Miranda Keith

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: Iowa State Extension and Outreach Human Services
Company/Organization website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/
Destination: Ames, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring 2022
Advisor/Coordinator Email: hswebaid

Responsibilities

During my internship, I was able to attend and assist with a wide variety of educational offerings, including classes for childcare providers, caregivers, parents, couples, professionals, veterans, and social justice learning exchanges. I was able to network and make many connections with other organizations and professionals.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship was getting to provide education for caregivers and parents. These two demographics of individuals are often very stressed and need a sense of community and better understanding of self-care. It was an amazing opportunity to watch parents and caregivers grow and take time for themselves.

Learning experience

My communication skills have really blossomed by the end of my internship because I was able to interact with such a wide variety of people, ranging from older adults to parents of young children to veterans to professionals.

What advice would you give?

Get as much hands-on experience as you can. I worked at a youth shelter, childcare center, completed an internship with ISU Extension and Outreach, and volunteered with several different non-profits during my time as a student. Getting experience will help you solidify the environment you are comfortable working with. Working in human services, our clients deserve passionate, kind professionals. It's important to make sure you are ready to provide high quality services to the field you enter.

Career Connections