The internship I completed with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of SNV has taught me more than expected. I was able to network with several different people and companies in the mental health field. I learned a lot of communication skills. I was also able to participate in several presentations regarding mental health. This knowledge and understanding about mental health will definitely benefit my future with a degree in Psychology. My internship ties into my major, very well. I am majoring in Psychology, with a minor in family studies. I learned so much about mental health challenges and how to speak with someone struggling with these challenges. I do want to specifically work with children and adolescents. My internship allowed me to work specifically with a youth group at The Center of SNV and I loved this opportunity so much. Everything I have learned throughout this internship will be carried with me throughout my career. I know that my previous experience with communication and presentations helped a lot during this internship. However, there weren't any educational requirements for this internship. I was actually put through a lot of different trainings after obtaining the internship. I am very interested in a career with NAMI, it has led me to several other opportunities so I am looking into different fields. I will not be offered a position with NAMI after graduation right away. However, I was told I would be considered when they have an open position. That is something I look forward too. I will continue to volunteer with NAMI for events and meetings. I intend to pursue becoming a Peer Support Specialist and a Warmline Support Specialist. These are not required to obtain a career with NAMI. However, having these trainings/titles will get me considered quicker. Advice I would give would be to take every opportunity that they can. I welcomed every event and training I could and got so much out of them. I was able to meet higher ups throughout NAMI. This picture was taken at the End of Semester Celebration for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In the picture is my fellow interns with NAMI.
