COOL FOR THE SUMMER: Interns find value in helping others while gaining experience
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Sometimes, an internship can be more than just experience for a young worker.
Sometimes, an internship can inspire and help others, too.
Saylor Blandford, a 21-year-old Clinical Leadership and Management major from Louisville, knew an internship was important if she wanted to start her career. So, spurred on by the faculty in her major, she found a job posting on Handshake for a Healthcare Education and Access Intern at Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Louisville.
She applied and got the gig.
“I work with the medical service team at KRM, where we are dedicated to helping clients, particularly refugees, access and navigate the healthcare system,” Blandford said. “Before refugees arrive in Louisville, I assemble health screening packets, which include their past medical records and details of any current health conditions. Once they are in the U.S., I schedule their initial appointments and empower them to manage their ongoing healthcare independently.”
And she isn’t just working behind the scenes.
“I often accompany clients to their appointments and familiarize them with the local public transportation system, TARC,” she said. “Additionally, I advocate for proper Medicaid coverage and benefits for our clients. All of my work is carefully documented in the clients’ case notes.”
So not only does she earn experience, she’s making a meaningful difference in the lives of these families.
“I do enjoy my internship a lot!” she said. “This specific internship offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the clients by helping them access and navigate the U.S. healthcare system.”
Students say interning in CLM is just another way that getting your degree in the College of Health Sciences sets you apart. And it gives further proof why those who intern go on to have further success in the future.
“I think that it is good to intern because it provides hands-on experience that relates to topics that we are learning in the classroom,” Blandford said. “This allows interns to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Internships allow you to connect with professionals in their field and potentially lead to job offers or valuable references. Ultimately, and I will argue the best thing about interning, is that it allows interns to clarify career goals and gives interns a better understanding of their interests and strengths.”
And in the end, she’s getting to help others, too.
"Interning for KRM not only gives me the opportunity for hands-on experience in not only public health, but healthcare advocacy and community outreach as well," she said.
Throughout the summer, look for more stories featuring students participating in summer internships.