Internship Reflections

My internship at NAMI has given me valuable experience working in mental health which has not only benefited my CV, but has also given me new perspective on what it’s like to work with those struggling with mental illness as well as various managerial duties associated with such activities. This experience ties in seamlessly with my major in psychology, and to some extent even my minor in addiction treatment: since Nevada has a high number of drug users, NAMI offers substance use group sessions. NAMI required at least a high school education for my position, though I believe that my college education in psychology gave me background information that assisted my understanding of NAMIs inner workings. In light of my experiences at NAMI, I am even more interested in mental health treatment, as I was able to connect with NAMI’s clients and I saw how valuable NAMI’s role was in the Las Vegas area, especially for the homeless. For a full time, non internship role at NAMI, I need to have my BA, and I also need to seek out training from a prss supervisor. For upcoming interns, I would advise that one anticipates a work load involving more scheduling and secretarial duties than hands-on psych experience, although both are part of the experience.

I have known I wanted to work for the government since I began applying for law schools this past school year, and my experience at the Bureau of Reclamation solidified this and gave me crucial knowledge for my future career. Furthermore, interning at the Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency known for managing water in the West, provided insight for my capstone project that was more specific than either of my disciplines of study had. Due to the sensitive nature of the documents I encountered as a Reclamation Compliance Records Intern, I cannot go into detail about certain elements of my work. Still, I am grateful that I learned about databases for research that are available to the public.  This internship was unique because it did not rely on any certain education and I believe that it would be a great opportunity for a student of any major. Most of the project relied on critical thinking and communication skills, which can be used in any field. Although I do not know if I would work for the USBR after graduating from law school, I believe that I will work for the government and this internship highlighted the idea of stewardship seen in government agencies. This internship changed my relationship with the government, and I find myself more drawn to researching policy changes and government action in my areas of interest.  My advice for incoming interns would be to learn to look around and appreciate the effort that goes into the infrastructure around you. After seeing so many documents discussing minute details of projects, it is amazing to see the monumental projects that can arise. For example, when I had the opportunity to visit the Hoover Dam (the part with restricted access) all I could think about was how much documentation probably exists for the project.

Volunteering at the Crisis Text Line has significantly benefitted my future career as a counseling psychologist, providing hands-on experience in crisis intervention and mental health support. The Crisis Text Line volunteer role has honed my active listening, empathy, and de-escalation skills. Being able to manage high-stress situations and providing immediate support has deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health crises and has helped me prepare for similar challenges in my future career. My experience with the organisation does tie into my major in psychology. It allowed me to apply knowledge from my coursework to real-world scenarios and helped me bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. I have taken courses that touched on safety planning and non-judgmental communication, so to know that at the undergraduate level, I am prepared with the knowledge of what to do in case someone needs help has made me feel confident in my abilities. Working with individuals in times of need has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in mental health and provided me with more insights into practical forms of interventions. As previously mentioned, being a psychology major has been a big help with transitioning into this field of work. With that in mind, a foundational understanding of psychological theories and a basis for crisis intervention strategies was helpful. Courses such as PSY 341: Abnormal Psychology and PSY 422: Psychopharmacology of Abused Drugs were particularly valuable in helping me work well as a volunteer crisis counselor. My time at the Crisis Textline was beneficial and encouraged my desire to work in mental health and directly impact people's lives. However, I long for a more face-to-face position that allows people to interact with others. To secure a full-time position in this field, I plan on obtaining the required certifications, such as becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. From there, I plan to get my PhD in counseling. I also aim to gain more experience by working in other settings that focus on mental health, such as clinics or hospitals. I advise incoming interns to approach each interaction with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Remaining calm and empathetic is crucial in this line of work, and it is also extremely important to know when to take a step back. Also, never be afraid to embrace every learning opportunity and be proactive in continually seeking feedback to improve your skills.