA can do to make itself shine is supported by both parents and alumni," said Mrs. Hyde.

Not all interns had a positive experience, however. Some interns fell victim to circumstance and others were unable to complete their internship. Tara DellaFranzia was unable to attend her internship at Walnut St. Theater due to transportation problems. Of those who attended the programs, there were drawbacks as well. One student reported "I spent the whole summer stuffing envelopes, it was a complete waste of my time."

My summer internship, for example, involved genetic research in Children's Hospital's Abramson building. While I found the field of research fascinating, my lack of knowledge and experience in research prevented me for actually doing anything major. I observed lab technicians, and towards the end of my internship I was able to perform procedures which I learned over the course of the internship. I realized that while research is an appealing field, it did not fulfill my need for patient interaction and socialization.

Whether students loved or hated their internships, they are better equipped to focus on a career. If a student loved her internship as Becky Mersky did, concluding that physical therapy is definitely a possible career choice for her, or found it dissatisfying as I did, we both learned.

Lasting Value of Internships
Another aspect of the program is the ties students made with their mentors. Some were offered a chance to continue their work throughout the school year, gaining further experience. Carol Garvan, for example, after writing numerous sports articles for Souderton Independent, was offered by Alex Fraiser (former GA faculty member) a chance to continue contributing articles throughout the school year. Carol says that her internship was a "fun, positive experience, and the best thing is that I can continue to do the work."

Chair of college guidance Roger Eastlake also supports this program, because as a college counselor he knows the value of internships. Colleges like to see students show initiative in the field of their interest. When a student has devoted summer time to learning more about their intended study, instead of sitting at the beach all summer, colleges see this student as a devoted, academically inclined individual.

Due to the novelty of the program, some drawbacks were expected. While some internships fell through, it's fair to say that the majority of interns had a successful, positive experience. As the program grows, and gains more support, more people will entertain the option of learning in the summer time.

Dr. Johnston, who has been the driving force behind the program, continues to refine it. As a follow-up to the internship program, Dr. J. sent out a form requesting student input on the program's success. The questionnaire asks: What duties did you perform for the mentor?, did your internship meet your expectations? What if anything did you find lacking in your internship? etc. These questions are an illustration of Dr. J.'s continuous effort to improve the program and make it a permanent phenomenon at GA. Dr. Johnston, who generously volunteered time and effort to open the lines of communications between the intern and the sponsor, should be thanked for her endeavor in helping GA grow and develop.